[40] 



REPORT 4, UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 



they ceased writliiiig and became torpid and apparently dead; subsequent examina- 

 tion proved all to be dead. From repeated experiments I would give it as my opinion 

 that the pyrethrum -when directly apx)lied to the larvae would prove fatal to them, 

 but the application ^rould have to be repeated as often as the worms appeared, as its 

 effects would be evanescent, whereas that of London purple is permanent, and would 

 prove fatal to one generation at least. As the watery infusion or solution has been 

 introduced and successfully tested by Professor Riley, and the plant may be cultivated 

 by planters, and as a good fountain pump would enable the planter to spray his crop 

 at small cost, this must become the popular remedy, especially as no risk is incurred 

 by the operator in its use. 



Yeast is entirely negative in its effects. 



In my observations I frequently saw clusters of Soldier Bug eggs on the cotton leaf 

 glistening in the sunlight, and made more attractive by the rim of spines crowning 

 their apex. I also met often with the Aphis Lion eggs, with their long pedestals 

 capped by their fleecy cones, and also the eggs of the Lady Bird. 



The season just passed having been characterized by low temperature, and each 

 spell of wet weather by a lower thermometer, infusorial and insect life has been at 

 a minimum ; and, in fact, mosquitoes had not proved annoying until late in Septem- 

 ber, during a hot, damp spell of weather. This late meteorological change likewise 

 caused the worm to spread over larger areas, and gave me the opportunity of collect- 

 ing large numbers of chrysalids of the fifth and sixth generations of Aletia, which 

 I shall dispose of in glass jars and boxes, in and above the earth, so as to test fairly 

 its hibernation, and in due time will report results. 



I have the honor to be, with high respect, yours, 



E. H. ANDERSON, M. D. 



Prof. C. V. Riley. 



REPORT FOR 1881. 



KiRKWOOD, Miss., January 2, 1882. 



Sir : I have the honor herein to submit my report to you as head of the Entomo- 

 logical Department, acting under your instructions and in accordance with commis- 

 sion as received from Department. Owing to the advanced stage of the season when 

 my work commenced, there was little else left for me to do except watch the insect at 

 the period of its departure from the cotton fields, and concentrate my attention ui)on 

 its mode of hibernation, and to ascertain, if possible, whether and how it passes 

 through the winter in this latitude. 



As so many observers, both experts and laymen, have made reports upon their un- 

 successful eiforts to find the moth of Aletia during the winter months, I adopted the 

 plan of collecting chrysalids and eggs and subjecting them to different temperatures 

 and watching their development, the results of which plan will be detailed in this 

 report to its date, as has been from time to time substantially reported to you. 



October 3. — Visited cotton field where I saw larv£e of all sizes and eggs in abund- 

 ance on to]) leaves principally, one to the leaf generally, occasionally two. The in- 

 sect now in its fourth brood. Ants observed to be busy about colonies of Aphides 

 and sucking nectar from gland of midrib of leaf. A large portion of cotton bare of 

 leaves, other portions full leaved, upon which worms of all sizes are now feeding and 

 a second top growth, the result of recent showers, which will sustain next brood. 

 Brought in a lot of chrysalids and eggs to watch development. 



October 10. — Visited a field where I found that a large proportion of the chrysalids 

 of the fourth brood had issued as moths. Eggs abundant, and larvae of all sizes. 

 Watched ants, but saw no new developments. Interested in seeing larva, climbing 

 its web, suddenly falling to the ground, as if accidentally, again ascending to the 

 plant on a new web which must have been spun in its fall. Brought in chrysalids 

 and eggs. Have put up box No. 1, containing 25 chrysalids ; No. 2, glass jar, con- 

 taining 23 ; No. 3, glass jar, a number of eggs. 



Octohei' 11. — Two moths appeared in No. 1 box; one in No. 2. 



October- 12.— Five moths in No. 1 ; 2 in No. 2. - . 



On the 11th put up 13 chrysalids in box No. 4, wire gauze top and bottom, one end 

 glass, balance wood. 



October' 14. — Eleven moths in No. 1 ; six moths in No. 2. 



October 15. — One ichneumon fly, parasite, in box No. 1. 



Visited a field where I found the fifth brood webbed up, principally in persimmon 

 leaves ; the field was bare of cotton leaves. In last two visits observed the larvae to 

 be ranch darker, almost black, on casual inspection. No ants or other insects ob- 

 served, doubtless owing to absence ©f food. This was the field in which the worms 

 appeared first in this locality in considerable numbers, and that was about the 15th of 

 Jnly. 



