-2- 



Clover leaf weevils . The larvae resemble those of the alfalfa weevil, but feed at night 

 and hide in ground debris during the day. Check red clover fields that have had a heavy- 

 straw or mat covering. The green worms with a white stripe down the back will be found 

 under the debris, and the clover will show irregular holes in the leaves from their feed 

 ing. Clover can usually recover from the damage. However, severe damage could occur in 

 some fields should the cool weather continue. 



If plant growth is slow and leaf feeding becomes severe, a spray of 1 pound of malathion 

 per acre (or mixtures of malathion or diazinon and methoxychlor) will control this insed 

 For best results, apply malathion only when air temperatures are 60° F. or above. 



CORN SOIL INSECTS 



There has been some confusion about the cancellation of the aldrin label by the Federal 

 Environmental Protection Agency. Although we do not recommend the use of aldrin or heptc 

 chlor in Illinois, it is still legal to use and sell aldrin for corn-soil application . 



In most instances, we feel that this will not be profitable, particularly on fields with 

 a history of use. In many of these cases, diazinon seed treatment may be sufficient. Ii 

 you do use aldrin or heptachlor, use them only on corn planted on sod fields. Do not use 

 aldrin or heptachlor on dairy farms or where soybeans are to be grown during the year of 

 treatment. Do not grow soybeans in fields where aldrin or heptachlor have been applied 

 for five or more consecutive years. If you use aldrin or heptachlor on corn and lose the 

 stand too late for replanting to corn, do not plant soybeans in that field. Dasanit, 

 diazinon, Dyfonate, and phorate (Thimet) have been steadily replacing aldrin and hepta- 

 chlor in general-use situations for corn-soil application. Along with carbofuran (Fura- 

 dan) and BUX, they have almost completely replaced aldrin and heptachlor for rootworm 

 control . 



HOMEOWNER INSECTS 



Brown recluse spider . This species continues to attract much attention in Illinois. Dr. 

 J.D. Unzicker, Taxonomist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, has identified brown 

 recluse spiders from 47 of the 102 counties in Illinois (see map) . 



The body of this spider is about half an inch long. The leg span is an inch to an inch 

 and a half. The color may vary from light fawn to almost dark brown. There is a dis- 

 tinct, fiddle -shaped, dark marking behind the head (see picture). 



• 



Although reports of persons bitten by this spider are not numerous, its bites are poison- 

 ous and the brown recluse is considered to be of public health importance. Unfortunately 

 the origin of bites is usually unknown. Most are attributed to the brown recluse spider 

 because of the resulting wound. This spider bites only when disturbed. The brown reclus 

 has a habit of living in dark, sheltered areas (such as attics), in storage areas, base- 

 ments, crawl spaces, and barns. Unlike other web-spinning species, it spins very small 

 or irregular webs. 



According to Dr. Unzicker, the brown recluse is a southern species that cannot survive 

 the winter outdoors in central and northern Illinois. Consequently, it prefers to live 

 in or near houses or buildings and inside stored items. Dr. Unzicker suggests consulting 

 a physician about any spider bite. Little or nothing is known about the bites of many 

 common household spiders. It is possible that other species may be responsible for bites 

 similar to those of the brown recluse. 



