30 MONTANA BULLETIN 17" 



in 1924 reported by County Agent Ferguson from Pondera County. 



No systematic survey has been made to determine whether the species 

 occurs in the intervening territory. 



The Leaf Cutter Bees (Megachilidae). These bees cut ou1 cir- 

 cular and oblong patches from the leaves of rose, ash, lilac and other 

 ornamentals and use them in the construction of their nests. It fre- 

 quently happens that the individual rose bushes and ash trees are 

 badly riddled, scarcely a leaf escaping attack. We have not had 

 opportunity to experiment with this insect but believe that spraying 

 with arsenicals would probably put an end to the difficulty. These 

 insects again appeared in 1923. 



The Lawn Ants (Myrmica brevinodis Emery). Residents in towns 

 throughout most of the State are tormented year after year by ants 

 in lawns which produce extensive workings and often tenter food 

 stores in houses. Many inquiries were received during the year and 

 the new remedy of finely powdered sodium fluoride, scattered over 

 The nests during hot, dry weather, was repeatedly recommended. 



The Leaf-Folding Sawfly (Pontania bozemani Cooley). Cotton- 

 wood trees throughout the State are subject to the attack of this insect 

 which folds over the cd^ of the leaf, producing the retreat for the 

 caterpillar which grows to maturity inside. This insect was preva- 

 lent again in 1924. 



The Yellow .Jackets ( Vespa sp.). In western Montana, particularly 

 around Flathead Lake, for several years we have received complaints 

 that hornets attack ripe, juicy fruits and do extensive damage. The 

 complaint is that they attack plums, raspberries, and strawberries. 

 These insects feed their young on honey or sweet liquids and doubtless 

 regard the fruit juices as a substitute for honey. They also capture in- 

 sects for their young and carry to them the flesh of dead fish or 

 other animals. In 1923 and 1924 these insects were particularly 

 troublesome.. 



