APPLE INSECTS OF MAINE. II3 



to prevent the beetles emerging- and attacking new trees. As 

 these beetles live in forest trees, orchards near timber are more 

 liable to become infested. 



THE WOOLLY LOUSE OF THE APPLE. Schlzoneura lanigera, 



Hausm. 



Two forms of this insect are recognized by entomologists. 

 One, known as the apple-root plant-louse, attacks the roots, pro- 

 ducing wart-like excrescences or swellings. The other form, 

 known as the woolly louse of the apple, is the one found in 

 Maine. It feeds upon the sap of the trunk and branches. The 

 two are regarded as the same species, living under different con- 

 ditions. The above ground form occurs most abundantly, in this 

 country, in New England. Entomologists differ in their opinions 

 regarding its nativity; some accredit it to America; most are 

 inclined to think it originated in Europe, where it is much more 

 destructive than in this country. 



This insect, in the root form, was noticed in this country as 

 early as 1848, when thousands of trees were found so badly 

 infested that they had to be destroyed. Since then the insect has 

 been reported as doing more or less damage in every section of 

 the country. The pest is distributed upon nursery stock, and 

 the importance of carefully examining nursery stock before set- 

 ting is strongly urged. 



Description and Life History. 



The eggs, which are very minute, are laid in the crevices of the bark 

 at or near the surface of the ground. 



The young when first hatched ai^pear Hke specks of mold, being covered 

 with fine white down. As they get older, the cottony covering becomes 

 more distinct, apparently issuing from the pores of the skin of the abdo- 

 men and attaining considerable length. The young have beaks longer 

 than the body and, when grown, this organ is fully two-thirds the length 

 of the body. By means of the beak, they attach themselves to the roots 

 or branches, and when abundant, draw heavily upon the vitality of the 

 tree, or may even kill it. 



When full grown the females are about one-tenth of an inch long, 

 oval ; head and feet black ; legs and antennse dusky ; abdomen yellowish ; 

 body covered with white mealy powder ; a tuft of long, easily detached 

 down upon the hinder part. Under each patch of down is usually found 

 a female and her young. During the summer the females are wingless 



