i68 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO VEGETABLES 



deterrents of other insects, bisulphid of carbon destroys other 

 aphides and small bugs, as does also pyrethrum.' 



The Squash-vine Borer (Mclittia satyrinifonnis Hbn.).— A 

 most troublesome enemy of squash, pumpkin and other cucur- 

 bits is the squash-vine borer. In many localities it surpasses 

 all other squash insects in point of injuriousness. Damage is 

 due to the white grub-like larvcT boring through the stems, 

 causing them to rot at the affected points and become severed 

 from the vine. The presence of the borer in the stem is not 

 apparent at the commencement of the attack, but soon becomes 

 manifest through the presence of the yellowish powdery excre- 



Fig. 1 1 1 .—Squash-vine borer, a, Male moth; b, female, with wings folded in natural 

 position when at rest; c, eggs shown on bit of squash stem; d, full-grown larva, in situ 

 in vine; e. pupa; /, pupal cell. All one-third larger than natural size. (Author's illus- 

 tration, U. S. Dept Agr.) 



ment which it forces from its burrow in the stem and which 

 accumulates on the ground beneath, as well as by the sudden 

 wilting and dying down of the leaves. From one to upwards 

 of 145 individuals have been reported taken from a single plant. 

 The larvae work with great rapidity and in a short time in- 



' A detailed account of the melon aphis, Circ. 80, Bu. Entom., U. S. Dept. 

 Agr., should be consulted for a full consideration of remedies. 



