IN NEW MEXICO. 15 



NO. X. COTTONY MESQUITE SCALE (n. gen. et n. Sp.). 



This is a large, soft scale, red or brick-red in color, and bear- 

 ing a snow-white, more or less distinctly fluted, cotton-like, but 

 compact egg-sac, which is attached to the postero- ventral portion of 

 the insect, and is cylindrical in general form. The insect is en- 

 tirely red, except the legs, antennae and proboscis, which are 

 black ; and the egg-sac, which is white. Pinned specimens usually 

 become reddish-yellow in color, while alcoholic specimens acquire a 

 reddish-brown color. This scale also exudes, particularly around 

 the edge of its body, a certain number of curled white cottony fila- 

 ments, in addition to the egg-sac. The dimensions of the larger spec- 

 imens collected in July, 1891, and May, 1892, are as follows: Length 

 of body, 5 to 7 mm. ; anterior width of body, 2 to 3 mm. ; posterior 

 width 4 to 5 mm. Length of egg-case, 5 to 6 mm. ; width, about 

 4 mm. Specimens collected June 8, 1892, measure 12 to 13 mm. in 

 length, including egg-sac; sac measures 10 mm. 



This scale will probably form a new genus, according to Profes- 

 sor Kiley who has examined specimens. It is nearly related to the 

 Icerya of California, though somewhat more removed from it 

 than the preceding species, which is a member of the same genus. 



Egg. In color the eggs are orange-red. They were just be- 

 ginning to hatch within the sacs, June 8. 



Food-plants. Found on twigs and branches of mesquite 

 (Prosopis juliflora) rather plentifully, July 28, 1891, many of them 

 being at this time small. Found more sparingly, but in larger 

 specimens, May 13 to 18, 1892; though two or three smaller ones 

 without egg-sacs were also seen. A good number of large specimens 

 were found June 8. This scale, it is possible, may some day take 

 to certain cultivated plants, in which case it will prove a serious 

 enemy. 



Parasites. No true parasites have been found, but the two 

 species of lady-birds, previously mentioned, frequented the mesquite 

 branches where the scales were found, and doubtless prey upon them. 

 In the same connection, it may be mentioned that two species of 



