51 



Riley, C. V. — The Chinch Bug — Micropus leucopterus (Say). 

 (Sevpnth Kept. State Ent. Mo., 1874, pp. 19-50. Appendix, 

 pp. 51-71, figs. '2, 3, 4.) 



An exhaustive treatment of the subject, called out by the un- 

 paralled damage done by the chinch bug in Missouri in 1874, and 

 the general iguorance prevailing there concerning its history and 

 habits. Ascertaining by circular of inquiry that his Second Re- 

 port had a very limited circulation among the farmers of Missouri, 

 the article in it on the chinch bug is reproduced in part. (For 

 abstract of such quotations see a previous entry.) 



The egg, larval stages, and pupa are described; Say's descrip- 

 tion of the imago quoted (supplemented by a short one by Dr. 

 LeBaron); and Fitch's nine varieties are enumerated, to which 

 another variety is added. The past history of the insect in Mis- 

 souri (dating back to 1836) is given quite fully, much informa- 

 tion having been called out by a circular of inquiry addressed 

 to prominent farmers in every county of the State. Ravages of 

 1874 reported over wider range of country than previously, ex- 

 tending south to Texas and Arkansas and east to Virginia, some 

 corn in Kentucky, even, being ruined. The total loss in Missouri,, 

 including only the staple crops of wheat, corn, and oats, amounted, 

 at a low estimate, to $19,000,000. Food plants, the cereals and 

 grasses. Has seen young chinch bugs around roots of strawberry 

 plants under circumstances indicating that they can feed on this plant. 

 Eggs occasionally deposited on blades of the grain, but generally 

 on roots of infested plants. Flights noticeable at three periods; 

 in early spring, after wheat harvest, and just before seeking win- 

 ter quarters. Migrate for food on foot. Where irrigation is im- 

 practicable, the following preventive measures must be the chief 

 dependence: burning, rolling, invigorating the plant by manure, 

 mixing seed or protecting one plant by another, preventing migra- 

 tion by use of coal-tar or furrow kept friable and dusty, winter 

 work (burning rubbish and trapping) and combined action, and 

 abstaining from cultivation of grains upon which the insect feeds.. 

 As possible remedial and preventive measures needing further 

 trial, there is mention of the following expedients: the use of 

 salt and brine — the former to be sowed with the seed, the latter 

 to be poured on the plants; sowing flax with grains — a quart or 

 two per acre— as being offensive to the chinch bug; and the sow- 

 ing with each twelve bushels of winter wheat one bushel winter 

 rye, and with spring wheat this proportion of winter wheat. The 

 favorable effect reported from the use of salt is attributed to the 

 invigoration of the plant. Reports of injury to stock feeding upon 

 corn fodder badly infested with the bug are no doubt correct. 

 (For recapitulation and matter not noticed here see previous 

 entry. ) 



