9 



THE KED-LEGGED LOCUST. 



{Melanoiilus femur-rubricm, De Geer.) 



Doubtless this is the most widely distributed insect of the family 

 in America. It is found from ocean to ocean, from the extreme north- 

 ern range of grasshoppers to Central America. High land and low 

 land suit its taste equally well. 



The chief diff'erences between this locust and the Rocky Mountain 

 Locust: In female, the wings of the Red-legged Locust are shorter 

 than those of spretus. In the male, distinguishing characteristics 

 are found in last joint of abdomen. ( For full explanation, see 

 plates, I, figures 1 and 2, V, fig. 11-) It differs in habits from the 

 Lesser Migratory and Rocky Mountain Locusts in that it seldom ex- 

 hibits the migratory trait. It sometimes collects in great swarms, but 

 never rises to great heights, to be carried away by the winds. It is 

 generally kept in check by natural enemies. " Hopper-dozers " are 

 the effectual artificial remedy, even after the insect has acquired 



wings. 



THE TWO-STRIPED LOCUST. 



{Melanoplus hivitatu-^. Say.) 



A common locust which occasionally becomes sufficiently numerous 

 to cause great damage over limited areas. The male is about IJ, the 

 female 1^ inches in length. In color the insect ranges from a dull 

 green to a dull brown, and is characterized by a distinct yellowish or 

 pale stripe extending on each side from the upper part of the eye to 

 the end of the wing. See plate III, fig. 5. It is found over a large 

 area, is not migratory, and by vigorous means at the right time can 

 be kept from destroying crops. 



THE DLFFERENTL\L LOCUST. 



(Melanoplus differentia lis, Thomas.) 



Most conspicuous among the "native" locusts of Kansas is this 

 Differential Locust. The tendency of civilization is to drive out the 

 locust. This species, however, shows a tendency toward civilization. 

 It is a little larger than the Two-striped Locust just mentioned, has 

 no stripes along sides of back and wings, and is more yellowish 

 throughout. See plate III, fig. 6. It frequents plowed fields; pre- 

 fers corn, clover and alfalfa, etc., as well as garden products. The eggs 

 are generally laid in cultivated grounds that are more or less compact, 

 on old roads, or well-grazed pasture lands. Exceptions to this are 

 found in case of eggs deposited under logs and bark of trees. 

 Egg-laying season is from the middle of August until late in October. 

 The range of this species is not so large as those previously named. 



This species has only increased so as to be numerous enough for 

 serious devastations since the settlement of its native soil. It was 



