KoTES ON THK Life History axd Habits of 

 Cektaix Predaceous Heteroptera. 



A. H. KiRKLAND, M.S., Assistant Entomologist to tub Committee on the Gypsy 

 Moth, Insects and Birds. 



PODISUS PLACIDUS (Ulll.). 



This interesting little Hemipteron, whose predaceous habits 

 were first recorded by Saunders,* has been repeatedly taken 

 during the past year while feeding upon the larvae and occa- 

 sionally puptfi of the gypsy moth. In habits and in the 

 appearance of the early stages this insect closely resembles 

 P. serieventris, whose life history we have given elsewhere. f 

 During the summer months of the past year specimens of 

 P. pJacidus were taken on a great variety of trees and 

 bushes, their distribution in this respect being governed by 

 the presence or absence of the insects on which they feed. 

 The imagoes of the fall brood hibernate and in this region 

 make their appearance about the middle of May. At this 

 time the males considerably outnumber the females. In 

 common with P. serieventris this species is a formidable 

 enemy of the tent caterpillar (^Olif^iocampa americana) , and 

 this latter insect generally furnishes the first food supply 

 of the season for these bugs. P, placidus shows a greater 

 proclivity for entering the wel)S of the tent caterpillar than 

 does P. serieventris, possibly because the shape of its body 

 renders it ])etter able to force an entrance into the web, 

 since the humeral processes do not project to such a degree 

 as in the latter species. 



A fortnight or more is spent in feeding before the eggs 

 are laid, although the sexes are frequently found in coitu 

 soon after emerging from hibernation. Egg-laying takes 



* Can. Ent., Vol. 2, pp 15-95. Report Entomological Societj-, Ontario, 1871, p 31. 

 t "The Gypsy Moth," Forbush and Fernald, 1896, p. 395. 



