Dec, 1916.] The Ash Leaf Bug. 303 



however a much wider distribution in New Jersey, having been found 

 by the authors at Somerville, Milburn, South Orange, Kingston, 

 Springfield, Irvington, Rutherford, Morris Plains and Elizabeth, and 

 is undoubtedly a well-distributed species. 



When present in large numbers, the foliage of ash trees is damaged 

 considerably by the adults and nymphs feeding on the undersides of 

 the leaves, causing numerous white spots to appear on the upper sur- 

 faces. The nymphs and adults are quite active, move about rapidly 

 and feed singly. In severe infestations, the leaves become dry and 

 somewhat curled. This is especially true of young tender leaves 

 which have been additionally injured by egg deposition. In the lati- 

 tude of New Brunswick, N. J., there are two generations, the first 

 adults appearing the latter part of May or the first of June. Eggs are 

 deposited in the midribs of the younger leaves and hatch in from ten 

 days to two weeks. Each nymphal stage requires from four to eight 

 days depending on the temperature, the average length of time con- 

 sumed from egg to adult being about five weeks. Adults of the first 

 brood are usually plentiful about the middle of July at New Bruns- 

 wick, those of the second brood appearing the latter part of August. 

 In the more northern parts of New Jersey they appear from one to 

 two weeks later. On account of the somewhat extended oviposition 

 period, it is quite possible to find later stage nymphs and adults present 

 at the same time. 



Egg. — Length 0.4 mm., width 0.14 mm. The eggs which are 

 translucent, flask-shaped, broad and rounded at the posterior ends are 

 deposited in the midribs on the undersides of young, tender leaves. 

 The whitish circular rim of the egg cap projects out a slight distance, 

 but is effectively hidden by the pubescence on the midrib. In fact, on 

 account of its hairy condition, the eggs as a rule are somewhat diffi- 

 cult to find especially if they are deposited close to the leaf surface. 

 Where many eggs are deposited in a rib, the leaf becomes somewhat 

 curled. 



First Stage Nymph. — Length 0.6 mm. Body oblong, broadening 

 posteriorly (in newly hatched specimens, narrowing posteriorly), ob- 

 tusely pointed at both ends. Head triangular, eyes lateral, prominent, 

 granular. Thoracic segments distinct, pro- and mesothorax of equal 

 length, metathorax shorter. Abdominal segments distinct in newly 

 hatched specimens, later becoming indistinct. Rostrum extending 

 posteriorly beyond thorax. 



