13 



Dariug 1887 we heard uotbiug of this iusect, possibly also from the 

 fact that the larvi© may require two 3'ears for development. During 

 the winter, in response to inquiries concerning the facts for 1887, Mr. 

 Smith-Vaniz wrote that he failed to rear to maturity any larvai in 1886; 

 that they perished when apparently half-grown. He intended to i^ursue 

 the subject in 1887, but, though there were a few beetles to be found early 

 in the season, they disappeared so unexpectedly soon that he secured 

 none for propagation. In 188G thej^ were to be found around the corn- 

 roots throughout the growing season, and mature beetles were found as 

 late as December 1. 



Thus this subject, in spite of its interest and importance, remains 

 comparatively unsettled, because the important x^oint as to where and 

 how the insect hibernates is still unknown. This article will set forth 

 the rather curious fact of the great damage which may be done to corn 

 by this species, and presents strong additional proof on the hitherto 

 unsettled point of the i^lace where the eggs are deposited. There can 

 be no reasonable doubt that the eggs and young larvae collected at the 

 roots b}^ Mr. Smith-Yaniz belong to this species ; but the length of 

 larval life and the loanner of hibernation must be left to another favor- 

 able opportunity to decide. 



It will be observed that the testimony above quoted, ou the attraction 

 of light to the beetle, is diametrically opposed to the statements by 

 Professor Oomstock on page 239 of his report for 1879, in discussing the 

 injuries of this species to sugar-cane, and, if true, invalidates his con- 

 sequent recommendation of the use of trai) lanterns in the field. The 

 writer, however, was informed at Franklin, La., in March, 1881, that 

 the beetles were attracted in such numbers to the light in the windows 

 of a small grocery as to be the subject of general comment. It is to be 

 doubted, however, whether the beetles can be attracted by light when 

 actually engaged in feeding, or until after oviposition has taken place. 



EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE. 



IIji inepjiriug these extracts from correspondence, wliicli we liope to make a prominent feature of 

 this puhlication, we do not pretend to give the answer of the Entomologist in full and verbatim, but 

 simply a digest of the important points.] 



THE GARDEN WEB-WOKM {Eurycveon rantalis) he-appears. 



The Web-worni {Enrtjcreon rantalis) has made its appearance in tins section again; 

 tile motlis lirst api)eare(l in great nnmbers some tlireo weelis ago and are present now 

 in great numbers ; the caterpillars are feeding on the pigweed, sweet-potatoes^ cab- 

 bage ; I have not noticed them on the corn yet. Has there been any insecticide tried 

 that has been successful ? I will try pyrethrum, sul[)hur, etc., to-morrow on my cab- 

 bage. — [Jacob Nixon, Kellogg, Cowley County, Kans., June 14, 1888. 



Eeply. — Yours of the 14th with information as to damage by the Garden Web- 

 worm just received. I have had no occasion to publish anything concerning this in- 

 sect since the publication of the annual report for 1885, a co]>y of which was sent 



