TWENTY-SECOND REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 15 



curring as a general household and stored-product pest through- 

 out Europe. One specimen of this insect was recorded from 

 Halifax in 1899, an infestation was found in Montreal in 1904, 

 and another in Boston in 1920. Together with the recent rec- 

 ord from Butte, these are the only places the insect is known 

 to occur in North America. In the Old World this tiny beetle 

 has been recorded as feeding on almost any kind of stored 

 product. It has been found living in all sorts of spices and 

 drugs. It has been reported as injuring carpets in England, 

 stored grain in Sweden, and has done considerable damage in 

 chocolate factories, and in stored wool and leather in Switzer- 

 land. It is certainly a household nuisance and an undesirable 

 addition to our list of injurious insects. This beetle has un- 

 doubtedly been in Butte for several years. An attempt is being 

 made to exterminate it in the one house that it is known to in- 

 fest. It probably occurs in other places in the city, and we 

 would be pleased to hear from any person who has seen it. 

 It is hoped that Montana conditions will not be favorable for 

 its development and that it will not become the pest that it is 

 in Europe. The adult beetle is Vg inch in length, quite round 

 in shape, and of a satiny gold color. The beetle is unable to 

 fly and it is only in shipments of various products that it can 

 be dispersed to any great distance. 



I\SK(TS OF 3II\0I{ IMIMM{TA>CE 



As has been previously stated in this report, Montana has 

 been particularly fortunate in having but one outbreak of major 

 importance during the past two years. When we will again 

 be visited with a large grasshopper or cutworm outbreak can 

 not now be prophesied. However, aside from these insects of 

 major importance which have just been discussed, there are 

 many others of minor importance which have done, in the ag- 

 gregate, considerable damage during the past two years. 



Figures 4 and 5 show the distribution throughout the state 

 of communities which have requested information on insect 

 control. 



