CHAPTER VII 



Locust killing Fungi 



It has been known to entomologists for a number of years 

 that different locusts are subject to the attacks of certain di- 

 seases. Some of these diseases are also known to result from the 

 presence and growth within the bodies of the victims of several 

 kinds of mold or fungus. Not only are locusts subject to the 

 attacks of these fungus-diseases, but also many other insects 

 fall victims to them. In fact, for several years past certain de- 

 structive insects have been combated more or less successfully 

 by the artificial propagation and spread of difterent kinds of 

 these insect-destroying fungi. 



At least tw0, and possibly three distinct species of locust-at- 

 tacking fungi, have been especially brought before the public in 

 different parts of the world during the past few years. Not that 

 they are the only ones of these plants which sele t the bodies 

 of acridians as proper places for development, but because 

 they among the others have been most persistent and active in 

 their results. 



Not being a specialist in the study of insect-attacking fungi 

 and not having the necessary books of reference before him, 

 the writer is unable to give a satisfactory history of these plants 

 at this time. For the same reason anything like a complete 

 classification is impossible. 



The North American Locust-killiug Fungus. 



The North American locust-killing fungus which has been 

 most noticeable is the one known to botanists as the Etnptisa 



