i<S MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION 



The Rose Snout Beetle {Rhynchites hicolor Fab.) This beetle 

 IS a wide-spread and serious pest of roses in Montana. It is often 

 almost impossible to get any roses from choice bushes in the door- 

 yard on account of this beetle which bores into the buds and 

 stems. During the past two or three years it has been less abun- 

 dant, although formerly it was exceedingly common. From the 

 fact that inquiry was made this year, we fear that next year and 

 for a few years succeeding it will again be a serious drawback to 

 rose-growing. 



The Potato Blister-beetle (Epicauta vittata Fab.). This con- 

 spicuous beetle has been a pest of potatoes from the beginning of 

 Montana's agricultural history. It has often been spoken of as 

 the "old-fashioned potato bug" since it appeared before the Colo- 

 rado potato beetle. It is not as serious a pest as the Colorado 

 species, but occasionally occurs in large numbers. A few complaints 

 were received in 191 1. 



The Plum Gouger ( AntJwnoimis scutellaris Lee). So far as 

 we know this insect occurs only in the eastern part of the State 

 where it is a native species, feeding on native wild plums. It has 

 found its way into cultivated plums all through the Yellowstone 

 Valley and is responsible for a material reduction in the crop. A 

 number of complaints were received. It it not easily controlled and 

 fruit growers should be informed regarding its habits and the 

 remedies. 



The Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisojiim, Linn.). There has recently 

 sprung up in Montana, particularly in the Gallatin Valley, a keen 

 interest in growing garden pea seeds for eastern houses. The pea 

 weevil, which has turned out to be a serious pest in this industry, 

 has been sent in with the pea seed repeatedly. We have done our 

 best to warn the people against allowing the pest to get a start, 

 but we have no legal authority and can only advise. It is feared 

 that the pea weevil is already established in one place in Gallatin 

 County. If this is true there is great danger that it will become the 

 serious pest that it has in other localities. See figure on cover page. 



Alfalfa Weevil (Phr/tonoinus mn.rimj^ Fab.). This very seri- 

 ous pest of alfalfa has been destroying large tracts of this valuable 

 crop in Utah for a number of years. During 191 1 it extended into 

 Idaho and Wyoming. Alfalfa growers in Montana are becoming 



