88 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO VEGETABLES 



twentieth of an inch, and is yellowish green. This species is 

 quite injurious to cabbage, turnip, potato and cucumber, and 

 attacks also salsify and celery. The principal injury is ac- 

 complished in the spring, by the adults piercing and sucking 

 the juices from flowers and leaf-buds, and later by attacking 

 tender fruits and shoots. 



The tarnished plant-bug is credited with being the author of 

 "buttoning" of strawberries, and forms of "blight," the insect 

 in the latter case acting as a transmitter of germs from dis- 

 eased to healthy plants. Were it not that this plant-bug dis- 

 tributed its attack by feeding on a variety of crops and weeds, 

 it would be more injurious than it is. The bugs are extremely 

 active, quick of flight as well as of foot, and when disturbed 

 have the habit, in common with kindred species, of hiding by 

 dodging to the opposite side of a plant. Hibernation is usually 

 in the adult stage. In early spring, the females deposit their 

 eggs singly on plants, continuing for two weeks or longer. 

 According to Prof. J. M. Stedman, three generations develop 

 in southern Missouri, and two in the northern portion of that 

 state. The duration of the life cycle may be placed approx- 

 imately at about four weeks, or a little longer, the length of 

 time depending on season and climate. 



Remedies. — The standard bug remedy, kerosene emulsion, is 

 the best, sprayed on as thoroughly as possible to all crop plants 

 as well as weeds attacked. Pyrethrum is of value, but must be 

 applied repeatedly and is rather expensive. Hand methods are 

 also valuable, and a hand net is useful for sweeping the plants 

 and surrounding grass and other vegetation. Frequently more 

 individuals can be captured in this way than in any other. 

 When a considerable number have been taken, they can be killed 

 by throwing them into large pans of water with a few drops 

 of kerosene. After the crop is off "back firing" should be 

 practiced in the same manner as described as a remedy for 

 army worms on page 58. 



