354 



future time, increase to such an extent that the damage Avhich it does 

 will be very appreciable. In the first sugar-cane case mentioned, the 

 w(Mk of the Lirvie followed damage by another insect, but there seems 

 IK) doubt that the species frequently and perhaps normally attacks 

 Jiealthy ])lants. 



The insect has been identified by Mr. T). W. Coquillett, Mho has also 

 levised the accoin]>anying illustration. 



THE GRAY HAIR-STREAK BUTTERFLY AND ITS DAMAGE TO 



BEANS. 



( VrdiKiles iiieHiuiN Iliibii.) 



There is a handsome little butterdy of the old genus Thecla, which 

 is widely distributed in the United States, which feeds upon a variety 

 of plants, and which has recently been brought to our attention as an 

 i'ueniy to the beau crop. The insect was described by Iliibner in the 

 -t'arly ]jart of the century from Xorth American specimens. The adult 



Tig. 35. — Vranotes melinus: a, larva; b, chrysalis; c, adult, from above; d, same, from snle — natural 



size (original). 



is bluish-black in color, with dark reddish luster, and the light spots 

 cm the hinder border of the hind-wings, as shown in the illustration, 

 are bright red. The species is found in every part of the United States, 

 •excluding Alaska. It occurs also, rarely, in Canada, and extends south 

 to the Indian Eiver, in Florida, and quite to the Mexican border. It is 

 also recorded from Mexico, Central America, from Venezuela, and th(' 

 Antilles. 



The caterpillar, which is green in color and, when full grown, isrepre 

 sented at Figure 35a, is found most commonly upon the hop, devouring- 

 the heads and causing considerable injury. In the South it feeds upon 

 <Jratiegus and Hypericum, w^hile in Massachusetts it is found feeding 

 upon Cynoglossum. Abbot mentioned the fact that in Georgia it feeds 

 upon "pine and snap beans," but further references to this injurious 

 liabit are lacking. 



