4 BULI.ETIX 1035, U. S. DEPAETMEXT OF AGFJCULTUEE, 



Mr. E. A. McGregor reports it as attacking also the American elm 

 {TJlmus americana) and two other varieties of elm {Ulmus spp.). 

 the willow {Salisc sp.). the white oak {Quercus cdha) ^ and the pecan 

 ( Hicoria fecan ) . at Batesbiirg. S. C. He records it also on elm ( Vhnas 

 -^p.) from Columbia. S. C, and Laurinbiirg, X. C. These records in- 

 dicate a probable wide distribution of this red spider through the 

 South. In Florida the writer has found this species along both the 

 cast and west coasts, including Miami Beach. Miami. Biscayne Key. 

 Homestead. AVest Palm Beach, Florida Cit}^, Fort Myers. Braden- 

 town. Oneco. and Winter Haven. 



DESCRIPTION AND HABITS. 



THE ADULT FEMALE. 



In a]3pearance the adult female (fig. 3, /) is similar to most red 

 spiders which attack various other crops. It is small, of a rusty red 



Fig. 3. 



-The avocado red spider : a, h, Egg ; c, larva ; d, first nymph : c, second 

 nymph ; f, adult female. 



color, averaging 0.30 mm. in size. The abdomen joins the cephalo- 

 thorax, formed by the fusion of the head and thorax, at its full width 

 and extends over the portion to which the posterior pair of legs is 

 attached. The body and legs are covered with bristles. 



THE MALE. 



The body of the male is slender and pointed toward the tip of tlie 

 abdomen and is somewhat smaller than that of the female. The legs 

 are slightly darker and longer than those of the female. The eyes 

 are red and somewhat more conspicuous than those of the female. It 

 averages 0.22 mm. in length. 



