320 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



to a limited extent. This is a more vigorous plant, produces a larger 

 yield, and is not so subject to insect attacks. It has a smaller market value 

 as it is adapted only for the heavier bottoms of baskets. 



Description. The adult beetle is quite variable in its markings. The 

 black thorax is bordered with yellow, and the yellowish or yellow green 

 wing covers are marked with three more or less interrupted lines of black 

 spots. These markings are quite variable in their size and extent. The 

 full grown larva or grub is about 3/^ inch in length, yellowish white, with 

 black thoracic legs, and lighter colored prolegs. There are two rows of 

 tubercles laterally, and four dorsally. The outer ones are glandular, and 

 exude a pungent liquid referred to above. The eggs are about '/,o inch in 

 length, are deposited side by side in clusters of lo to over loo. They 

 vary in color from a light to a dark orange, and some have been observed 

 of a yellowish white color. See plate i6, figures 14-20 for illustrations of 

 the insect in its various stages and its work. 



Distribution. This species is common in many of the Western .States 

 and ranges as far south as Louisiana. It has been recorded from Pennsyl- 

 vania, is present, though not common, on native willows in New York 

 State, according to Dr Lintner, and is common throughout New Jersey 

 on willows and poplars, as recorded by Dr J. B. Smith. It probably 

 occurs on wilU)ws and poplars throughout most of the northern United 

 States. 



Natural enemies. This species is subject to attacks by several natural 

 enemies. Dr Riley observed adults of M e g i 1 1 a m a c u 1 a t a DeG. 

 feeding on the larvae and pupae of this pest. Prof. Conway McMillan 

 states that besides Ichneumon and Chalcid flies, he has observed some 

 predatory insects attacking this species, chief of these being the lady- 

 bugs. He adds that tiger beetles and ground beetles both feed on this 

 insect, and that he observed a reddish yellow mite clinging to the under 

 surface of the abdomen of the beetles. 



Remedial measures. Spraying with arsenical poisons has proved some- 

 what effective in controlling this species, and some experimental work con- 



