34 



FARMEES BULLETIN 856. 



should be used when af)plied to cabbage, cauliflower, and similar 

 smooth-leafed plants; otherwise the spray is not likely to adhere so 

 well. In the kitchen garden hand picking is sometimes practiced. 

 Clean farming is also desirable, and the clearing up and burning 

 of all cruciferous weeds before planting. It is equally desirable 

 in the case of this and other cabbage pests to destroy all injured 

 plants and stalks by burning as soon as the main crop is harvested. 



HAELEQUIN CABBAGE BUG. 



The harlequin cabbage bug (fig. 38) is known also as the calico 

 bug. fire bug, and terrapin bug. In the South this species is more 



Fig. 38. — Harlequin cabbage bug (Murgautia histrionica) : a. Adult; h, egg mass; c, first 

 stage of nymph ; d, second stage ; e, third stage ; /, fourth stage : g, fifth stage. 

 Enlarged. 



injurious than the common cabbage worm and, indeed, is classified 

 as one of the most important pests of the country. The name " harle- 

 quin bug" aptly describes this species. It is gay red, ornamented 

 like the harlequin of the stage. Normally it occurs from southern 

 Virginia to California, but prefers the warmer States. 



Control. — Of the direct methods of control nicotine sulphate is ad- 

 vised (see p. 10). Kerosene emulsion and fish-oil soap are less 

 effective unless used strong. The newly hatched young are much 



