2< 



OTHER GRASSHOPPERS MORE OR LESS INJURIOUS IN DELTA. 



These belong to the families Acridida? and Locustidse. Schistocerca 

 americana and Schistocerca obscura were the most common of the 

 former family. 



Schistoo erca americana or bird grasshopper (see fig. 13). 



This species is single brooded, deposits eggs in the spring, and 

 hibernates in the adult condition. Specimens collected early in May 

 deposited eggs May 15. In the field the egg-laying places are usually 



Fig. 14.— The full-grown Schistocerca obscura (original). 



Bermuda-covered spots and waste areas. Eggs hatch about June 15, 

 and the young molt six times (June 23, June 29, July 5, July 11, July 

 20, and August 5) before reaching the adult condition. In the delta 

 the grasshopper attracts considerable attention owing to its size and 

 bird-like appearance when in flight, yet it has never appeared in threat- 

 ening numbers. Mr. C. D. Patterson, commenting upon the habits of 

 this species, stated that during the clearing up of the waste lands in 

 winter, as the flies ascended the tall trees, these large grasshoppers 

 would fly out from the upper 

 limbs in great numbers. Just 

 how they found shelter among 

 the higher branches of trees is 

 unknown. We found it diffi- 

 cult to carry the bird grass- 



i ,i i ,i , Fig. 15. — The filth stage of Schistocerca obscura (original). 



hopper through the winter in 



captivity, and only succeeded in keeping specimens alive until Febru- 

 ary 2. In the fields, however, a few specimens have been collected 

 from January until the last of May. No parasites were bred from 

 those captured and no special remedial efforts were directed against 

 this species. The egg areas were found, however, and cultivation and 

 the use of coal oil will no doubt prove effective. 



Schistocerca obscura. — (See figs. 14 and 15.) This species in size and 

 shape is not unlike the bird grasshopper. Attention was first called 

 to it in the egg condition. The large brick-red colored eggs are to 

 be found associated with those of Melanoplus differ entialis. A few 



