CABBAGE. 



161 



that are seen in spring should always be destroyed. The 

 larvae puncture and suck the leaves of the cabbage, giving 

 them the appearance of being scorched. Strange to say, 

 while this insect is on the increase, and the damage it 

 inflicts considerable, no birds, or insect enemies seem to 

 prey upon it. Probably, in good time, these will both 

 present themselves for the feast, when its conspicuous 

 black, yellow, and reddish colorings will render it an easy 

 prey-. Hand-picking in the egg, larva, and perfect state, 

 is the only remedy yet known. 



Two of the true bugs are sometimes very destructive 

 to the cabbages and turnips. The False Chinch-bug and 

 the Tarnished Plant-bug. 



The False Chinch-bug (Nysius destructor), much 

 resembles the true Chinch-bug 

 in general appearance, but that 

 has a black head and thorax, 

 and two conspicuous black 

 spots on the front wings, 

 while in this, the False-bug, 

 the color is more uniform 

 and of a paler tarnished brown. 

 The two insects differ in their 

 habits; while the Chinch -bug 

 confines itself to the grains and grasses, this feeds 

 on several garden plants and the grape. The engrav- 

 ing fig. 32, gives the larva at b, and the perfect in- 

 sect at c. This, like related insects, feeds by sucking the 

 juices of plants by means of its beak, causing them to 

 wilt. Like the Chinch-bug, it passes the winter under 

 weeds and rubbish, and clean culture with the burning of 

 all trash at the approach oy winter, will aid in keeping 

 it in subjection. 



The Tarnished Plant-bug (Capsus oblineatus), fig. 

 33, in its general color is dirty yellow, sometimes green- 

 ish, with markings of dark brown or black. It is a more 



Fig. 32. FALSE CHINCH-BUa 



(Nysius destructor.) 

 fc, Pupa ; c, Mature Insect. 



