APHIS VASTATOR. 63 



but this, from its rare occurrence, cannot produce the pre- 

 sent universal epidemic. 



CHAPTER XI. 



APHIS VASTATOR. 



Insect on the potatoe plant (249 250) ; its color (252) ; dimen- 

 sions (256 259). Suctorial apparatus (260) ; head and eyes 

 (261) ; abdomen and tubercles (262); pupa (263) ; imago, or per- 

 fect insect (264); named " vastator," and why (265). Curtis' 

 description (266). Astonishing fecundity (267 269). Continu- 

 ance of the species (270 273). Mode of attack on the plant 

 (274, 275). Restlessness of the insect (276 278). Flight of 

 the insects (281, 282). Progress of the mischief (283285). 

 Action on different varieties (286, 287). Effect of moisture after 

 attack (288, 289). Attack at different ages of the plant (290, 

 291). Relation of the disease to this insect (292294). 



(249.) UPON a minute examination of the leaves and 

 stalk of a potatoe plant, a small insect will be found, 

 feeding either alone or in company with others, and prin- 

 cipally on the under surface of the leaf. 



(250.) This insect is generally seen perfectly stationary, 

 and might easily elude observation, from being in the 

 early stage of m its growth of a color not widely differing 

 from that of the leaf. If attentively examined with a mag- 

 nifying-glass, it will be seen to be adhering to the plant, 

 and remaining in a state of repose, with its antennee reflex- 

 ed over its back, and a sort of proboscis applied to the leaf. 

 (Plates vm. and ix.) 



