195 



attain an expanse of five and a quarter inches. Is it not possible, therefore, that 

 the larger size and even other variations are due to temperature changes? 



In the Report of the Transactions of the Asiatic Society for Japan, dated June, 

 1875, Mr. Pry or says "he has found some Jajianese insects the larvse of which are 

 quite different from the British ones, but the imago is the same." He has proved by 

 actual breeding that the temperature alone causes extraordinary changes. 



I lind on examination that what you call Ocneria japonica is given in Pryor's List 

 of Japanese Moths as " Forthetria japonica.'^ It was first called Lymantria dispar, 

 but was afterward changed. 



I still believe that the Ichneumon Fly found here will destroy the Ocneria dispar- 

 It will require demonstration to prove the contrary, as their food and habits are 

 identical as far as I can learn. It is the destructive power of this Microgaster that 

 prevents the moth from being a formidable scourge in Japan. It is really wonder- 

 ful how effectively it works. On this account the moths and caterpillars are con- 

 stantly diminished. 



I send you the freshest specimens of cocoons that I could find. I am sorry that 

 they have proved unproductive. — [H. Loomis, Japan, September 1, 1892. 



Reply. — There can be no doubt as to the specific distinctness of Ocneria japonica and 

 O. dispar. What you state as to the size and variation of larva are well-known 

 entomological facts. The other points of difference are more important, however. 

 Both sexes of japonica average a third larger than dispar. The coloration is more 

 suffused and the markings are less distinct. The cross bands in the front wings of 

 the female are nearly absent in japonica, while the male lacks entirely the differen- 

 tiations of color into brown and fawn, and here, too, the transverse bands are indis- 

 tinct or wanting. The generic names which have been previously used for this form, 

 viz, Porthetria and Lymantria, have no particular significance, as they indicate 

 simply the opinions of certain authors as to the generic position of the insect. Generic 

 names are constantly changing. You are doubtless correct, however, in believing 

 that the two species are so closely related that the Apanteles which you have 

 found will prey upon both.— [September 29, 1892]. 



Injurious Insects in Nebraska : Season 1892. 



Some insects have appeared in more injurious numbers than heretofore, while 

 others have been very inconspicuous. The Apple-tree Tent-caterpillar was more 

 plentiful than last season, as was also the Yellow-necked Apple-tree Caterpillar 

 {Datana ministra), the latter more injurious than for some years past. The Cod- 

 ling Moth was not able to do any damage of note, as the apple crop is an entire 

 failure. Some think that will have the effect of checking the ravages of this moth 

 on the next crop. The Walnut Caterpillar (Datana angusii) made its first appear- 

 ance July 22 and did the usual amount of damage. The Willow Saw-fly ( Cimhex 

 americana) was present, but in greatly diminished numbers. The larvai and beetles 

 of the May Beetles (Lachnosterna spp.) were very numerous, but did not do as much 

 damage as in the previous year to corn. The Corn Root-worm {Diabroiica longicornis) 

 was not so numerous as last year, although the mature beetles seemed much more 

 numerous. Have not heard any serious complaints of the worm doing damage to corn. 

 The Chinch Bug was present in some localities, but did comparatively little damage. 

 The Green-striped Maple-worm was far worse than for some years past, completely 

 defoliating trees in many places. The larv?e of the Sphingids, 'or hawk moths, 

 were very abundant during the first part of July and were quite injurious to toma- 

 toes later in the season. The Green Cabbage-wormis very numerous, completely de- 

 stroying all late cabbages, making the crop very scarce. This worm has been increas- 

 ing in numbers each year. — [William N. Hunter, Nebraska, October 20, 1^92. 



