as. AL. Bb. HW: Bul. 68, Part Iv. D. F. I. I., October 17, 1907. 
PAPERS ON DECIDUOUS FRUIT INSECTS AND INSECTICIDES. 
THE LESSER PEACH BORER. 
(Synanthedon pictipes G. & R.) 
By A. A. GIRAULT. 
Engaged in Deciduous Fruit Insect Investigations. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Until recently the only lepidopterous porer of the peach known to 
be common and injurious in the East was the peach borer (Sanni- 
noidea exitiosa Say), an insect well known to entomologists and fruit 
growers alike. About ten years ago—in 1896—however, another 
somewhat similar borer, the subject of this paper, now called the 
lesser peach borer, was mentioned by Webster as “ thé peach borer,” 
and again, four years later, Smith recorded it as being sometimes 
found on the peach in New Jersey, though apparently it was not con- 
sidered a pest of any importance. It was with some surprise that, 
in the investigation of the peach borer by this Bureau during the past 
two years, this insect was discovered to be very abundant on peach in 
Maryland and Georgia, and also to a less extent in western New York 
and adjacent portions of Canada, occurring especially in the trunks 
-of old or diseased trees. At first the larva was confused with that 
of the peach borer, but dissimilarities in its habits soon led to its 
recognition, which was confirmed upon rearing adults. Aside from 
its being a practically unrecognized enemy of the peach, the insect is 
of interest from the fact that it has heretofore evidently been more or 
less confused with the true peach borer, to which the larva bears great 
resemblance in general appearance. In subsequent pages there is 
given as complete an account of the species as is possible at this date. 
HISTORY. 
Up to the year 1906 the species under consideration had not been 
treated as an insect of special economic importance. Previous to 
this time it had been known mostly as occurring on the plum and 
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