THE BEAN LADYBIRD. 15 



The first species occurs in abundance throughout the country and 

 is our most useful ladybird, having been transported from one part 

 of the country to another and to foreign countries. The other two 

 are commonly found in the region inhabited by the bean ladybird, 

 but more especially in the middle Northwest. Both species, how- 

 ever, extend their range to Washington and Oregon. 



The larvae are apparently well protected from insect enemies by 

 the branched spines with which the body is armed. In one case, 

 however, the larva of a lace wing fly {Chrysopa sp.) was observed 

 sucking the juices from a partially grown Epilachna larva. 



No insect enemies of the pupa and no fungous or other disease have 

 been observed to affect the living insect in any stage. 



PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 



HAND PICKING AND BRUSHING. 



The bean ladybird is difficult to control. In small gardens hand- 

 picking the eggs, larvae, and adults has given satisfactory results. 

 The greatest measure of success has come from gathering and destroy- 

 ing the overwintered beetles soon after their emergence from hiberna- 

 tion and before they have had an opportunity to deposit eggs. The 

 beetles, being sluggish like the Colorado potato beetle, are readily 

 hand picked. 



Another method which has afforded some degree of success consists 

 in brushing the larva? from the foliage to the earth between the rows. 

 This can be accomplished by striking the plants with the bare hand, 

 with a bunch of weeds, or with a paddle fashioned for the purpose 

 from a shingle. If the brushing is done during dry hot weather 

 very few, if any, of the larva? are able to return to the plants. 



CLEAN CULTURAL METHODS. 



With the knowledge that the adults of the bean ladybird pass the 

 winter under old vines, tufts of grass, weeds, and other useless mate- 

 rial, the numbers of beetles may be materially reduced by burning 

 in late fall or early spring all rubbish of this nature along ditches 

 and fence corners and in similar locations. Everything possible 

 should be done to destroy these winter quarters, as their destruction 

 will afford a considerable measure of protection from injury, if done 

 by a community year after year. 



EARLY AND LATE PLANTING. 



Proper attention to the time of planting will prevent considerable 

 injury by this as well as many other species of insect pests. 



By planting earlier than usual this can be accomplished, as well 

 as by planting considerably later, or as late as a crop can be assured. 

 Since the overwintered beetles do not begin to feed until very late, 

 planting early will accomplish much, enabling the plants to make 

 such good growth that insect damage coming late may be immaterial. 



Late planting should be so timed that the plants will come up after 

 the overwintered beetles have about ceased feeding and, at the same 



