84 REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST I92I 



The snow-white moths of this species appeared on the streets of 

 Albany July 21st, being moderately abundant over a considerable 

 area. They very probably had drifted from the infested areas 

 northeast. The English sparrows fed greedily upon the moths and 

 by noon little was to be seen except scattering wings. 



Insect-feeding birds appear to be the most effective checks upon 

 such outbreaks and occurrences such as noted above are additional 

 arguments for the better protection of birds, since under present 

 conditions at least, the cost of artificial control in ordinary wood- 

 land areas would be prohibitive. 



Maple leaf cutter (Paraclemensia acerifoliella 

 Fitch). This interesting insect came to notice in 191 1, and 

 again in 191 9, both outbreaks being in the vicinity of Lake George 

 and causing some concern because of the unfortunate condi- 

 tion of the infested trees. This is very apparent because the 

 feeding is confined largely to the lower limbs of large trees and to 

 fairly well-shaded small trees, consequently it is easy to overesti- 

 mate the injury. A somewhat detailed account of this insect is 

 given in the Entomologist's report for the year 191 1, State Museum 

 Bulletin 155. 



Imported willow beetle (Plagiodera versicolora 

 Laich.). This new introduction has become well established in 

 New York State. Dr F. J. Seaver of the New York Botanical 

 Garden brought it to our notice in June 191 9. It was then known 

 to occur on Staten Island and in various New Jersey localities. 



Observations, July 7, 1921, showed the insect to be abundant in 

 the vicinity of Syossett. There it was feeding upon the willows in 

 considerable numbers and disfiguring the foliage to a marked 

 extent. Records of the occurrence of this insect in Port Chester 

 adjacent to the Connecticut state line have been kindly placed at 

 our disposal by Dr W. E. Britton, state entomologist of Connecticut. 



It is evident that this insect has become generally established in 

 the southern part of the State and may be expected to spread over 

 a considerable territory. Both adults and grubs feed upon poplars 

 and willow, the latter confining their operations to the under sur- 

 face of the foliage. The moderately stout, metallic blue beetles 

 are about one-eighth of an inch long, hibernate, and issuing in late 

 April or early May feed for a time and then commence to deposit 

 eggs, a process continuing through the greater part of the month. 

 The beetles of the second brood appear in early June and continue 

 to issue until into July. 



