THE EGGPLANT LACE-BUG. 
NATURAL ENEMIES. 
Several predaceous insects were observed feeding on the nymphs 
and adults of the eggplant lace-bug. The species of ladybeetles 
common in this section, Hippodamia convergens Guer. and Megitta 
maculata De Geer, in both the larval and adult forms feed on the 
nymphs and adults of this lace-bug, usually turning them over on 
their backs before feeding. A common soldier-bug, Podisus macu- 
liventris Say, feeds on the nymphs. Another common hemipteron 
found feeding on the nymphs is Triphleps insidiosus Say. Three 
species of spiders, Epeira domiciliorum Hentz, Plectana stellata Hentz, 
and CMracantJiium inclusum Hentz, identified by Mr. Nathan Banks, 
of the Bureau of Entomology, were observed feeding on all stages of 
the lace-bugs. It was not uncommon to find many lace-bugs with the 
head severed and the body mutilated. A very few specimens of a 
hymenopterous parasite were reared with the adult lace-bugs; this 
was identified as Microdus sp. 1 but it was not positively proved to 
attack the lace-bug. 
METHODS OF CONTROL. 
June 17 and 18, 1914, a series of spraying experiments against this 
lace-bug was undertaken in which the comparative values of fish-oil 
soap and various strengths of a standard blackleaf tobacco extract 
containing 40 per cent active nicotine sulphate were tested. (See Plate 
IV.) The results were quite satisfactory. 
Table IV. — Spraying experiments against the eggplant lace-bug, Norfolk, Va., 1914. 
No. 
Fish-oil soap. 
Nicotines* Sfc 
cent). 
phate. 
Adults 
killed (per 
cent). 
1... 
2... 
3... 
4... 
5... 
1 pound to 50 gallons of water. . . 
do.... 
do 
2-j pounds to 50 gallons of water. 
3 pounds to 50 gallons of water . . 
5 pounds to 50 gallons of water. . 
6 pounds to 50 gallons of water. . 
7 pounds to 50 gallons of water. . 
8 pounds to 50 gallons of water. . 
1 to 1,066 
1 to 800 
1 to 640 
80 to 85 
90 
85 to 90 
80 to 85 
90 
95 
100 
100 
100 
None. 
None. 
None. 
None. 
None. 
None. 
40 to 50 
90 to 95 
95 
From the above table it will be readily seen that the percentage of 
nymphs killed was but slightly affected by the increase in the amount 
of the nicotine sulphate, and that the latter had no effect whatever on 
the adults; whereas with each increase in the amount of fish-oil soap 
there was a corresponding increase in the percentage of nymphs killed, 
until finally we arrive at a strength which will affect the adults. 
Above that strength we may then get perfect control of both the 
nymphs and adults. 
Too much emphasis can not be laid on the thoroughness with 
which the spraying should be performed. It is particularly essential 
that the underside of the leaves be thoroughly covered by the spray. 
i Chttn. No. 137301. 
WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1915 
