128 LIFE ON THE FARM. 



Squash-bugs are popularly known as "stink- 

 bugs," from their disagreeable odor. The adult 

 bug is about three-fourths of an inch long, dark- 

 brown above, and mottled-yellow beneath, the long, 

 jointed feelers prominent, and the wings folded 

 diagonally across the back. 



Eggs of the squash-bug are generally laid on the 

 under side of the leaves of the plant on which it 

 feeds. They are nearly white when first laid, but 

 soon change to a dark color. The eggs hatch in a 

 little more than a week; the young nymphs are 

 dark in color. They are green and black, and also 

 assume reddish or brownish tinges before maturity. 



Injury to the plant is done by the insect's piercing 

 a hole and sucking the juices. It attacks not only 

 the vines, but also the leaves and fruit. The insect 

 is more or less harmful during its entire active life. 

 When a great number attack a plant, the juices 

 are soon sucked away and the plant is sure to die. 

 If the fruit alone is infested, development ceases. 

 It is not only the sucking out of the juices that 

 destroys the plant; but, in puncturing the holes, 

 the insects inject a drop of liquid which has a 

 poisonous effect upon the plant. 



Young plants sustain greater injuries than older 

 ones; but at any time during the season sufficient 

 numbers will completely destroy a crop. Some- 

 times the attack is not begun till the fruit is nearly 

 developed; but even then the bugs may cause it to 

 be unfit for use. 



