VEGETABLE INSECTS. 2i)3 



frass exuding from the entrance hole in the stern or pod. If the 

 stem be split lengthwise, the small dirty- white or brownish cater- 

 pillar will be discovered at the end of the burrow that it has made. 

 The injury to the stalk usually causes the top of the plant to wither 

 and die, while the peas in the infested pods are usually rendered 

 worthless. 



The adult is a small moth with dark-brown front wings and creamy 

 white, shining hind wings. 



Control. — Little can be done except to collect and destroy infested 

 plants and pods. 



THE VELVET BEAN CATERPILLAR (Anticarsia gemniatiUs) . 



This insect whicli is so destructive to the velvet bean also attacks 

 the cow^pea. 



The slender green caterpillars are marked with a few indistinct 

 light lines, running lengthwise of the body, but so well do they blend 

 with the foliage that it is very difficult to see them. When disturbed 

 they throw themselves about violently by vigorous contortions of the 

 body, a method of escape that is very effective. 



When full grown the larva enters the soil to pupate and later 

 emerges as a fairly large grayish-brown moth, witli a dark line ex- 

 tending diagonally across each wing. 



Control. — The caterpillars may be controlled by dusting the 

 plants with a mixture of one part of arsenate of lead to three or 

 four parts of hydrated or air-slacked lime or dry, leached wood 

 ashes. 



COWPEA POD WEEVIL {Chalcodevmus ehininus). 



This small l)lack weevil may occasionally be seen feeding on the 

 leaves and pods of the cowpea. 



The female beetles lay their eggs within the seeds in the pod 

 and tlie young grubs develop within the peas until they attain their 

 full growth. They then cut their way through the side of tlie pods 

 and make their way to tlie gi-ound, where they pupate and later 

 emerge as adult beetles. Tliey never bet'omo immerous cnougli to 

 cause serions damage. 



OTHER COWPEA PESTS. 



Cerotoma ntficornis is one of the worst pests of cowpeas. Tlie 

 beetles strip the leaves, and th(> hii\-:e feed on tlie roots (see Reans, 



