18 CIRCULAR 3 4 6, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The green Calosoma (C. sycophaata L.), which attacks the gypsy 

 moth, the brown-tail moth, and others is of considerable importance 

 in checking these pests. This species was imported from Europe in 

 1905-10 and is now found in practically all sections infested by the 

 gypsy moth. The eggs are laid singly in the soil, and the larvae, im- 

 mediately after hatching, begin their search for food, which consists 

 largely of the caterpillars and pupae of butterflies and moths. These 

 may be found on the surface of the ground or in rubbish, or it may 

 be necessary for the Calosoma larvae to climb trees and bushes to 

 find them. When the prey is found it is seized between the mandibles, 

 a hole is cut in the skin, and the body juices and other materials are 

 eaten. A total of 40 or more full-grown gypsy moth larvae may be 

 consumed by a Calosoma larva during its period of development, 

 which covers from 2 to 4 weeks. The adult beetles feed largely upon 

 caterpillars and consequently spend considerable time in the trees. 

 The beetle spends the winter in a cell in the soil, -and its life may 

 extend over more than 2 vears. 



Figure 13. — Orius insi&iosus, a predacious flower bug : A, Nymph, X 50 : B, adult, X 15. 



The tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) are usually found in dry and sandy 

 places. Their larvae build funnel-shaped pits in the soil and lurk 

 therein while awaiting their prey. They will eat almost any insect 

 that has the misfortune to come within reach of their formidable 

 mandibles. 



While a majority of bugs, such as the harlequin bug {Murgantla 

 histrionica Halm) , are plant feeders and consequently injurious, some 

 species are of real value because of the number of plant-feeding in- 

 sects which they destroy. There are a considerable number of com- 

 mon bugs, such as the assassin bugs (Keduviidae), the flower bugs 

 (Anthocoridae), the ambush bugs (Phymaticlae), and some of the 

 stinkbugs (Pentatomidae), which feed extensively upon the eggs, 

 larvae, and adults of various insects, and they are often of consider- 

 able value in reducing infestations. The common flower bug (Triph- 

 leps) Orius insidiosus (Say) (fig. 13) occurs throughout the United 

 States and feeds largely upon other insects. It has been recorded 

 as attacking the eggs and larvae of the corn ear worm (Hel'wthis 

 obsoleta Fab.) and is said to be one of the most important of the 



