FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REE^ORT OF STATE EXTOMuEOGiST 2(il 



people were at a loss how to get rid of them. In many places potato 

 plots were practically ruined before the owner realized it. Arsenite 

 of zinc was recommended as a substitute for Paris green, to be used 

 ])(mnd for pound, and results were very successful. 



False Wireworms (Eleodcs sp.). False wire worms were reported 

 to be injuring- wheat in widely separated localities about the State, 

 .^onie fields were found where the injury was doubtless due to false 

 wireworms, but some were also found where other agencies caused 

 most of tiie damage attributed to this pest. 



The Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle {Silvanus siuinaDiensis Linn.). 

 This insect was found in a carload of dried fruit which was con- 

 demned by the State Board of Health. The fruit, consisting- of 

 j^runes, peaches, figs, raisins, and pears, was unfit for use and a com- 

 plete loss. The fruit was shipped from California. 



Blister Beetles (Epicaiifa rnaciilata Say and E. Penusylvanica 

 D. G.). These beetles are both friends and enemies, feeding- on 

 various crops in the adult stage and on grasshopper eggs in the 

 larval stage. They were unusually plentiful in the localities heavily 

 infested with grasshoppers this season. 



Nuttall's Blister Beetle {Cantharis nuttalli Say). In a few- 

 instances alfalfa was reported to have been injured by Nuttall's 

 blister beetle. The damage was not extensive, nor were the reports 

 of widespread origin. 



Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil (PJn/foiwimis ni§rirostris Fab.). 

 This enemy of clover caused consideralile damage in western Mon- 

 tana. It feeds on the heads and young leaves of clover, causing a 

 loss in the seed crop as well as a lowering of the hay yield. 



Currant Weevil {Psciidmithmiomjis vaJidiis Dietz). This weevil, 

 m cooperation with the fruit fiy, was responsible for some of the 

 currant losses. It is not so readily noticed, however, as it attacks 

 the currants before they are beginning to turn, causing them to fall 

 to the ground and dry up. 



BEES AND ALLIED FORMS (HYMENOPTERA) 



Wasps (Vcspidae). A report was sent in to this office of wasps 

 causing considerable loss by feeding on ripened or partially ripened 

 strawberries, making them unfit for use. While wasps show a 

 decided liking for fruit, it is not often that they are the cause of any 



loss. 



