RACTICALLY EVERY CROP, be it fruit, vege- 
table, or flower, has an insect enemy, or more 
than one, apparently bent on its destruction. The 
avocado is no exception to the rule. It is attacked 
by several insect pests which at times cause concern 
to the producer of this valued and highly nutritive 
fruit. These insects are often responsible for reduc- 
tions in yield and quality of fruit, but such losses are 
largely preventable. Often the damage caused by 
the insects is gradual and it is only the resultant 
injury that is conspicuous. It is essential, therefore, 
that the avocado grower watch his trees carefully 
for evidences of insect injury and apply remedies 
promptly. 
The principal insect pests of the avocado occur- 
ring in Florida at the present time are the dictyo- 
spermum scale, the avocado white fly, the pyriform 
scale, the blossom Anomala, the avocado lace-bug, 
the avocado blossom thrips, the avocado leaf-roller, 
the avocado red spider, and the avocado leaf-infest- 
ing thrips. Brief descriptions of these pests, of their 
life histories, and of the means found most effective, 
in each case, for combating them are given in this 
bulletin. 
Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology 
L. O. HOWARD, Chief 
Washington, D. C. April, 1922 
