2 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 557 
DISTRIBUTION. 
This species is widespread in its distribution, but in this country, 
until the year 1912, we did not know of its rapid dissemination. 
Abroad it is well known in Hawaii, all portions of Australia, New 
Zealand, Algeria, the West Indies, Peru, and many other countries, 
including southern Europe. As an enemy to tobacco it has been 
known for several years in Florida, and in North Carolina, South 
Carolina, and Virginia. 
The species occurs in southern California practically wherever 
potatoes are grown commercially, extending its range northward to 
the Sacramento Valley. 
As an enemy to eggplant and ground cherry it has been observed 
as far north as the District of Columbia. 
The directions for applying remedies 
which follow are for the benefit of per- 
sons inquiring in regard to means of 
control. Which of these should be used 
can be best determined by trial in the 
different localities under the different 
conditions in which the insect exists. 
This applies especially to the question 
as to the best material for fumigation. 
EVIDENCE OF IMPORTANCE. 
As evidence of the importance of the 
pest Mr. J. E. Graf, working under the 
direction of the writer, wrote: 
In September, 1912, an unusual outbreak of 
this pest occurred at El Monte, Cal., due entirely 
irae 2 Work of the potatetuber moth: a, to a combination of circumstances. Thousands 
Section of tuber, showing eye and eggs Of acres of potatoes were planted in southern 
deposited aboutit; beggin outline; c,egg, California—mmany more than the market would 
lateralview; d,/,minesoflarvain potato. stand. This meant that the market was con- 
a, Natural size; b, ¢, greatly enlarged; ti nwally clogged and the prices were poor, so 
d, somewhat reduced. (Redrawn from . 3 ts! 
Riley and Howard.) that the crop was worked off very slowly. The 
tuber moth (Phthorimxa operculella) is always 
found here, but the crop is generally handled so quickly and carefully that small 
loss results. This year, however, careless work and the leaving of potatoes in the 
ground too long have given the insect a tremendous start, and now its ravages are 
greater than ever before. A combination of the moth and low prices has so dis- 
couraged many of the growers that they are leaving their potatoes to rot, and as these 
are becoming infested there will be a great number of moths waiting for the fall 
motatoes:. + * e* 
Later, September 17, 1912, Mr. Graf wrote in regard to injury by 
this species that two growers near El Monte, Cal., lost $90,000 and 
$70,000, respectively, on potatoes that year. Items of this kind 
show the necessity of investigating the problem. 
