208 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO VEGETABLES 



blackish markings, and arranged as in figure i^2.r, a. It meas- 

 ures about an inch and a half across its expanded fore-wings. 

 The ear worm itself varies greatly in color, different shades of 

 pink, purple and green prevailing. A dark striped form is 

 shown at b. 



Injury to young corn 

 by the first genera- 

 tion is confined largely 

 to the "bud," and be- 

 comes apparent as 

 the ragged or shot- 

 holed leaves unfold. 

 It is rarely serious in 

 extent. Likewise, in- 

 jury by the second 

 generation is compar- 

 atively insignificant, 

 but the third genera- 

 tion, affecting roast- 

 ing ears, may be the 

 cause of much loss. 

 Remedies. — No practical means, aside from farming methods, 

 such as late fall or winter plowing, and judicious rotation of 

 crops, have, as yet, been discovered for reducing injury to 

 corn. The remedy which gives most promise of controlling 

 this pest farther north consists in planting, where weather con- 

 ditions permit, several days earlier than customary, and taking 

 chances on the weather which may follow. A few days' differ- 

 ence may save considerable corn. In any case, it is advisable 

 to plant as early as possible, since, as a rule, the later the corn 

 is planted the more injury by the ear worm. 



The Fall Army Worm {Laphygma frugiperda S. & A.). — 

 If it were not for its extreme periodicity of attack the fall 

 army worm would rank high as a corn pest, as it affects not 



Fig. 132x.— Corn-ear worm, fl. Moth; 6, larva 

 (Author's illustration, U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



