104 APPLE. FRUIT APPLE THRIPS. 



This insect measures only six hundredths of an inch in length and one hun- 

 dredth in width. It is polished and shining, and of a blackish purple color, 

 Its antennje which are rather longer than the head and composed of eight 

 nearly equal joints, have the third joint of a white color. The abdomen is 

 concave on its upper side, and is furnished with a conical tube at its tip which 

 has a few bristles projecting from its apex. The wings when folded are linear, 

 silvery white, and as long as the abdomen; they are pressed closely upon the 

 back, spreading asunder at their bases, and appear like an elongated white Y- 

 shaped mark. Viewed from above, the head is of a square form, longer than 

 wide. The first segment of the thorax is well separated from the second, is 

 broadest at its base, and gradually tapers to its anterior end, where it is as 

 wide as the head. The following segment is the broadest part of the body and 

 square, with its length and breadth equal. 



The insects of this tribe, abroad, are found to be great pests 

 and difficult to exterminate. Dusting the vegetation which they 

 infest with flour of sulphur and washing it off a few days after- 

 wards has been found successful in some cases. It is probable 

 that when young and in their larva state they are more tender 

 and more easily destroyed than when mature. But until the 

 history of this species which infests our apples has been more 

 fully observed we shall scarcely be able to decide upon the most 

 judicious measures for combatting it. 



