211 
A gray bug (Brochymena obscura, according to Mr. Howard) is common on fruit- 
trees, and is believed to puncture the young fruit of the peach. Its eggs are para- 
sitized by a species of Trissoleus. This, apparently thetirst Proetotrvpid recorded 
from New Mexico, is stated by Mr. Ashmead to be new. 
The grapevine hopper ( Typhlocyba) is common, and at times destructive to the 
crop. 
A small buffalo gnat (Simulium occxdentale Twns.) is abundant in the early sum- 
mer and very annoying. 
(3) <)F SAXTA F£ ONLY. 
The grubs of Polyphylla abound and are much complained of as injuring the roots 
of trees and other plants. 
Rhyncbites bicolor is very troublesome, eating holes in the buds and bad stalks of 
roses, also eating the expanded petals. 
Euphoria is sometimes found on fruits, but I think does no serious harm. 
A very variable Caccecia (probably C. argyrospila) infests cherry, pear, box-elder, 
and plum ; sometimes eating into the fruit of plum and pear. It was noticed in 
seriously injurious numbers on a plum tree. This may very well be an imported 
insect. 
Many other insects might be mentioned, if one were to attempt a com- 
plete list, but the present notes, made from memory without any 
attempt to compile the records, may serve to give a general impression 
of the condition of affairs. The time is not ripe for anything very 
elaborate, but those who desire further information will find much 
that is interesting in Prof. TownseiuTs various papers, based on the 
work done by him as Territorial entomologist. 
To sum up, even from our fragmentary information, I think the fol- 
lowing facts may be held self-evident : 
(1) New Mexico is not at present very much harassed by insect pests, but prob- 
ably the injury due to insects has at least doubled per acre of cultivated ground 
during the last ten years. 
(2) This increase of injury is due almost entirely to imported species, especially 
to the codling moth. 
(3) While not many of the native species are greatly to be feared, there are 
numerous Eastern and Western insects which will certainly be imported if due meas- 
ures are not taken to examine trees and plants received into the Territory. Such, 
for instance, arc the mussel scale of the apple ( Myt'daspis pomorum), the rose saw- 
flies, the pear-tree Psylla, etc. 
(4) Several pests found now in the Mesilla Valley are not to be seen at Santa Ee. 
and vice versa. It may here be noted that I am informed that the plum curculiohas 
reached Santa Fe, though I have not seen specimens. It has not reached the Mesilla 
Valley. 
One insect, omitted above, should perhaps be mentioned. It is the 
Aspidiotus juglans-rer/ice var. albm. It occurs on ash in Las d uces and 
Mesilla. and on pear and apricot, quite locally, in Mesilla. So far it 
has not done enough harm to attract attention, but it may become a 
serious pest. Its occurence on the ash trees in the streets suggests 
that it may be a native of Xew Mexico, since these trees were brought 
from the mountains not very far distant. 
5216—^o. 2 11 
