211 



A gray bug (Brochymena obscura, according to Mr. Howard) is common on fruit- 

 trees, and is believed to puncture the young fruit of the peach. Its eggs are para- 

 sitized by a species of Trissolcus. This, apparently the first Proctotrypid recorded 

 from New Mexico, is stated by Mr. Ashmead to be new. 



The grapevine hopper (Typhlocyha) is common, and at times destructive to the 

 crop. 



A small bufl'alo guat (Simulium occidentale Twus.) is abundant in the early sum- 

 mer and very annoying. 



(3) OF SANTA Yt ONLY. 



The grubs of Polyphylla abound and are much comjilained of as injuring the roots 

 of trees and other plants. 



Rhynchites bicolor is very troublesome, eating holes in the buds and bud stalks of 

 roses, also eating the expanded petals. 



Euphoria is sometimes found on fruits, but I think does no serious harm. 



A A'ery variable Cacwcia (probably ('. argyrospila) infests cherry, pear, box-elder, 

 and plum; sometimes eating into the fruit of plum and pear. It was noticed in 

 seriously injurious numbers on a plum tree. This may very well be an imported 

 insect. 



Many other insects might be mentioned, if one were to attempt a com- 

 plete list, but the present notes, made from memory without any 

 attempt to compile the records, may serve to give a general impression 

 of the condition of affairs. The time is not ripe for anything very 

 elaborate, but those who desire further information Avill find much 

 that is interesting in Prof. Townsend's various papers, based on the 

 work done by him as Territorial entomologist. 



To sum u{), ev^en from our fragmentary information, I think the fol- 

 lowing facts may be held self-evident : 



(1) New Mexico is not at present very much harassed by insect pests, but prob- 

 ably the injury due to Insects has at least doubled per acre of cultivated ground 

 during the last ten years. 



(2) This increase of injury is due almost entirely to imported species, especially 

 to the codling moth. 



(3) While not many of the native species are greatly to be feared, there are 

 numerous PListern and We-stern insects which will certainly be imported if due meas- 

 ures are not taken to examine trees and plants received into the Territory. Such, 

 for instance, are the mussel scale of the apple {Mytilaspis pomortim), the rose saw- 

 fiies, the pear-tree Psylla, etc. 



(4) Several pests found now in the Mesilla Valley are not to be seen at Santa Fe, 

 and vice versa. It may here be noted that I am informed that the plum curculiohas 

 reached Santa F<5, though I have not seen specimens. It has not reached the Mesilla 

 Valley. 



One insect, omitted above, should perhaps be mentioned. It is the 

 Aspi(liofnsjuglans-regi(v var. albus. It occurs on ash in Las Cruces and 

 Mesilla, and on pear and apricot, quite locally, in Mesilla. So far it 

 has not done enough harm to attract attention, but it may become a 

 serious pest. Its occurence on the ash trees in the streets suggests 

 that it may be a native of New Mexico, since these trees were brought 

 from the mountains not very far distant. 

 5216— No. 2 11 



