258 EXPEBIMENT STATION RECOKD. [Vol.37 



Four new species representing the genera Seriocothrips, Heliothrips, Thrips, 

 and Haplothrips are described. 



The green soldier bug (Nezara hilaris), R. D. Whitmaesh {Ohio Sta. Bui. 

 SIO (1911), pp. 519-552, figs. 16). — This is a detailed report of studies of 

 N. hilaris, which is recorded for the first time as causing serious damage in the 

 Northern States, although previously reported as a pest of peaches in Georgia 

 and of oranges in Florida. It was first noticed as a serious pest of peaches in 

 the Northern States in 1911, when it did considerable damage along the shores 

 of Lalje Erie, especially in the vicinity of Gypsum and Port Clinton, Ohio. 

 Attention is called to the fact that it is widely distributed in the northeastern 

 United States and Canada, where it is quite a general feeder. 



There is but one brood, the greater part of the year including the winter 

 months being passed in the adult stage. In Ohio the eggs commence to hatch 

 the second week in June, from which time the several stages appear until about 

 the middle of October, when the gi-eater part become adult. The nymphs hatch 

 out in about 7 days, and from 49 to 75 days are required for the young to pass 

 through the five instars before becoming adult. The young nymphs of the first 

 instar are gregarious in their habits, but upon molting the first time lose this 

 tendency, separating in all directions in search of food. 



" Fruit when badly punctured by these insects is entirely unsalable, while 

 fruit showing but slight injury must be placed in a lower grade. It is entirely 

 possible that one bug from the time of hatching until harvest is capable of 

 injuring several bushels of fruit. In badly lnfi>sted orchards it was not un- 

 common to note an average loss of at least 3 bu. per tree. Besides the actual 

 loss one must take into consideration the amount of extra labor Involved in 

 sorting the damaged fruit." 



While a proctotrypid egg parasite, probably Trissolcux eusrhisti. Is of con- 

 siderable importance in checking the green soldier bug, weather conditions are 

 a dominating factor In suppressing it. 



Mercurial ointment, an effective control of hen lice, G. H. Lamson, jr. 

 (Jour. Eon. Ent., 10 {1911), No. 1, pp. 7i-74).— Substantially noted from an- 

 other source (E. S. R., 35. p. 183). 



Distribution of the Ohio broods of periodical cicada with reference to soil, 

 H. A. GossABD {Ohio Sta. Bui. Sll {1911), pp. 555-511, fiffs. 75).— This is a 

 report of studies which have led the author to conclude that a definite relation 

 exists between the di.'^tribution of the cicada broods in Ohio and the soil areas 

 in which they occur. The subject is taken up under the headings of comparative 

 description of soils, possible ecological factors, theories of brood formation, etc. 



Aphid eggs in Texas (Lat. 30° 30'), H. C. Tingling {Jour. Econ. Ent., 10 

 {1911), No. 1. pp. 223, 224). — The author records the deposition of eggs in 

 Texas in December on a dog\\'ood stem {Comus aspcrifolic) by what is thought 

 to be Schizoneura comi. 



A new tree banding material for the control of the gipsy moth, A. F. 

 BuBGESS and E. L. Greffin {Jour. Ecwi. Ent., 10 (1911), No. 1. pp. 131-135, 

 pig 2). — Following tests of Raupenleim applied by means of a gun manufac- 

 tured for such use, the Bureau of Entomology has conducted investigations in 

 cooperation with the Bureau of Chemistry of the U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture which have led to the preparation of a quite satisfactory banding ma- 

 terial. This consists of a high boiling neutral coal-tar oil having a density of 

 about 1.15 at 20° C, a soft coal-tar pitch, rosin oil of the grade known as first- 

 run " Kidney " oil, and ordinary commercial quicklime, directions for the prepa- 

 ration of which are given. This material is considerably cheaper than any 

 successful banding material now on the market. 



