2 
OTHER GRASSHOPPERS MORE OR LESS INJURIOUS IN DELTA. 
These belong to the families Acrididxe and Locustide. Schistocerca 
americana and Sehistocerca obscura were the most common of the 
former family. 
Schistocerca americand or bird grasshopper (see fig. 13). 
This species is single brooded, deposits eggs in the spring, and 
hibernates in the adult condition. Specimens collected early in May 
deposited eggs May 15. In the field the egg-laying places are usually 
Fig. 14.—The full-grown Schistocerca obscura (original ). 
Bermuda-covered spots and waste areas. Eges hatch about June 15, 
and the young molt six times (June 23, June 29, July 5, July 11, July 
20, and August 5) before reaching the adult condition. In the delta 
the grasshopper attracts considerable attention owing to its size and 
bird-like appearance when in flight, yet it has never appeared in threat- 
ening numbers. Mr. C. D. Patterson, commenting upon the habits of 
this species, stated that during the clearing up of the waste lands in 
winter, as the flies ascended the tall trees, these large grasshoppers 
would fly out from the upper 
limbs in great numbers. Just 
how they found shelter among 
the higher branches of trees is 
unknown. We found it dift- 
cult to carry the bird grass- 
hopper through the winter in 
‘aptivity, and only succeeded in keeping specimens alive until Febru- 
ary 2. In the fields, however, a few specimens have been collected 
from January until the last of May. No parasites were bred from 
those captured and no special remedial efforts were directed against 
this species. The egg areas were found, however, and cultivation and 
the use of coal oil will no doubt prove effective. 
(See figs. 14and 15.) This species in size and 
shape is not unlike the bird grasshopper. Attention was first called 
to itin the egg condition. The large brick-red colored eggs are to 
be found associated with those of Melanoplus differentialis. A few 
Fic. 15.—The filth stage of Schistocerca obscura (original). 
Cy = 
Schistocerca obscura. 
