468 



The White Pine "Weevil. 



I am growiu<; some acres of white i)ine trees (Flnus strohus). Their worst enemy 

 is an insect which lays its eggs at the base of the runner, or upright sprig, which 

 starts from the tree's top in the spring. The worm kills this runner and the side 

 shoots then grow in a more upright position and make a crotched tree of little or no 

 value for timber. I see no way to prevent the ravages of this little do-evil, but should 

 like to know more about him. — [J. D. Lyman, Exeter, New Hampshire, April 22, 

 1891. 



Reply. — * * * ^pj^g insect which you complain of is the White-pine Weevil 

 (Pissodes stroM). You will find this insect treated at some length on pages 734 to 741 

 of the Fifth Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission a copy of which I have 

 sent you by accompanying mail. — [April 22, 1891.] 



A Lampyrid infested -with Mites. 



I send a little Lampyrid, which seems to have mites on it. Does the larva live in 

 the ground ? I took a thousand from an old pine root. Every morning there would 

 be a lot of them eeemingly just come from the root that is in the ground. — [Mrs. A. 

 E. Bush, San Jos6, California, April 24, 1891. 



Reply. — * * » The Lampyrid beetle is Eros hamatus. The larvae of these 

 beetles live at or near the surface of the ground, often in connection with decayed 

 wood. The mites which you mention on the beetles are the young of some Gamasid 

 and are new to the collection. — [May 4, 1891.] 



Diabrotica injuring Corn in California. 



Found yesterday what I take to be the larvoe of Diahrotica soror very injurious to 

 young corn, which is cut very often entirely off above roots ; often three to five larvae 

 in one plant. Have you had it? Will raise mature insects of same. * * ♦ — 

 [Albert Koebele, Alameda, California, May 25, 1891. 



Reply. — * * * j ^m glad to receive the larvae which are undoubtedly those 

 of Diahrotica soror, as we did not have them before in the collection. It is interesting 

 to know that this insect has the same habit as its eastern congeners, D. vitiata and D. 

 longicornis. I shall bo glad to have you make full notes concerning its injuries. — 

 [June 2, 1891.] 



A new Pest to Prune trees. 



I inclose sample of bugs which are eating the foliage of prune trees, strippiug 

 them in a short time. What is it ? What will kill it ?— [ J. H, Albert, Salem, Oregon, 

 May 12, 1891. 



Reply. — » » * This beetle is one of the weevils known as Thricolepis inornata. 

 It is a western species aud little or nothing is known of its habits. It is a new pest 

 and requires investigation. Feeding as it does, the best remedy will be to spray the 

 affected trees with Paris green or London purple in the proportion of 1 pound to 200 

 gallons of water. I would urge you to keep this oflSce posted as to further develop- 

 ments.— [May 19, 1891. J 



The Pear-blight Beetle and Plum Plant-louse. 



I send you two specimens of insects; one of them is on plum leaves and is the 

 smaller and of a greenish color. It is very destructive on the plum. The black 

 and larger insect is at work on the apple trees. They are very numerous and are 

 working on the new shoots where they branch out from the limbs this spring. What 

 are the names of these insects and what are the best remedies for their destruction ?— 

 [Jesse P. Elliott, Connorsville, Indiana, May 18, 1891. 



