51 



black, the hairs yellow; antennae and legs brown, hal teres yellowish, 

 scutellum and abdomen bright yellow, the hairs also yellow. Wings 

 gray, strongly iridescent, thickly covered with short hairs; first vein 

 extending rather close to- the costa, terminating slightly before the 

 middle of the wing; third vein terminating distinctly below the 

 extreme tip of the wing, its basal portion, connecting with the first 

 vein, imperceptible; fifth vein forked near the middle, the anterior 

 fork terminating midway between the apex of the posterior fork and 

 of the tip of the third vein. Length 1.25""" to 1.50 mm . 



The remedy generally employed against this pest consists in picking 

 off and destroying the infested leaves. It is also amenable to the 

 hydrocyanic-acid gas remedy, as detailed in Circular No. 37, 2d Ser., 

 of this Division, and undoubtedly also to the buhach insect pow- 

 der, recommended as a specific against the "gall flies" on roses. 

 Tobacco, however, can not be safely used to any great extent on violets 

 grown under glass. 



INSECTS AND THE WEATHER: OBSERVATIONS DURING THE 



SEASON OF 1899. 



By F. H. Chittenden. 



Every economic entomologist receives from time to time complaints 

 regarding some insect which is stated to be new to the locality of the 

 sender, and, among other questions, it is often asked, will the insect prove 

 injurious and is it likely to reappear in future years! Such communi- 

 cations usually apply to insects which are periodical in their attacks, 

 common examples of which are to be found among the bill-bugs, numer- 

 ous flea-beetles, cutworms, army worms, etc., and to introduced and 

 other insects which are extending their range. In the case of many 

 species, such as certain forms of plant-lice, the imported cabbage 

 worm, tussock moth, etc., we know from years of experience that para- 

 sites or other enemies are almost sure to check the later appearing 

 individuals or later broods of the insect (if there be more than one 

 generation annually), and we can usually predict a scarcity in numbers 

 for one or two years to come, although we know that eventually there 

 will probably be a repetition of the attack. 



Very often it happens, when we are unable to account for a sudden 

 appearance or disappearance of an insect on the score of the activity 

 or its natural enemies, parasitic, predaceous, fungous, or bacterial, that 

 we give expression to the opinion tliat some atmospheric condition, heat 

 or cold, dryness or muisture, is the principal element that has brought 

 about its reported abundance or scarcity, as the case may be; but if 

 asked to show in just what manner the weather has been responsible 

 we sometimes hesitate before offering the desired information. 



Official entomologists report injury or scarcity of this or that insect 



