Vol. XXX ] 



ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS 



191 



Notes on Diacrisia virginica (Lep.). 

 By J. D. Mitchell, U. S. Bureau of Entomology. 



In July, 191 7, larvae of Diacrisia virginica were observed 

 all over Victoria County, Texas, in limited numbers, feeding 

 on various species of weeds. At Placido they attacked three 

 fields of cotton and, on about one acre in each field, defoliated 

 the cotton, leaving the green bolls on the stalks. They spun 

 cocoons in August. Owing to the extreme drought and the 

 arrival of the cotton leaf worm, Alabama argillacea, Diacrisia 

 virginica was lost sight of, and its work during the fall was 

 unnoticed. 



In May, 1918, severe infestations appeared in Victoria and 

 adjoining counties, and many complaints came in of cotton be- 

 ing damaged. The writer spent some time in observations in 

 Victoria and Calhoun Counties. 



The larvae were found feeding on the following plants and 

 shrubs : 



Cardiospermum halicacabum 

 Lupinus subcarnosus 

 Cassia occidentalis 

 Cassia chamaecrista 

 Crotalaria sagit talis 

 Helianthus multi flora 

 Helianthus argophyllus 

 Helianthus angustifolius 

 Tagetes sp.* 



Convolvulus (two species) 

 Lippia nodiflora 

 Amaranthus retroflexus 

 Amaranthus albus 

 Amaranthus spina sus 

 Amaranthus hybridus 

 Croton capitatus 

 C rot on texensis 

 Salvia species 

 Iva ciliata 

 Ambrosia irifida 

 Ambrosia elator 

 Ludivigia natans 

 Parthcnium hystcrophorus 

 Euphorbia sp. 



"Balfour vine" 



"Blue bonnet" 



"Punk weed" 



"Partridge pea" 



"Rattle weed" 



"Common sunflower" 



"Satin sunflower" 



"Prairie sunflower" 



"Marigold" 



"Bird weed;" "Morning glory' 



"Fog fruit" 



"Careless weed" 



"Careless weed" 



"Careless weed" 



"Careless weed" 



"Large leaf sage" 



"Narrow leaf sage" 



"Wild sage ;" "Bush sage" 



"Marsh elder" 



"Blood weed" 



"Rag weed" 



"Water purslane" 



"Road weed" 



Tall prairie "Milk weed" 



