APPLE INSECTS OF MAINE. Ill 



Life History. 



The eggs hatch late in May or early in June. If the weather 

 is cold, the lice remain under the scale until warm weather, when 

 they may be seen running about the twigs for a location to attach 

 themselves. The most of these fix themselves around the bases 

 of the side shoots of the twigs, by means of their tiny slender 

 beaks, and live upon the sap of the tree. They gradually 

 undergo changes. Before the close of the season the louse 

 secretes the scale under which it lives and perfects itself. By the 

 middle of August the female becomes a bag of tggs, which are 

 deposited in a mass under the scale, the body of the louse shrivel- 

 ing, as the eggs are laid, until it is a mere speck at the small end 

 of the scale. These eggs remain under the scale, if not de- 

 stroyed, until the following spring and then hatch, completing 

 the life history. 



How this pest is spread from tree to tree is not well made out, 

 but it is supposed that birds carry them on their feet and that 

 large insects may transport them or that the wind may blow the 

 young about. They are probably introduced into young 

 orchards on the nursery stock and multiply. 



Remedies. 



During the Avinter examine the twigs and scrape off the scales, 

 after which, wash with a strong solution of caustic soda or wash- 

 ing powder, applied with a stiff brush. In June, while the lice 

 are still active, spray with an alkaline solution, or better, with 

 kerosene emulsion. 



There are several natural enemies which help to keep the 

 insect in check. One of the most important of these is a species 

 of mite, which preys upon the louse as well as upon its eggs. 

 This mite is so small as to be seen only with a microscope. 



Another important aid in controlling this pest is the twice- 

 stabbed lady-bird. Both larva and perfect beetle devour large 

 numbers of the lice. The mature form of this insect is readily 

 recognized by its polished black wing-cases with a blood-red 

 spot on each. 



