90 



Plant-Lice and Scale-Insects. 



This species, called conchifor?nis, or " the shell-like," from its resemblance 

 to a valve of the mussel, infests the apple, and not infrequently other trees. 

 Twigs, as at a, are sometimes seen so thickly bestudded with the scales as 

 entirely to conceal the bark : b represents the same scales magnified. Fig. 

 6 illustrates another species of the same genus, — Aspidiotiis furfums of 



Fig. 6. 



Fitch, or " the dandruff-scale," where the little brown elliptical shell of the 

 animal itself may be seen overlying its whitish waxy secretions. Fig. 7, a, 

 represents the upper, and b the under surface of a true Coccus^ or scale from 

 the grape-vine, magnified five diameters. This species, C. vitis, may be 

 found quite abundantly in June and July, between the loose bark and wood 



Fig. 7. 



of the smaller branches of the vine. The upper surface is often mealy ; 

 but, when this coating is removed, it appears of a polished brown, slightly 

 varied with lighter shades : beneath, as at b, may be traced the outlines of 

 the head, feet, and abdomen, all very soft, and like a pale jelly. Fig. 8 is 

 the representation of the male of a European species. Coccus sylvestris, as 

 given by authors. 



The best mode discovered of removing these troublesome insects is the 

 laborious one of going over with a stiff bristle or other brush every branch 

 and trunk attacked, rubbing hard, and occasionally dipping the brush into 

 strong soap-suds or other preparations recommended above. 



Francis Gregory Sanborn. 



