SHADE TREE PESTS IN NEW YORK STATE 

 The annual depredations of the white marked tussock moth, the severe 

 injuries inflicted by the forest tent caterpillar not only on forest trees and 

 sugar orchards but also on shade trees, the insidious work of wood and 

 bark borers and the extreme destructiveness of the elm leaf beetle, 

 have all combined to emphasize the vital importance of protecting shade 

 trees in the cities and villages of this state. 



Injuries to trees. Some idea of the destructive powers of shade 

 tree pests may be gained by examining their past history. Albany and 

 Troy have each lost over a thousand magnificent trees in the la^t five 

 years through the work of the elm leaf beetle and its associates. The 

 elms were not only defoliated once, but a second crop of leaves was 

 frequently stripped from the trees, thus causing speedy death. About 

 nine years ago thousands of trees were killed in Brooklyn, N. V., by the 

 maple tree scale insect, and last year it was so abundant as to inflict 

 much damage in many localities. The white marked tussock moth 

 yearly defoliates many valuable trees, in spite of the fact that a few well 

 directed efforts would keep it in check. In most cases no effort is made 

 to control the outbreak of an insect till it has about passed the remedial 

 stage. That is, the insect has nearly completed its growth and therefore 

 can not be poisoned through its food, or else the foliage is so completely 

 devoured that there is very little to poison. Those interested in the wel- 

 fare of trees, should be posted in regard to their principal insect enemies 

 and be prepared to give their trees adequate protection. 



Object of bulletin. The aim of this bulletin is to present in con- 

 cise form the characteristics of the more destructive species attacking 

 our principal shade trees, both through descriptions and figures, and to 

 indicate methods of controlling them. If the insect does not agree with 

 any of those described in the following pages, examples should be sub- 

 mitted to the state entomologist and the proper method of controlling 

 it learned. In case of a very severe attack, it would probably be wiser 

 to fight on general principles and ascertain more in regard to it later, 

 for a host of caterpillars can cause irreparable damage in a few days if 

 left alone. It is much easier to control insects than to subdue them 

 after they have obtained a good start. 



whit: jarked tussock moth 



Noioloplius leucostigma Sm. and Abb. 



This species feeds readily on elm and maple leaves, displaying a 

 special preference for those of horse chestnut and linden, and frequently 

 does considerable damage. Last year it was a scourge in some cities of 

 this state. 



