56 LEAF-BUGS. 
the insect seems to have a poisonous effect, and the result is 
to disfigure and to sometimes entirely destroy the young leaves, 
causing them to blacken and wither. 
“These insects are also partial to the unopened buds, 
piercing them from the outside, and sucking them nearly dry, 
when they also become withered and blackened. Sometimes a 
whole branch will be thus affected, being first stunted, then 
withering, and finally dying. Early in the morning these plant- 
bugs are in a sluggish condition, and may be found buried in 
the expanding leaves; but as the day advances and the temper- 
ature rises, they become active, and when approached dodge 
Fic. 47.—Lygus pratensis Linn., and young. Original. 
quickly about from place to place, drop to the ground, or else 
take wing and fly away. In common with most true bugs, they 
have when handled a disagreeable odor. In the course of two 
or three weeks they disappear, or cease to be sufficiently in- 
jurious to attract attention. 
“While they seem particularly partial to the pear, they at- 
tack also the young leaves of the quince, apple, plum, cherry, 
and strawberry, as well as those of many herbaceous plants.” 
The mature bug (Fig. 47) is about one-fifth of an inch 
long, and exceedingly variable in color and markings, ranging 
from a dull brown to a greenish or yellowish-brown. In a 
‘typical specimen the head is yellowish, with three narrow red- 
