114 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 
Messrs Howard and Marlatt to be the more common one in the 
latitude of Washington. It also occurs farther north; and the 
breeding of it in considerable numbers from insects which had 
been in our collection for some years is worthy of record, though 
it is not a new habit, since the larva is known to feed on a variety 
of animal substances and has been previously recorded as occur- 
ring in collections. It was abundant enough in our own, so that 
one large moth was nearly destroyed, and a number of others in- 
jured, and it is apparently a form which would cause considerable 
damage if allowed to breed undisturbed. 
Beneficial insects 
Twice-stabbed Chinese ladybug, Chilochorus similis Rossi. 
The establishment of Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst. at 
San José Cal., and its subsequent spread to and injuries in many 
of the eastern states have led to active seeking for means of con- 
trolling this pest. Countless experiments with various insecti- 
cides have been carried out, and considerable attention has been 
given to ascertaining the original home of this species, in hopes 
that some natural enemy might be found there which would prove 
of great service in checking it. The personal investigations of 
Dr C. L. Marlatt in Japan and China in 1901 led this gentleman 
to conclude that the original home of this species was in northern 
China, and its most effective natural enemy in that section was 
the above named ladybug, and he shipped living examples of 
this species to Washington D. C., where they were carefully reared 
for the purpose of ascertaining their value. We were fortunate 
enough to obtain 50 adult beetles last August, and have since 
kept them on a badly infested tree inclosed in a tight, wire-covered 
breeding cage. The insects were placed on the tree Aug. 13, anda 
number of them were observed investigating young scales very 
shortly after being liberated. Examination Aug. 22 showed that 
the beetles were apparently healthy, though there were no signs 
of eggs or grubs, and some of the scale insects appeared to have 
been eaten. LTEarly the next month one beetle was found, but no 
evidence of breeding was observed. Sep. 23 an examination by 
Mr Young resulted in finding about 150 larvae or grubs, which 
were working almost entirely on the southern side of the 
tree. There were more of| the insects on twigs than on 
