1310 Rocer C. SmMitH 
fact that the setae are so placed that they readily catch such loose mate- 
rial. Furthermore, it surely is not necessary that larvae be concealed or 
in any way disguised in order that they may catch insects of such marvel- 
ous stupidity as aphids. It is better to interpret this habit as giving 
security from the larva’s enemies, especially birds and hymenopterous 
parasites, and not as a disguise to assist the larva in catching its food. 
The trash carriers live almost wholly in the open, as on the branches of 
trees or the upper sides of leaves. The uncovered species hide in eracks 
or crevices and in rolled-up leaves which effect similar protection. 
Foods 
In all species the food of all stages is essentially the same. Very 
young larvae show a preference for eggs and small aphids or young 
seales, but they will attack also the larger aphids. Furthermore, if 
opportunity presents itself, the larvae will attack and kill adults of their 
own kind. These cannibalistic tendencies, already noted in the ease of 
young larvae, continue throughout the entire larval period. The writer 
has never observed a larva attack a cocoon and succeed in piercing it. 
Prepupae and pupae in cocoons appear to be secure from these attacks. 
While larvae can thus appropriate their own kind in this manner, 
their main food consists of small, soft-bodied insects and related forms. 
Aphids constitute the most important food of all species thus far seen. 
The larvae of Chrysopa oculata ate every kind of aphid given to them. 
In the main, however, aphids from cabbage, cauliflower, radish, turnips, 
spiraea, buckthorn, dogwood, maple, chestnut, apple, carnation, chrysan- 
themum, lily, rose, aster, goldenrod, lamb’s-quarters, and nasturtium, 
were used. All were readily eaten by the larvae. Not all are equally 
suitable and desirable, however. The most desirable, from all points of 
view, are the aphids from cabbage, cauliflower (Plate LXXXV, 3), and 
radish (probably all aphids of the same species), and those from rose. 
Chrysopid larvae, as well as the adults, attack winged aphids just as 
readily as they do wingless ones. Where winged forms have been given 
them alone, they have thrived just as well. 
It has been observed frequently that larvae suck up drops of plant 
juice, and even insert or attempt to insert their jaws into soft plant 
tissue. Without doubt larvae can derive some sustenance directly from 
succulent plant tissue. 
In addition to eating all kinds of aphids and aphid eggs, the larvae 
readily attack scale insects. Young scales that have not formed their 
hard covering are especially suitable for food for chrysopid larvae. If 
old scales are given to them, they raise the scales or pierce them on the 
side and suck out the juices. Tower (1915) tells of a Chrysopa larva 
