211 



AiNSLiE (G. G.). Crambid Moths and Light. — Jl. Econ. Entom., 

 Concord, N.H.. x, no. 1, February 1917, pp. 114-123. 



A series of experiments made during 1915 at Tennessee with trap- 

 lights and poison baits for Crambid moths, while giving largely negative 

 results, elucidated several new and useful facts. A total of 19,655 

 moths were taken at lighted windows during the period from 1st 

 June to mid-October, the results being given in a series of tables and 

 charts, comparing the times of appearance, relative numbers of the 

 sexes, etc. The most nmiierous species was Crambus kterrellus, the 

 moths of this species being uniformly abundant from spring to the end 

 of September. Of the total number taken, 68 per cent, were males. 

 It was very soon apparent that the great majority of the females 

 appeared shortly after dusk, while the males almost all came much 

 later in the evening ; in fact a trap-lantern used from dusk for three 

 hom's will capture over 60 per cent, of the female moths that would be 

 taken during the entire night. This explains the discrepancies between 

 the statements of previous observers as to the sex of moths coming 

 to light, when the time of trapping was not taken into consideration. 

 The attraction to light is not determined by temperature, nor by 

 humidity, though it is possible that barometric pressure may have 

 some influence in this connection. Since the males are polygamous, 

 their capture is of no importance. Mating usually takes place shortly 

 after emergence of the females from the pupa, and before they come 

 to light. Dissection of the females of several species taken leads 

 to the conclusion that the moths have generally laid about 75 per 

 cent, of their normal number of eggs before they are attracted to light. 



Experiments in feeding, with a view to the use of poisoned baits, 

 showed that moths fed with water only lived longer and produced 

 more eggs than those kept unfed or than those supplied with diluted 

 honey. Apparently the fat-bodies present in newly emerged moths 

 are sufficient for the sustenance of the adult and for the development 

 of the immature ova present on emergence from the pupa. Neither 

 light-traps nor poisoned bait can therefore be used successfully against 

 these insects. 



Reeves (G. I.). The Alfalfa Weevil Investigation. — Jl. Econ. Entom., 

 Concord, N.H., x, no. 1, February 1917, pp. 123-131. 



Oviposition in the case of this weevil [Hypera variabilis] begins 

 before the spring growth of lucerne plants commences, in the dead 

 stems which litter the ground and which already contain many living 

 eggs deposited in the previous autumn. As soon as green shoots 

 begin to appear, oviposition is continued in the green stems and the 

 entire crop is frequently destroyed. The growth of a second crop is 

 prevented by the larvae feeding upon the buds of the stubble. As a 

 result of investigations undertaken by the Bureau of Entomology, 

 several practical methods of control are suggested, none of which 

 is perfect, but all are being used with some measure of success. Flooding 

 the field with muddy water in early spring causes a deposit of silt 

 to cover the surface of the ground, which imprisons the adults and 

 the eggs contained in the dry stems. Where practicable, this method 

 is very successful. Sprays consisting of arsenical poisons commonly 

 used in orchards have been tried in various strengths and are all about 



