-453- 
FIR3LA2TT ( Solenopsis geminate. Fab. ) 
Arizona C. D. Lebert (July 31): The "Dad unions of young citrus 
trees in the valley have "been covered in many ca.scs. Gummosis 
has resulted at the "bud union. The ants have apparently been 
attracted to the gum exudation which they have removed, together 
with the "bark, thus seriously and in many cases completely 
girdling the trees. 
FALSI CHINCH BUG ( Nysius ericae Schill.) 
California Monthly Hews Letter, Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner 
(July 15): The false chinch bug, Nysius ericae, a close relative 
to the well-known chinch bug which is a serious insect enemy of 
the wheat crop of ITorth America, has recently turned its 
attention to young citrus trees according to H. M. Armitage, 
Deputy Agricultural Ooramiesioner of Los Angeles County. 
Normally the species breeds and feeds in the native grasslands 
where it multiplies in countless numbers. With the drying up 
of all native weed growth, due to the prevailing summer temperatures, 
they have apparently been forced to seek other food. In several 
instances this insect has been reported as seriously damaging 
jrear-old citrus trees, both lemon and orange, usually replants 
in old orchards but in one case in a newly planted tract. The 
false chinch bug's attacks, however, seem to be concentrated on 
a few scattered individual trees, which have been killed by 
their feeding. Fortunately the period of their occurrence 
in damaging numbers seems limited to three or four weeks and 
they are already on the decline. This is not the first occurrence 
of thife. pest- on citrus, as about six years a.go a similar 
occurrence in their appearance was noted with some damage at 
this time. 
GUAVA 
CARDIE'S WEITSPLY ( Al eu.ro dicus (M etal eurodicu s) cardin i Back) 
Florida Jfl. T7. Berger (August 24-):' Cardin'c whitefly is moderately 
abundant at tfest Palm Beach. Specimens have been received from 
a correspondent. 
Note: J. A. H. This species was described from Cuba, on guava 
and was later (February 5, 1921) found on this fruit in the 
U. S. D. A. Plant Introduction Gardens at Miami, Fla. by W.3. Wood, 
