546 



Lawson (P. B.). The Coccidae of Kansas. — Univ. Kansas, Lawrence,. 

 Biol. Ser. Bull., xviii, no. 1 (Dept. Entom. Bull. no. 11), October 

 1917, pp. 161-275, 103 figs. [Received ISth October 1918.] 



Of the 75 species of Coccids here dealt with, 12 are reported from 

 Kansas for the first time. Two new species are described, namely, 

 Orthezia ambrosiae and Ceroplasfodes deani. The former was taken_ 

 from the imder-side of leaves of Ambrosia trifida, where they were 

 fiist observed in June, adults being fairly abundant and immature 

 forms much more so. By August the adults had become scarce and 

 by September had disappeared. Hibernation evidently occurs in the 

 nymphal stage ; an undetermined Coccinellid has been observed 

 feeding upon these hibernating forms early in the winter. C. deani 

 was taken on Petalostemon violaceus, being abundant within a 

 restricted area. 



Wellhouse (W. H.). The Cankerworm, an Orchard and Shade Tree 

 Pest. — Univ. Kansas, Lawrence, Biol. Ser. Bull., xviii, no. 1 

 (Dept Entom. Bull. no. 11), October 1917, pp. 282-315, 3 plates. 

 [Received 18th October 1918.] 



This paper deals with both the spring cankerworm, Palaeacrita 

 vernata, Peck, and the autumn one, Alsophila. pometa.ria, Harr. The 

 life-history of both species is described. P. rernata emerges from 

 the ground during the first warm days, sometimes as early as 5th. 

 January, and continues to do so until April. Eggs are laid in crevices 

 in the bark and hatch in about four weeks. The larvae feed upon 

 leaves, blossoms and fruit of their host-plant for about 3 to 5 weeks,. 

 during which period they moult three times. By about the end of May 

 they have all left the trees and burrowed into the soil from 1| to 6 inches 

 ix) pupate, remaining there until the next winter. The life-history 

 of A. pometaria is similar, but the adults emerge in November and 

 December and the eggs remain over the winter, hatching in late April 

 or early May. Both species have a variety of food-plants, including 

 apple, elm, plum, cherry, and othor fruit trees. 



Wet weather during the adult and larval stages is the greatest 

 natural check on cankerworms. A wilt disease often attacks the 

 larvae following a period of wet weather. Birds are important enemies 

 of all stages and destroy large numbers of them. Predaceous enemies 

 include the Carabid beetles, Calosoma scrutator and C. calidum, and a. 

 wasp, Enmenes fraterna, Say, which carries the larvae away to its 

 ^^iiaest. A Ay ,M icroffosier jjalaeacritac, is a common parasite of the- 

 larvae, about 10 per cent, of larvae examined by one worker being- 

 parasitised by it. A Tachinid has also been recorded as a parasite. 

 The eggs are parasitised by a Chalcid, Platygaster sp. The remedial: 

 measures recommended are the banding of trees to prevent the wingless 

 female moths from climbing them to oviposit, and spraying with 

 1:} lb. powdered lead arsenate (or 2 J lb. paste) to 50 U.S. gals, water,, 

 applied as soon as the leaves have opened in spring:, to kill the larvae, 

 Blackleaf 40, 1 : 1,000 A\nth 2 lb. soap to each 50 U.S. gals, of spray,. 

 is also recommended. Cultivation of the soil between July and 

 November destroys the pupae of the spring species and is an excellent, 

 control measure in orchards. 



