1917] ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY — ENTOMOLOGY. 655 



Observations on the ecology of Coccidse, with special reference to their 

 morphology and physiology, G. Teodoro {Redia, 11 {1916), No. 1-2, pp. 129- 

 209, pis. 3, figs. 3). — This discussion includes a bibliography of 100 titles. 



Researches and experiments in the control of Chrysomphalus dictyospermi 

 of citrus in Sicily in 1914, G. del Gueecio and E. Malenotti (Redia, 11 (1916), 

 No. 1-2, pp. 1-127, pi. 1, figs. 25). — Though reporting largely upon control work 

 with insecticides, the biology of the " bianca-i'ossa " is briefly considered. 



Statistics on the production of silk in France and elsewhere {Statistique 

 de la Production de la Sole en France et a VEtranger. Lyon: Syndicat de I'Vnion 

 yies Marcliands de Soie de Lyon, 1916, pp. 78). — Statistical data on silk pro- 

 duction during 1914 in occidental Europe, the Levant and central Asia, and 

 the extreme Orient are here presented. See also a previous note (E. S. R., 

 35, p. 56). 



The white-marked tussock moth, R. L. Webster (Iowa Sta. Circ. 33 (1916), 

 PP- 4' flffs. 3). — Numerous reports of the abundance of this pest in Iowa re- 

 ceived during the fall of 1916 led to the preparation of this brief account. 



The potato tuber moth, J. E. Graf (U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. J,27 (1917), pp. 

 56, pi. 1, figs. 45). — This is a report of investigations of the potato tuber worm 

 conducted in southern California from 1912 to 1916, a general account of which 

 pest by Chittenden has been noted (E. S. R., 29, p. 855.) 



This moth injures the potato by destroying the leaf surface and tunneling 

 in the substance of the tuber. The tuber-feeding larva injures the potatoes 

 themselves by tunneling through them, so filling these tunnels with excrement 

 and fungus that the potatoes, even if not severely injured, are very unsightly 

 and of small market value. It is a source of serious injury to other plants as 

 well, including eggplant, tomato, red pepper, tobacco, etc. 



The life history studies here reported upon at length show that in southern 

 California there are five or six generations, all stages occurring at all times 

 of the year. Parasites, while varying in effectiveness, play an important part 

 in checking the pest, the egg and pupa each having its parasite, while several 

 attack the partially grown larvae and at least two the mature larvae. Since the 

 burrowing habit of the larva protects it from parasites, except while spinning 

 its cocoon and pupating, it is doubtful if parasites can be of practical im- 

 portance when the insect infects stored tubers. During 1914 Hahrohracon 

 johannseni was the most effective parasite, their order of importance in that 

 year being as follows : H. johannseni, Chelonus shoshoneanoruni, Sympiesis 

 stigmatipennis, Campoplex phtJiorimwre, Bassus gibbosus, Apanteles sp., Micro- 

 garter sp., Nepeira benevola fuscifemora, and Zagrammosoina flavolineatum. 

 During 1915 Dibrachys clisiocampw, S. stigmatipennis, and C. phthorinKEUB 

 were of first and about equal importance. Observations of a secondary para- 

 site, D. boucheanus, and the parasites above mentioned are recorded in con- 

 nection with Illustrations of each. 



Data relating to control measures have been summarized as follows: 



" The numbers of the insect should be reduced by practicing good farming 

 and leaving no tubers exposed for the insect to work on. Potatoes should be 

 harvested and marketed as rapidly as possible, unless the grower has facilities 

 for storage and is prepared to treat the potatoes if necessary. Once the tubers 

 become infested, the best way of ending the damage is to fumigate with 

 carbon bisulphid, using 2 lbs. to 1,000 cu. ft. of air space (measured before 

 storing the tubers) and allowing 48 hours for fumigation. Clean or uninfested 

 potatoes should be kept away from the moth. 



" Potatoes should never be left in the ground after they are ripe and where 

 the soil is dry. When tubers are infested and facilities are lacking for storing 

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