4 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 657. 
insects (figs. 1, 2) pass the winter among clumps of broom sedge,! and 
where this does not occur in sufficient abundance, among matted grass, 
fallen leaves, and other rubbish, coming forth from hiding in spring, 
spreading to the grain fields, where they deposit their eggs, and dying 
soon afterwards. The young (fig. 3, ¢) hatching from these eggs 
cluster upon the plants and begin at once to feed upon the juices. 
Figure 4 illustrates a corn plant with the chinch bugs clustering upon 
it. The egg-laying season extends over a considerable period, and 
Fic. 4.—Corn plant 2 feet tall infested with chinch bugs. ‘(Author’s illustration.) 
chinch bugs of all ages, sizes, and colors may be found intermingled. 
By midsummer the majority of the first generation have reached the 
adult stage, soon after which the eggs are deposited for the second 
generation, nearly all individuals reaching their full development by 
late fall or early winter. This second generation develops and 
matures on corn, millet, kafir, and similar crops. 
It must be remembered that each female of the species is capable 
of laying from 1 to 500 eggs, and she will scatter them during a period 
1 Andropogon spp. 
