684 



The method of feeding compels the larvae to expose themselves. This 

 is probably the reason why they only feed at night and they are then 

 subject only to nocturnal parasites. The eggs are usually laid between 

 2 dry, dead leaves, being cemented to them. The winter is spent in 

 all stages, but as all are unprotected against extremes of temperature, 

 it would seem that they cannot winter very far north. Northward 

 migration of the adults occasioned by rapid increase in numbers at 

 any period and consequent lack of food occurs in the case of 

 C. imipuncta. Outbreaks of this species in the north, are abnormal, 

 since the larvae are killed by cold weather and therefore do not appear 

 the following year. C. latiuscula will perhaps be limited to the far 

 south owing to its preference for sorghum and sugar-cane. The 

 larvae are controlled by the following parasites : — Ichneumonidae : 

 Meteorus laphygmae, Vier., and Henicosjjilos purgatus, Say; Bracon- 

 IDAE : Apanfeles harnedi, Vier., A. militaris, Walsh, A. rufocoxalis, 

 Walsh, and Bhogas atricornis, Cress. ; the Chalcid, Euphctius 

 jjlatyhypenae, How., and the Tachinid, Peleteiria rohusta, Wied. 

 The Tachinids, Archytas analis, F., and A. piliventris. How., have 

 been reared from the pupae. Of these, M. laphygmae, A. harnedi, 

 E. platyhypenae and A. j)ilivenlris have been also reared at Brownsville 

 from Laphygnia frugiperda. Twelve secondary parasites have been 

 reared from the primary parasites and 9 of these have been met with 

 in connection with L. frugijJerda. The following parasites have been 

 reared from Meteorus laphygmae : the Proctutropid, Myrmicomorpha 

 perniciosa, Vier., and the Chalcids, Spilochalcis pallens, Cress., 

 S. delira, Cress., Dibrachys meteori, Gahan, Eupehmis meteori, Gahan, 

 and Elw^inns harnedi, Gahan. Parasites have also been obtained 

 from AjKinteles militaris and Eupleclrus. The primary parasites are 

 controlled to some extent by the secondary ; but the most important 

 factors in their control, as in that of species of Cirphis, are changes 

 in temperature and humidity. 



EssiG (E. 0.). The Dried-Fruit Beetle, Carpophilus hemiptenis, L. — 

 Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, viii, no. 4, August 1915, pp. 396-400, 

 4 figs. 



Carpophilus hemipterus, is common throughout California, though 

 the complete life-history there is as yet unknown. The eggs are 

 laid on the outside of the fruit or inside, if the female can gain 

 an entrance. The largest numbers are deposited in spring and 

 hatch in about a week. The eggs are often laid while the fruit is 

 on the tree or while it is drying. The length of the larval stage varies 

 according to weather conditions ; the shortest period recorded is about 

 4 weeks, the longest 4 months. The pupal stage lasts about 2 weeks. 

 Breeding continues throughout the winter in warm storehouses. 

 Larvae and adults feed directly on the fresh and dried fruit. The 

 loss due to the amount of fruit consumed is small in comparison with 

 that due to the presence of excreta and cast skins. Other food 

 substances besides fruit are probably attacked. In the control of the 

 insect it is important to adopt measures which will ensure clean 

 packing. An insect proof container should be used. The process of 

 dipping the fruit in boiling water or heating to 180° F. before packing 

 is sufficient to kill all stages. Sulphur will kill the insect and the 



