IV. The Corn Worm. 



{Heliothis armigera £Piihn.) 



INTKODUCTION. 



The corn-worm is a well known pest in both north and south. In 

 the south it annually does much damage to growing cotton, boring 

 into the bolls and causing them to decay. In the north its chief 

 food plant is corn. In both north and south truck farmers especially 

 suffer from the ravages of this insect, as it feeds readily upon a 

 variety of fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, beans, 

 peas, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, etc., and is especially fond of 

 the tenderest varieties of sweet corn. 



In the southeastern portion of this state the corn-worm appears 

 to be increasing to an alarming extent and for this reason it is made 

 the subject of this article. The great variety of its food plants, 

 together with its peculiar habits, make the insect a difficult one to 

 handle. Indeed the only remedy that has yet proven practical in 

 the north is fall plowing. The reasons why this is so are herewith 

 plainly stated, the habits and life history of the insect are given and 

 some of the more important plants on which it is known to feed are 

 named. Some of the remedial measures that have bo -in suggested, 

 but that are still of doubtful value, are also briefly reviewed. 



Distrilution. — The corn worm is known in a considerable portion 

 of the United States and in many parts of the world. As would be 

 expected from its wide geographical distribution, this insect has a 

 large variety of food plants. In the United States its chief food 

 plants are two of the great staples of the country, namely cotton and 

 corn. In the south it is known as the Cotton Boll- worm. 



Destructiveness. — The abundance of this insect varies with the 

 season and locality. Dry seasons are considered more favorable to 

 its growth and development. Some opinion of the serious nature of 

 its attack? upon corn may be formed from the following which is 



