SOME COMMON GARDEN PESTS 



and if the bushes are treated early in the season 

 with Paris green they may be kept in check. 



Libellula basalis Dragon-Fly is predace- 

 ous, with mouth-parts formed for biting. The 

 nymph-stage is passed in water as an ugly crea- 

 ture, which moves slowly about in search of 

 food. As the nymph grows the wing-pads ap- 

 pear, and when fully developed the pupa stage 

 has been reached. The creature, instead of 

 being quiet, now moves actively, climbs upon 

 some weed or rock, sheds its nymph-skin, and 

 begins its life in the open air. Nothing is more 

 wonderful in nature than this transformation. 

 The dragon-fly is one of the beneficial insects, 

 as it clears the atmosphere of mosquitoes, mites 

 and gnats. 



Cicada tibicen, the insect incorrectly called 

 Locust, has a life history full of interest to chil- 

 dren. They are all familiar with the peculiar 

 shrill noise made by the male during the warm 

 days of summer. The two drums by which this 

 noise is made may be easily seen on the under 

 side of the male's body. The discarded nymph- 

 skins are commonly seen clinging to the trunks 

 of trees and fences. But to watch the creature 

 emerge from his nymph-skin, to see the unde- 

 veloped wings expand, and the delicate colors 

 change to rich dull greens and browns, is a 

 lesson in natural history that is not easily 



189 



