336 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 7 



altogether different. A contact insecticide is absolutely necessary, and, 

 from the fact that the mite as a rule passes its entire existence upon 

 the under side of a single leaf, it becomes plainly necessary in spraying 

 to hit the entire underside of every leaf of an infested plant. It is obvious, 

 therefore, that indifferent spraying is certain to yield unsatisfactory 

 results. Furthermore, the absolute necessity for a second spraying 

 to kill the hatched eggs adds to the difficulty. It is hoped that this 

 discussion may clearly convey the economy of prevention of infestation. 

 In conclusion we will refrain, in this brief consideration, from an 

 orderly summary or reiteration of the sahent points herein contained. 

 It should be emphasized once more, however, that the red spider, as 

 a pest, presents phenomena of a biologic and economic nature which 

 are rather unique. The winter activity of the pest, the rapid succes- 

 sion of many overlapping broods, the lack of flight, the extreme omniv- 

 orous and ubiquitous character, the limitation of dispersion chiefly 

 to travel afoot and by water, the almost impervious protective web, 

 the spray-proof character of the eggs, the restriction of infestation to 

 the bottom of the leaves, the non-wandering nature of the individuals 

 of the colonies, and, finally, the microscopic size of the creatures — all 

 are characteristics which individually and collectively comphcate the 

 problem of control. A serious consideration of these factors camiot 

 but impress one with the intricacy of the red spider's status within its 

 environment. 



THE GREEN SOLDIER BUG (NEZARA HILARIS) 



By R. D. Whitmarsh, Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station 



Occurrence and extent of damage. During 1911, peach growers 

 along the Marblehead peninsula region of Lake Erie sustained a 

 severe loss as the result of injuries caused by this insect. Although it 

 has been commonly found in Ohio for many years, it had never been 

 reported in any such abnormal numbers before, and so far as I am 

 able to find out was never reported as a special enemy of the peach 

 in this state. I understand Nezara hilaris, or more probably a closely 

 related species, Nezara viridula, has at times done considerable damage 

 to peaches in Geqrgia and oranges in Florida. 



But little was accomplished during 1911 in determining the life 

 history of this insect, as we were not informed of the severity of the 

 attack until the first of September. On visiting the infested district 

 the conditions were found to be fully as bad as one of the growers of 

 peaches in that region had proclaimed them to be. He estimated his 

 loss at fully $500 and others professed similar losses. No one seeing 



