The Chinch-Bug Family 



of the United States there are two generations, the eggs for 

 the second generation being laid in late July or early August. 

 In all stages the chinch-bug is gregarious and clusters upon 

 grains and grasses in such numbers as to quickly destroy them. 



S 7o ^ 



Fig. 205. — Blissus leucopterus. (After Riley.) 



They migrate in search of food and after wheat harvest they 

 usually travel to the nearest cornfield and the second generation is 

 developed on this crop. Many of the adults have only half 

 developed wings and this form, which is called " micropterous " 



Fig. 206. — Blissus leucopterus. 

 (After Riley.) 



is apparently more abundant near the sea-coast than elsewhere. 

 A fungus disease is very prevalent in wet weather and efforts 

 have been made to propagate this disease and (with some 

 measure of success) artificially introduce it into infested fields. 



312 



