230 Journal New York Entomological Society. t^'°'- xxii. 



Injury to Potatoes. 



During July, 19 13, these insects were fairly common in potato 

 fields in company with the tarnished plant bug, Lygus pratcnsis 

 Linne, but no special attention had been given either insect. July 18, 

 when the writers were collecting in a small potato patch, it was 

 noticed that certain plants were wilted down at the growing tips. 

 Frequently one or more nymphs or adults of Calocoris rapidus were 

 associated with this injury, found with the beaks inserted in the 

 partially withered stems. 



In order to verify the assumption that the wilting was caused by 

 this insect 25 adults were placed on a healthy potato plant in the 

 insectary July 19. Two days later the same characteristic injury was 

 noted on these plants ; the wilting down of the more tender leaves 

 where the insects preferred to feed. Other similar insectary experi- 

 ments showed without doubt the nature of the injury to potato. 



Although the insect seems never to have been recorded as feeding 

 on potatoes, it was abundant enough to attract attention in this in- 

 stance. However, it may hardly be considered as more than of 

 secondary importance. 



Life History Notes. 



Since observations on the insect did not begin until late in July, 

 the following notes concern only the late summer and early fall. 

 Unless otherwise indicated observations were made on potato plants. 

 The adults were found most abundant during July. On August 6 

 adults were still common, but many nymphs were also present, most 

 of which appeared to be past the second nymphal stage. 



In a note by Mr. Stoner under date of August 8 adults are 

 recorded as being less common. Dissection of several females 

 collected on this date, however, revealed the fact that eggs were still 

 present in the oviduct, in advanced stages of development, probably 

 still being deposited. Mr. Stoner found 8, 15 and 17 eggs in three 

 females dissected. 



August 15 nymphs were abundant, much more so tlian the adults. 

 Stage V was most common. In the insectary stage I nymphs were 

 then present and eggs were still hatching. On August 20 conditions 

 were practically the same. 



In September adults became more common, although the older 



