
- 15 = 
F. F. Dicke, Charlottesville, Va., reporting on investigations 
of the wheat joint worm, says: "Observations on Oviposition by Harmolita 
tritici Fitch indicate that in practically all instances there is a 
decided preference shown for certain culms. Also a certain node in these 
plants is preferred above all others in which to deposit their eggs. 
The point chosen for oviposition is usually immediately below the de- 
veloping flower cluster. Portions of infested culms were fixed shortly 
after oviposition and prepared for sectioning. A study of these sections 
shows that all of the eggs are placed at practically the same plane im- 
mediately above the node." 
C. C. Wilson, Sacramento, Calif., submits data giving "the present 
Status of the more abundant species (of insects) present in alfalfa, as 
determined by the 50-sweep method of observation." The insects are 
Tllinoia pisi (Kalt.), Agallia sanguinolenta Prov., Lygus pratensis L., 
and Diabrotica soror Lec. From the data obtained Mr. Wilson concludes 
that "the insects overwintering in the adult stage apparently prefer 
alfalfa that is tall with dense growth to alfalfa that is short, affording 
little protection. A cultural methed of insect control may be indicated 
nere." 
Mr. Wilson notes that the field cricket (Gryllus assimilis Fab. ) 
"is overwintering in the third instar to adult under leaves and in cracks 
in the soil. Crickets under laboratory conditions range from the third 
instar to adult. One adult male has lived 122 days." 
Reporting on biological studies of Anastatus semiflavidus Gahan, 
a parasite of the range caterpillar (Hemileuca oliviae Ckll.), J. C. 
Frankenfeld, Tempe, Ariz., says, “efforts to study the development of 
Anastatus semiflavidus have been greatly aided by finding that para- 
site eggs dissected and kept in a physiclogical salt solution will de- 
velop normally and hatch." Concerning these studies V. L. Wildermuth 
says, "in reporting percentage of parasitism in the colony rearing 
cages this has in the past been accomplished by counting the number of 
egg punctures in a given number of eggs, taking it for granted that 
each egg showing puncture was parasitized. In order to check up on 
the percentage of these punctured eggs that actually showed parasitism 
six different tests showing 655 punctured eggs of H. oliviae were car— 
ried through to completion by 0, L. Barnes. -It was found: that 92.8 
per cent of the host eggs showing punctures were actually parasitized." 
On December 5 a conference was held in Sioux City, Iowa, to dis- 
cuss the grasshopper situation. This conference was attended by W. H. 
Larrimer and J. R. Parker, of the Bureau, and by entomologists from seven 
of the States. The results of the survey conducted by the Bureau in 
cooperation with the States were fully considered. Details of the plan to 
combat the probable unusual abundance of grasshoppers over some of the 
‘western States were outlined. The State workers emphasized the necessi- 
