12 BULLETIN" 914, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Phorocera parva Bigot, 5 a tachina fly, is reported as a parasite of 

 this leaf-roller by Coquillett (J 4) ■ 



CONTROL. 



The red-banded leaf-roller is seldom sufficiently abundant to war- 

 rant artificial methods for its control. Since it conceals itself in 

 leaves, rolled or bound together, it would appear difficult to reach 

 it with insecticides, but as it must issue from this shelter to feed on 

 surrounding leafage it can then be reached by the application of 

 arsenicals. The best time to apply these is soon after the eggs are 

 laid. Arsenate of lead is the standard insecticide, used at about 2 

 or 3 pounds to 50 gallons of water and applied as a spray. 



The webbed leaves can be readily detected after a little practice, 

 and when infestation is not too heavy these can be clipped and burned, 

 or they may be pinched so as to crush the larvae within. 



Early fall plowing and burning over the garden after the crop is 

 off, either in fall or early spring, are two farming methods Avhich, 

 if vigorously practiced, will undoubtedly help greatly toward hold- 

 ing this insect in check. They should both be put into practice in 

 case of infestation. 



SUMMARY. 



The foliage of beans, sweet potato, asparagus, strawberry, rasp- 

 berry, and various other crops is subject to attack by a small greenish 

 caterpillar about three-fourths of an inch long when mature, known 

 as the red-banded leaf -roller, which rolls the leaves in various ways, 

 according to the nature of the plant attacked, and breeds continuously 

 throughout the growing season, from April to Xovember. 



It is native to this country, where it enjoys a wide distribution 

 from Maine to Texas and has been found in California. 



The species has been studied in the District of Columbia and vi- 

 cinity. Hibernation takes place exclusively in the pupal state, which 

 occupies a period of 5 months, leaving 7 months for the active or 

 working stage. The ascertained period of the egg stage is 11 days, of 

 the larva 22 days, and of the pupa a minimum of 6 da} r s. There are 

 at least two and probably three generations annually in the climate 

 where observed. 



Several natural enemies, mostly parasites, attack this species. 



The red-banded leaf-roller is seldom sufficiently abundant to war- 

 rant artificial methods for its control, and since it conceals itself in 

 rolled-up leaves, it is difficult to reach with insecticides. It can, how- 

 ever, be reached with a spray of lead arsenate, inasmuch as it issues 

 from this shelter to feed on surrounding leafage. Clipping the 

 webbed leaves from the affected plants, early fall plowing, and 

 burning over affected areas after the crop is off. will help to hold the 

 insect in check. 



5 Identification by Coquillett. 



