REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST I914 9 



vigorous action by agents of the Department of Agriculture has 

 resulted in nearly exterminating this menace, and it is most earnestly 

 hoped that in another year or two this outlying colony will be utterly 

 destroyed. 



Brown-tail moth. A scattering infestation of the brown-tail moth 

 was discovered early in the year on Fisher's island and the eastern 

 end of Long Island. The pest very probably drifted with the winds 

 from the adjacent infested mainland of Connecticut. Systematic 

 scouting and the destruction of over-winter nests by agents of the 

 State Department of Agriculture and the Federal Government have 

 prevented extended multiplication the past season. The abundance 

 of oak on Long Island renders it very probable that this pest will 

 breed freely unless checked artificially. The prevalence of this 

 insect in large numbers would mean an inevitable drop in the high 

 land values prevailing in that section. The Entomologist, co- 

 operating with other local and State agencies, is endeavoring to 

 arouse a general interest in the control of this insect while the 

 infestation is in an incipient stage. 



Grass and grain pests. There was an extended and serious outbreak 

 of grasshoppers on the border of the Adirondacks, portions of Fulton, 

 Saratoga and Warren counties, in particular, suffering greatly. 

 Warning notices giving directions for checking the pests were issued 

 before the situation was serious, and later at the request of thr 

 Governor, the Entomologist made a special study of the problem s 

 and in cooperation with agents of the State Department of Agri- 

 culture, conducted a most satisfactory demonstration of the efficiency 

 of poisoned baits. The grasshoppers of the State have been care- 

 fully studied in this connection and a detailed account of these 

 insects, their capacity for harm and control measures are given on 

 following pages. 



There were numerous local and, in some instances, severe injuries 

 by army worms in mid July and early August. These outbreaks 

 invariably arouse considerable apprehension because of the masses 

 of caterpillars, though as a rule the damage is restricted to com- 

 paratively small areas. The work of the past season demonstrated 

 the utility of poisoned baits similar to those employed against grass- 

 hoppers. Newspaper bulletins giving full information respecting 

 this insect and methods of control were issued at the inception of 

 the attack. 



Studies of white grubs and June beetles begun :n 19 12 were 

 continued, one of the most interesting developments being the 

 rearing of a number of a rather scarce robber fly, Promachus 



