1920 



EXTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



[y^ 



case of skeletonizing of tlie leaves was observed. Prior to July lith the weevils 

 were noticed only in strawlx-rry patches. On that date, however, large numbers 

 were fonnd feeding on tbe flowers of milkweed (Asclepias) there being . from 

 twenty to seventy on each head. Later on the weevils were taken on the leaves of 

 golden rod, and on the bloom of Canada Mint (M cut ha arveiisis canadensis). Cat- 

 nip (Nepeta cataria), and Ilcal-all {Prunella vulgaris). 



Slingerland and Crosljy state that the weevil feeds on the flowers of wild 

 liergamot {Monarda fisitilosa) : and Dr. Hamilton* mentions that it was taken feed- 

 ing on the leaves and flowers of basswood (Tilia). 



IIlBEENATiox. The beetles apparently go into hibernation in mid-summer. 

 After the second week in Aiigust we found no more weevils feeding on flowers, nor 

 did Ave find out where the insects went. Rubbish and long grass in the neighbor- 

 hood of strawberry fields were searched, but no weevils were located. 



According to Slingerland and Crosby the insects hibernate '' under rubbish, 

 ])articularly in wood lots or hedgerows adjoining strawberry fields." In Minnesota 



Strawberry bud cut open to show the Strawberry 

 "Weevil grub feeding witlain. 



the weevils have been found snuggled down about the ba-e of strawberr}' plants, 

 and in New Jersey they have been found in woodlands adjacent to strawberry 

 fields resting upon the upright stems of a common moss. 



Methods of Reapjkg. 



I'ill boxes were used for rearing tlie weevils from tbe egg to adult stage. 

 A small amount of soil was placed in the box and kept slightly moist. Too much 

 moisture, or too little, resulted in many cases in the death of the larvc"e. The buds 

 were secured in the field or from potted plants, and only buds whirh were observed 

 being cut by the adtilts were used. In examining the bud, the sejials and petals 

 were carefully raised, so as not to disturb the grul). It was found that tliis seldom 

 resulted in any apparent injury to the grub, and it did not apfiear to deter its 

 development. Where only the numl)ers developing from cut hnd> wa- desirecK 

 the buds were placed in a flower ]iot half tilled with moist >oil and c-overcd with 

 cheesecloth. 



* Can. Ent. XXIV., p. 41. 



