Out-Worms. 



19 



Agrotis subgothica (see Figure 10), Agrotis devastator (a Hadena 

 Figure 14), and Noctua clandestina (an Agrotis, Figure 13). As 

 natural enemies of the cut-worm, the crow, the larva of one of the 

 ground beetles — Harpalus caliginosus (see Figure 26, p. 25), and a 

 hymenopterous insect like the black wasp, are mentioned. Useful 

 preventives and remedies are thick planting, digging out by hand, 

 and trapping in holes. 



In Dr. Fitch's Ninth Report on the Insects of New York {Trans. 

 N. Y. State Agricultural So- 

 ciety for 1863, xxiii, pp. 804-817, 

 and Sixth to the Ninth Be- g t 

 ports, 1865, pp. 237-250), in % 

 connection with general re- 

 marks upon cut- worms, the 

 "Corn Cut- worm " is treated Fig. 22.— Moth of the Striped Cut-worm, Agbo- 

 of in minute detail of descrip- TIS TESSELLATA - (After Fitch.) 

 tion, habits, etc., under the name of Agrotis nigricans var. maizi. 

 The species has since been identified as Agrotis tessellala Harris. 

 It is represented in Fig. 22, in its natural position at rest, and with 

 wings expanded in flight. 



A like minute account of the " Yellow-headed Cut- worm " is 

 given, from which " Hadena amputatrix " of the Third report, was 

 reared, now known as Hadena arctica Boisd. 



The larva of a common carabid beetle, Calosoma calidum (Fabr.), 

 shown in Figure 25, page 24, is also described and figured, as one 

 of the most efficient destroyers of cut-worms. Its method of 

 attacking, killing and devouring its prey is graphically detailed, 

 and characterized as " one of the most interesting and wonderful 

 exhibitions of insect economy which the world affords." 



Mr. B. D. Walsh, in the Practical Entomologist for June, 1886, 

 i, pp. 85-6, has devoted about two pages to the habits of cut- 

 worms, and notice of four species of Agrotis and two of Hadena. 

 An account by Mr. Cochran of some climbing cut-worms in Illinois 

 is quoted, and mention made of a species infesting vineyards in 

 California, and causing serious loss by cutting off the stem of the 

 leaf. 



On pages 64-66 of vol. ii of the same publication is an article 

 entitled "Do Cut-worms destroy tree-buds ? " where the affirmative 

 observations of the writer are given, together with some expedients 

 adopted for the destruction of these creatures. 



