INSECTS AFFECTIXC, PARK AND WOODLAND TREES 



239 



Box elder plant bug 



Lcptocorus frii'ittatiis Say 



This western blackish red markeil bui^ is specially fond of the box-elder. 



This insect is not known to occur within New York State, but it has 

 been makinL( such rapid pro^^ress eastward that its advent within our bor- 

 ders may not be far in the future. 



Its northward and eastward spread. Dr Lintner states that in 1888, 

 this species had not been recorded north of i\Iissouri. It was reported 

 in i8gi from the southeast corner of the state of Washington, where it 

 had appeared the preceding }'ear, antl was then destroying large quantities 

 of pkuns, peaches, apples and some grapes. The same year Professor 

 Osborn listed it among the Hemij^tera of Iowa as common in the western 

 part of the state. Soon thereafter it had increased to such an extent as 

 to appear in myriads in some localities and command popular attention. 

 It was found in 1894 in such immense numbers in North Dakota as to 

 excite considerable interest. It reached the Mississippi river at McGregor 

 la. in October 1S95, and since that date has become established in Illinois. 

 In view of the rapid progress this species has been making northward and 

 eastward, it would not be suriM'ising if, in the course of time, it becomes 

 established within our bounds. 



Distribution. This insect, as stated by Dr Lintner, presumably occurs 

 in each state and territory west of the Mississippi river. It extends south 

 into New Mexico and Mexico. Northward it is known in Iowa, Nebraska, 

 North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and Washington, and, as previously 

 stated, it has since become established in Illinois. 



Habits of the insect. This species has been closely studied by Profes- 

 sor Popenoe of the State Agricultural College of Kansas, and the following 

 account is by him. 



The species has been known in this locality for over 10 years as a 

 tree pest, appearing at times in great numbers on the box-elder, and occa- 

 sionally attacking the ash. During the winter the adults are hidden in 

 sheltered nooks and corners everywhere, but are especially abundant in 



