INSECTS IXjlRIOfSTO CABBAGE AND OTHER CROPS I5I 



Hampshire to the (lulf, and westward to the Pacific States. 

 At a of figure loi is represented the appearance of a leaf 

 of potato showing the minute, rusty circular specks where the 

 beak of this bug has been inserted. The false chinch-bug 

 frequently occurs in such numbers as to attract general atten- 

 tion. The bugs crowd together on a plant in the same manner 

 as do the chinch-bugs on corn, and the harlequin bugs on 

 cabbage ; and as they also feed by suction, they soon exhaust a 

 plant by depriving it of its juices, which in time causes it to 

 wilt and die. This is an active bug, and when alarmed on 

 warm days, the winged individuals readily take to flight, arising 

 in swarms. It is subject to the same atmospheric influences 

 as the chinch-bug, and damp, rainy weather is unfavorable to 

 its development. It has been surmised that there are two or 

 three generations a year and that the insect hibernates mainly 

 in the perfect state under rubbish of different sorts.^ 



Remedies. — The best way of controlling this bug consists in 

 the keeping down of purslane, a favorite food plant, the 

 careful cleaning up and burning of all trash before winter, the 

 collection of the bugs when they occur in numbers in pans or 

 pails filled with water and a thin scum of kerosene, and the 

 free use of 10 per cent, kerosene emulsion. 



The Cabbage Aphis {Aphis hrassiccc Linn.). — In seasons when 

 atmospheric conditions favor its development this insect, which 

 is also known as the "cabbage louse"," can be exceedingly 

 troublesome; indeed, were it not for its susceptibility to many 

 natural enemies, it would always be a pest of the highest im- 

 portance in localities adapted for its increase. This species 

 affords a most excellent example of the usefulness of natural 

 enemies. A vast number of insects that prey on aphides 



1 A related bug (Nystus minutus Uhl.) very nearly resembles the preceding 

 in appearance and in habits, and may be controlled by the same methods. 



2 A similar aphis (Rhopalosiphum dianthi Schr.), with somewhat similar habits, 

 is also very injurious to cole crops and may be controlled by about the same 

 means. 



