45 



The full-grown larva is a dirty-white cut-worm, about three-fourths of an inch long, 

 covered with stiff yellow bristles, and is often found in flower gardens, where it is sup- 

 posed to feed on the roots of flowers. During August it becomes a chrysalis in the 

 ground, from which it issues as a moth in September, according to Mr, Riley, but Mr, 

 Norman (Canadian Eutomologist, 1875) records it as very common at St. Catherines, 

 Ontario, from 23rd June until October, and thinks there are two if not more broods of the 

 insect each year. 



Other Cut-worms. 



In the preceding pages we have noticed twelve species of these caterpillars, the his- 

 tories of which have been studied out. The reader will acknowledge that practical Ento- 

 mology is deeply indebted to Mr. Riley, when it is stated that ten of these histories are 

 the result of his researches. No doubt there are others which are injurious, but their 

 economy is yet unknown. Among these is one which Mr. Riley calls the " wheat cut- 

 worm," the moth of which he has not, as yet, succeeded in rearing. He gives an account 

 of it in his first report, and it may, perhaps, be found in Canada. 



Remedies Against Cut-worms. 



Natural. — The means which nature has provided to check the increase of these 

 worms, are, as in other cases, the attacks of predatory insects. Some of our well-known 

 friends, belonging to the beetle, bug and ichneumon tribes, prey upon them and do good 

 service. One of the most efficient is the larva of the fiery ground beetle (Calosoma 

 calidum, Fabr.), which has been styled the " cut-worm lion," on account of the energy and 

 activity it displays in hunting them. The larva is a flattened, black worm-like creature, 

 with six legs on the fore part of the body, and a pair of sharp hook-like jaws projecting 

 from the head, giving it quite a formidable appearance. It seeks the cut-worms even 

 under the soil, and when it discovers one, fixes its jaws in the worm's throat with the 

 grip and pertinacity of a bull dog, never letting go its hold until the larva succumbs and 

 dies. It then feeds upon the contents of the body, and after a rest, goes in pursuit of a 

 fresh victim. 



Another beetle which preys upon them is the murky ground bettle (Harpalus cali- 

 ginosus, Say.), and several others of the Carabidae are known to have similar habits. 



Among the bugs, the spined soldier bug (Arma spinosa, Dallas) devours the worms 

 bodily, and is very serviceable in thinning the numbers. 



There are also several of the Hymenoptera, which in the larva state live internally 

 upon them, producing four-winged flies, some very small (Miciogaster), others quite large, 

 as the yellowish brown Ichnumeon, (Paniscus geminatus, Say.) 



Poultry, particularly chickens, are also an efficient help in destroying them. 



Artificial. — In order to keep cut-worms in check by artificial means, a knowledge of 

 their habits is essential. Thus we know that they always feed at night, and in the day 

 time conceal themselves under, but near the surface of the ground, in the immediate 

 vicinity of the plants they have attacked. A slight search is sure to reveal them, and 

 when found they are of course easily destroyed. This, though troublesome, is the most 

 efficacious mode of preventing their ravages. 



Ashes and lime spread around the plants have been recommended, but their usefulness 

 is questionable. Soot seems to be more obnoxious to them. Fall ploughing is also sup- 

 posed to be a remedy, and has been extensively practised, but it must be done very late 

 in the season, when the worms are benumbed with cold, otherwise they will again descend 

 into the soil to the depth necessary for their protection from the winter. 



A curious fact in the history of these worms, is, that they cannot crawl up a perpen- 

 dicular bank of earth. This fact has been utilized against them, and many have been 



