320 NEW VOKK STATE MLSEUM 



to a limited extent. Tliis is a more vij^oroiis plant, produces a larger 

 yield, and is not so subject to insect attacks. It has a smaller market value 

 as it is atlajjted only for the heavier bottoms of baskets. 



Description. The adult beetle is quite variable in its markinj^js. The 

 black thora.^ is bordered with yellow, and the yellowish or yellow ^reen 

 wing covers are marked with three inore or less interrupted lines of black 

 spots. These markinj.(s are quite variable in their size and extent. The 

 full i^^rown larva or j^rub is about ^ « inch in length, yellowish white, with 

 black thoracic legs, and lighter colored prolegs. There are two rows of 

 tubercles laterally, and four dorsally. The outer ones are glandular, and 

 exude a pungent li(|uid referred to above. The eggs are about '^o inch in 

 length, are deposited side by side in clusters of lo to over loo. They 

 vary in color from a light to a dark orange, and .some have been observed 

 of a yellowish white color. See plate i6, figures 14-20 for illustrations of 

 the insect in its various stages and its work. 



Distribution. This species is common in many of the \V<-stern .States 

 and ranges as far south as Louisiana. It has been recorded from Pennsyl- 

 vania, is present, though not common, on native willows in New York 

 State, according to Dr Lintner, and is common throughout New Jersey 

 on willows and poplars, as recorded by I)r J. I>. .Smitli. It probably 

 occurs on willows and poplars throughout most of the northern United 

 States. 



Natural enemies. This species is subject to attacks by several natural 

 enemies. iJr Riley observed adults of Megilla maculata DeG. 

 feeding on the larvae and pupae of this pest. Prof. Conway McMillan 

 states tliat besides Ichneumon and Chalcid flies, he has observed some 

 predatory insects attacking this species, chief of these being the lady- 

 bugs. He adds that tiger beetles and ground beetles both feed on this 

 insect, ami that he observed a reddish yellow mite clinging to the under 

 surface of the abdomen of the beetles. 



Remedial measures. .Spraying with arsenical poisons has proved some- 

 what effectiv*; in controlling this species, and some experimental wf)rk con- 



