TWENTIETH REPORT OE THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 23 



less abundant in 1924. This is true in spite of the fact that it came 

 out of winter quarters in excellent condition in the spring of 1924. 

 It is evident that the climate of the season was not favorable to these 

 mites. 



Earthworms (Lumbricus sp.). The common earthworm is in- 

 creasingly the subject of inquiry from farmers, gardeners, and green- 

 house men in Montana. It has been reported to us many times in 

 recent years that the earthworm is injurious and information is de- 

 sired regarding ways to destroy it. In intensive areas of cultivation, 

 especially those which have had applications of manure, the worms 

 multiply to surprising numbers and have a marked effect upon the 

 physical condition of the soil and in sonic cases by their numbers 

 interfere with the normal root activity. The subject is receiving some 

 attention from the Experiment Station. 



Silver Fish (Lepisma saccharina Linn.). This wingless insect, 

 with a silvery, glistening appearance, often turns up in apartment 

 houses. It feeds on starchy materials and delights in warm, moist 

 places. Reports were received from the northern part of the State in 

 1924. 



Millipeds (Species undetermined). Millipeds were reported as 

 invading a mountain cabin in such numbers as to make residence in 

 the cabin difficult, if not imposible. Millipeds feed on vegetable 

 matter and prefer damp places. Other reports of a similar nature 

 were received during the year of 1924. 



The Winter Tick or Horse Tick (Dermacentor albipictus Packard). 

 This tick, which is often confused with the spotted fever tick, is 

 abundant in places in Montana. It makes its appearance early in the 

 spring ahead of the spotted fever tick and is generally reported from 

 horses. Tt is also abundant on mountain goats and occurs on the elk. 

 In the season of 1924 this tick was the occasion of several reports. 



Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera) 

 The Lesser Migratory Locust (Melanoplus atlanis Riley). This 

 species is discussed more at length elsewhere in this report but it 

 is recorded here that the species was very abundant and destructive in 

 Montana both in 1923 and in 1924. 



The Western Lubber Grasshopper (Brachystola magna Gir.). 

 This, the largest grasshopper in Montana, a wingless species, which 

 ordinarily is considered a rare find, appeared in a few localities in 



