THE HARLEQUIN" CABBAGE-BUG : HOW TO DESTROY. 269 



tatomoidcB — has only a distribution throughout the Southern States,* 

 but it is not impossible that it may be discovered following its prey in 

 its northern extension. For a figure of the species, see Saunders' In- 

 sects Injurious to Fruits p. 38(3, f. 396. 



Means of Destruction. 

 Spri7iTcli7ig with hot water. — In a cabbage plat of modern extent, as 

 in a garden, it is possible that the young bugs, while in their larval or 

 pupal stages, may be killed by sprinkling them with hot water of as 

 high a temperature as the young plants will bear, which may be ascer- 

 tained by experimenting first upon a few plants. The thicker encase- 

 ment of this insect enables it to endure a greater degree of heat than 

 that which has been found to be sufficient to destroy the caterpillars of 

 the cabbage butterfly, viz., 140° Fahr. 



Trapping with cabbage leaves. — It is stated that the bugs have the 

 habit of forsaking the plants on cold nights and hiding under leaves or 

 sticks lying on the ground, and that advantage can be taken of this 

 habit by providing them with an attractive shelter of cabbage leaves, 

 placed between the rows, which may be lifted early in the morning, 

 and the bugs which have sought their shelter, brushed off and de- 

 stroyed. Wilted cabbage leaves appear to have a special attraction for 

 them. 



Bur7ii7ig rubbish piles. — It has also been recommended that, in the 

 autumn, the waste leaves, weeds, stalks, etc., be collected in piles, to 

 which the bugs may retire for hibernation as winter approaches. These 

 should be examined occasionally, as soon as the nights become cold, 

 and if many are found hidden beneath them, the piles are to be burned, 

 and by this means the spring broods may be materially diminished. 



Destroying the first broods. — Unquestionably the most reliable method 

 of controlling this insect is to destroy the first brood. The eggs, from 

 their being deposited in clusters, may be easily discovered on the 

 young plants, if search be made for them, and destroyed. An easier 

 method, however, involving less time and labor, is to destroy the young 

 insects, by passing between the rows of the young plants every two or 

 three days, and by a single tap with a stick knocking them into a ves- 

 sel containing some kerosene oil. If, before striking the plant, it is in- 

 clined over the vessel (the insect quickly drops to the ground when 

 disturbed), very few need escape. With the first brood thus disposed 

 of, the subsequent depredations cannot be serious. Neglected gardens 

 in the vicinity may send out individuals to lay the eggs for later broods, 

 but their comparatively small number would allow of their being easily 

 controlled. 



♦Uhler's Lid of Hemiptera, p. 32 of separate pagination, where also thiee congeneric 

 species are given, which are also southern and western forms. 



