from 1.2 to 1.8""", while the wings expand from -1.5 to 6"^™. A darker 

 form of the female is shown in profile at ah^ and the antenna, much 

 enlarged, at aa. The male has not as vet been recognized. 



This is by far the most important and abundant aphis affecting- 

 melons and other cucurbits, and is not likel}^ to be confused with any 

 other species occurring habitually on the same class of plants." It is, 

 indeed, a ver}^ important pest, and, taken season after season, the worst 

 aphis occurring in this countr3\ 



Fig. 2.— Melon aphis {Aphis gossypii): a, winged female; aa, enlarged antenna of same; ab, dark 

 female, side view, sucking juice from surface of leaf; b, young nymph or larva; c, last stage of 

 nymph; d, wingless female. All greatly enlarged (author's illustration). 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The origin of the melon aphis is doubtful, but is probabh- tropical, 

 since this insect shows a decided preference for plants of a tropical 

 nature, such as the cucurbits, cotton, and orange. Southward the 

 aphis occurs in the West Indies, in Mexico, and in Brazil, and doubt- 

 less elsewhere in South America. It is very generally distributed 

 thruout the L^nited States, but does more injury in the southwest than 

 elsewhere. In Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska it is particularly trouble- 

 some to melons, and in the last two States to cucumbers, which are 

 there extensively grown for pickling. But it msij at any time create 



«The squash aphis {Nectarophora ISiphonophora] cucurhitx Middleton), a much 

 larger species, more uniformly green, and of a much lighter and brighter color, is 

 often found on cucurbits, but seldom in sufficient numbers to cause noticeable 

 damage. 



