156 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECORD. 



The Hevea termite of Java, K. W. Dammerman (Dept. Landl., Nijv. en 

 Handel [Dutch East Indiesi, Meded. Afdeel. Plant enziekt en. No. 3 {1913), pp. 12, 

 pis. 2, figs. 2).— This paper includes an account of the occurrence, injury, life 

 history, and methods of combating Coptotermes gestroi, together with a list of 

 its host plants. 



The cranberry toad-bug, F. A. Sirrine and B. B. Fulton CVeit? York State 

 Sta. Bui. 377 (1914), pp. 91-112, j^ls. 8, figs. 4).— The cranberry toad-bug, a 

 fulgorid {PhyUosccUs atri), is reported to have caused a peculiar dying of the 

 new growth of cranberry vines on Long Island prior to and during 1911 and 

 1912. It does not appear to be widely disseminated, and many bogs are prac- 

 tically free from it; but on two Long Island bogs, one at Riverhead and one 

 at Calverton, the crop of fruit had been greatly reduced, the loss varying 

 from one-half to three-fourths of a normal crop during the past three years. 

 "Wherever the insects feed on the new growth both new shoots and fruit are 

 killed outright; while if they happen to feed only on the old wood the berries 

 on all branches beyond the feeding point are shriveled and dwarfed. 



A brief discussion of the synonomy of the species is followed by a technical 

 description of the life stages, notes on its life history and habits, effect of its 

 feeding on vine and fruit, enemies, and experiments with methods of control. 

 It is stated that the cranberry appears to be the only host plant of this insect. 

 " There is but one brood of the insects during the year. The egg is elongate- 

 oval in shape, with a short stalk at one end. The egg-laying period extends 

 from September 1 to the middle of October. The female runs over the ground, 

 dragging the egg by the stalked end, so that its viscid surface becomes cov- 

 ered with sand and dirt before it is dropped. Hatching begins on June 25 to 

 30 of the following summer, and a few may not hatch until early in August. 

 Nymphs usually group together to feed, and may live a long time on the same 

 branch if not disturbed. The insect has five nymphal instars. The first adults 

 appear about the first of August, the males maturing first. 



" The nymphs secrete a white, cottony substance which adheres to the branch, 

 and this, with the excrement and molted skins, is more easily detected than the 

 insect. The first symptom of injury is the closing in toward the branch of 

 the leaves on the new growth. 



"Tests were made of two methods of control, fiooding and spraying. Of 

 these, the former is recommended where it is possible, and should be practiced 

 between August 1 and 15. All weeds on and near the bog should be cut. A 

 cloudy period should be selected, and a good wind favors efficient control. 

 Bugs on the surface of the water should be sjjrayed with kerosene. All grass, 

 weeds, and drift on the shore should be burned with a burning torch-spray. 



" Spraying is the only possible remedy on ' dry bogs.' When the vines con- 

 tain much old wood they should be mowed at the usual season for cutting 

 and, between August 1 and 15, sprayed with soap solution. 1 lb. to 7 gal., mak- 

 ing two applications, using 200 gal. per acre." 



Preliminary studies on the biology of the bedbug (Cimex lectularius). — 

 III, Facts obtained concerning the habits of the adult, A. A. Girault {Jour. 

 Econ. Biol., 9 (1914), No. 1, pp. 25-45). — This third part of the paper previously 

 noted (E. S. R., 28, p. 654) deals with biological observations of the adult. 



The chinch bug in Ontario, H. F. Hudson {Canada Expt. Farms Ent. Circ. 

 S {1914), PP- 13, figs. 3). — ^A general account of this pest, a serious outbreak of 

 which occurred in Ontario in 1911. 



Bum the bugs {Oklahoma Sta. Circ. 24 {1913), p. 1, fig. 1). — This circular 

 first presents the governor's proclamation designating December 18, 1913, as a 

 day to be observed in destroying all hiding places in which chinch bugs had 



