Packard.] INSECTS OF THE PLANT HOUSE. 
119 
Pellea hastata, aspidium, pinks, etc., and by its attacks 
causing the surface of the leaf to turn red or white in 
blotches, or sometimes the whole leaf withers and whitens. 
The larva and pupa are white, long, with 
short antennae. After several successive 
changes, it assumes the adult state, and the 
pupa may be found in different stages of 
growth, with the antennae turned under¬ 
neath the head, and the rudimentary wings 
folded to the sides of the body. The eyes 
are pink. The half-grown young are 
shorter and broader than those fulty ma¬ 
ture. The adult is black, with the extrem¬ 
ity of the abdomen bright rust red. /Hie 
antennae and legs are white, the base and 
sixth joint of the former dusky, while the 
wings are almost hyaline. The body above 
is entirely covered with a net-work of ele¬ 
vated lines, forming pretty regular hexa¬ 
gons, equal in size on the head, where they are largest, to 
those of the eyes, and disposed in perfect rows on the abdo¬ 
men. It is about one-twelfth of an inch in length. 
The best remedy against them is repeated washings with 
soap-suds, cleaning each leaf by itself, or turning the hose 
upon the plants. 
The Heel Mite .— Usually called “red spider.” This little 
mite (Tetranychus telarius Linn.) is a universal pest in hot 
houses, and in dry seasons abounds on the peas, etc., in gar¬ 
dens. Its eggs and young may be found on the rose and 
other plants of the conservatory all the year round. Its 
presence may be detected by the blotched and withered ap¬ 
pearance of the leaves, and the small web. Frequent show- 
erings will reduce its numbers. Sulphur dusted frequently 
over the leaves is an excellent remedy. 
23 
