106 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



starchy or sugary substances, they could be destroyed by poisoned 

 sweets. 



This same species has also been reported from Brewer, Me. 



THE EESTG-BAXDED SOLDIER-BUG. 



Perillus circiimcinctus, Stal. 

 Order Hemiptera. FAr^iiLT Scutellerid.e. 



^Ye received through Mr. McKeen the following letter accom- 

 panied by a specimen of the above well-known parasite upon potato 

 beetles : 



Bean's Corker, Me., August 6, 189-i. 

 Hon. B. W. McKeen, Augusta, Me. : 



Sir — I send you herewith a bug that seems to like to sticli his 

 proboscis into the larvfe of the potato beetle and lie back and enjoy 

 life as long as there is anything left in the larva?. I presume you 

 are acquainted with him. but he is a stranger to me. They do not 

 seem to be numerous at present. Perhaps you would give his life 

 history in one of your bulletins. 



Yours resp'y, 



Gustaye Pease. 



This is the first time this insect has been reported to the Station, 

 and as we have not observed it in the State, it is desirable that it 

 be known and protected as a friend to the potato grower. It is a 

 beautiful insect and is sure to attract attention. It may be known 

 by the following description. 



Length about one-half inch, width about one-fifth 

 inch. Polished dark brown marked with cream 

 colored bands as shown in the figure. The thorax 

 and scutellum are coarsely punctured. 



Head brown above and yellow beneath, mouth 

 parts brown, antennae five jointed, darker toward 

 the ends, eyes black and prominent, proboscis four 

 jointed, the terminal two black and also the base of 

 the other two on the under side. 

 Thorax arched, polished brown, darker toward the head, bor- 

 dered above on the sides and in front by a cream colored band 

 which also extends down the middle of the thorax. The pro thorax j 



