4-H CLUB

INSECT MANUAL

AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK NO. 65

Formerly Miscellaneous Publication No. 318

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONTENTS

Page

Introduction ' 1

Why study insects? 2

Part I.—Acquaintance with insects ^ — 3

Collection and identification 4

Calendar of activities, first year 6

Activities for first year outlined 6

Scientific names of insects 11

Further aids to identification 12

Orthoptera (grasshoppers and others) 13

Hemiptera (true bugs) 15

Homoptera (bugs) 17

Coleóptera (beetles) 19

Lepidoptera (buttelrflies and others) 23

Diptera (flies) 30

Hymenoptera (wasps and others) 33

Miscellaneous groups 37

Insect record sheet 41

Part IL—Life studies and control of insects 43

Life studies 43

Control of insects 43 .

Collection and identification 44

Calendar of activities, second year 46

Activities for second year outlined 4G

Things to know about insects 52

List of common insects 54

Answers to questionnaire 55

Insecticides 57

Part III.—Telling others about insects 59

Collection and identification 59

Calendar of activities, third year 60

Playlets 60

Demonstrations 61

Exhibits 63

Surveys 64

NOTE.—Grateful acknowledgment is made to the Division of Insect Identification of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine for selecting the list of representative insects ofthe United States, for providing

photographs or drawings of them, and for the outline of the story about each insect. The other subjectmatter divisions of the Bureau reviewed all references to the biology and control of the insects listed.

Acknowledgment is also made to the extension entomologists and 4-H club workers in the States who

offered suggestions that have aided in making this manual useful and workable.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL'

By M. p. JONES, cxtt nsion i titinnoJogist, Division of Subject Matter

Extinsion Si rvier

INTRODUCTION

This insect manual was prepared primarily for the use of 4-H

club members, but it also may be useful to other [i^roups of youn^i

people. Its purpose is to üive a better understanding of insects and

the principles underlying' insect control.

The study of insects at camps affords an ideal way to introduce

entomology. Under a competent leader who knows insects many

interestini:- things can be pointed out, such as facts pertaining to

insects in relation to other forms of life. Although this manual was

prepared primarily for a definite year-round project in entomology,

it will be helpful at camps also.

Valuable service can be rendered through learning to recognize

threatening insect populations and making counts to determine how

abundant they are. Club members can be of help to entomologists

and to their neighbors if they will be on the lookout for insect pests

and report to their county agent, or to the State or Federal entomologist the finding of unusual varieties and the outbreak of these

and of common pests. If these reports are of general interest, they

will be relayed to farmers in the community, so that control measures can be applied. When insecticides are necessary, they can

usually be made available before insects have time to de-troy crops.

In indu>trial sections of the country where use of leisure time is

becoming a problem, the study of insects and the making of insect

collections afford an excellent pastime. The cost of equipment is

small, and the insect supply is almost unlimited. In some places

county fair boards and local chambers of commeice have pr(jvided

money to be given as awards for commendable insect collections.

Although some insect collections have sold for large sums of money,

such collections represent the lifetime jobs of the persons making

1 Formerly issued as Misfrllaneotis PuMicatinii No. ;;18. February 10;;i>.

Issued February ll)rí4
2 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. UEPT. üh' AGRICULTURE

them. The collector should not be misled by advertisements of certain companies to the effect that they will purchase insects, especially when he is obligated to buy a book of instructions before these

companies will buy the insects.

Insect collecting should be started as a hobby, just as the collecting of stamps and other objects, and not as a means of making money.

The value of insect collections to scientific institutions depends on the

number of authentically identified species the collections contain and

the preciseness with which the specimens are mounted and labeled.

The public in general is becoming more conscious of the damage

caused by insects and the need for more inf(?rmation on insect control. Members of 4-H clubs who participate in the activities outlined in this manual will learn many things of permanent value to

tliem.

To get the most out of the insect study, one should follow the 3-year

program outlined. This will allow time not only for the acquirement

of experience, which is the best teacher, but for a review of literature on insects.

All persons cannot become entomologists, but they may acquire

knowledge for practical use.

WHY STUDY INSECTS?

]\Iany persons go through life finding little enjoyment in the beauties of Nature and knoAving ver^^ little about them. If we learn to

know more of our natural surroundings, we shall be building toward

a fuller life. The human race makes up only a very small part of

the living creatures here on earth. Man feels that he has about

leached the top of the social ladder, but in reality he still has a long

way to go.

HISTORY OF INSECTS

PeoiDle could profit much by turning to some of Nature's other

children who have been struggling along life's pathways for millions

of years, possibly long before man came into existence. The lowly

hisects, as we think of them, were living on the earth more than 40

million years ago. In fossils and in amber, we find preserved insects

almost identical with those we can find in our own back yard today.

Scientists have found no trace of man that dates back to anywhere

near those geological ages.

^Vhat is it about the insect that has permitted it to withstand all

these centuries while many other forms of animal life have appeared

on the earth and after a relatively few years passed out of existence?

We see pictures of large preliistoric animals and wonder why, with

all the strength they must have possessed, they did not dominate the

earth. This process of elimination is still going on, and every few

years some form of animal life passes out of existence. Our naturalists today are working hard to perpetuate certain kinds of birds and

animals that are almost extinct.

IMPORTANCE OF INSECTS

Insects, however, live on, and today they are man's greatest competitors in his struggle for existence. Insects destroy our crops, they

kill our animals, they crumple our buildings, and they actually feed

on man himself. In addition, they spread disease germs that
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL

threaten our plants and animals. Some of the diseases carried only

by insects have killed more people than have been killed in all wars.

However, to give the impression that all insects are prsts would be

unfair, for most of them are of little or no importance and many,

such as the ground beetles, ladybeetles, wasps, and certain flies, are

beneficial, as they feed on insect pests. The honcyV)ce makes honey

and beeswax, the silkworm makes silk, and many insects j)ollinute

plants. Insects also provide food for l)irds and ñshes.

This manual has been prepared so that young people may have a

better understanding of the lives and habits of many of the insects

and why they have been able to exist for so many centuries. Remember that even an insect may be justly entitled to a living and

do not destroy one wantonly or without good reason. We must, however, be able to protect ourselves against their taking too much of the

material we claim. The more of us there are who know our friends

and foes in the insect world, the better we shall be equipped to stand

our ground against the ravages of our greatest rivals, the insect pests.

Part L—ACQUAINTANCE WITH INSECTS

[Introduction to first-year work]

What is tliis creature we call an insect, and how does it differ

from other forms of animal life? Insects are animals that in the

adult stage have an external skeleton and three definite body regions,

the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have three pairs of legs and

only one pair of antennae (feelers). They usually have compound

eyes and one or two pairs of wings.

Antennae

iHead

Thorax

Abdomen

FIGURE 1.—External construction of an insect.

Insects are adapted to a wide range of conditions. Some live

in the air and soil, some in plants or animals or their products,

and some in the water. Those that live out of the water breathe

through small openings along the sides of their bodies, and some

of those that live in the water are equipped with gills which enable

them to get their air from the water. ^ • i

There are more kinds of insects than of all other forms of animal

life put together. In fact, an entomologist found more tlian 1,000

different kinds in his small back vard in a suburb of New York City.

As there are about 700.000 different kinds of insects known to exist,

the need for some form of classification becomes apparent. Entomologists separate them into orders, families, genera, and species. (J^ach

of these classifications further divides the one preceding.) In this

manual no more can be done than help to acquamt the reader with

the more common orders.
4 MISC. PUBLICATION S18, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

A scientific name, in addition to helping to classify an insect or

slioAv its relationship to other insects, aids in designating more clearly

the particular insect referred to. There are several insects that have

the same common name. For instance, potato beetle is a name which

may refer to the Colorado potato beetle, the black blister beetle (oldfashioned potato bii^), or the tiny flea beetle; but if we say Leptinotarsa decemlmeata, it doesn't matter whether we are in the United

States, England, or China, the entomologist knows the beetle to which

we refer. Let us analyze Leptinotarsa decemlineata and see what

the words mean :

Leptinotarsa: From leptos, meaning thin, and tarsos or tarsus,

meaning part of insect leg.

decemlineata: From deca, meaning 10, and linea, meaning line.

Thus we have Leptinotarsa decemlineata^ an insect with small

tarsus and 10 lines on its back. The technical name of an insect

often refers to some part of the insect, or to the plant or animal

on which the insect feeds.

Insects may have different common names. Take the corn earworni,

for instance. In places where tomatoes are grown extensively, this

worm is called the tomato fruitworm; in the cotton sections it is

called the cotton bollworm, and in corn-growing sections it is referred

to as the corn earworni. But if we say HeJiothif^ annigera^ the entomologist anywhere will know the insect we mean.

No doubt many boys and girls will want to refer to the scientific

names of some insects. For this reason, in the discussion accompanying the pictures, on pages 13 to 40, are mentioned the common name,

and the names for the order, genus, and species of several of our

common insects. It must be remembered that in referring to the

scientific name, only the names for genus and species are given.

COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

It is hoped that club members will make an insect collection,

and that after a few years each member will have representative

specimens of the more important orders of insects and note sheets

giving a complete description of each. Beginners should endeavor

to have by the end of the first year insects representative of the

following eight orders :

ORTHOPTERA.—Orthos (straight), pteron (a

wing). Four wings, when present; front wings

leathery, straight; hind wings folding fanlike

under them. Chewing mouth parts. Antennae

and legs usually long. Life changes (metamorphosis) incomplete. Grasshoppers, crickets,

FIGURE 2.—Grasshopper. katydids, roaches, walking sticks.

HEMIPTERA.—Hemi (half), pteron (a wing). Four wings, when

present ; front wings leathery at base, forming an X on back when

wings are folded. Piercing and sucking mouth parts folding under

body. Life changes incomplete. Odor sometimes sickening. Stinkbugs, squash bugs, plant bugs, chinch bugs, and bedbugs.

FIGURE 3.—

True bug.
4r-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL

FIGURE 4.—

Plant louse.

FIGURE 5.—

Beetla

HOMOPTERA.—Homos (same), pteron (a wing). Winged

forms having four wings, front pair clear or leathery and longer

and narrower than hind wings ; wings folding rooflike over back.

Mouth parts for piercing and sucking. Life changes incomplete.

Aphids, cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and scale insects.

COLEÓPTERA.—Coleos (sheath), pteron (a wing). Front

wings leathery, fitting over hind part of body like a case, meeting

in a straight line along center of back ; hind wings clear, jointed in

middle, folded under front wings when at rest. ^louth parts formed

for chewing. Life changes complete. Ladybeetles, potato beetle,

leaf beetles, carpet beetles.

LEPIDOPTERA. —Lepis (scale), pteron (a

wing). Four similar wings, when present, membranous, but covered with overlapping scales.

Mouth parts for sucking. Life changes complete.

Butterflies, moths, skippers.

DÍPTERA.—Dis (twice, from duo, meaning '*two"),

pteron (a wing). Two clear wings ; knobs in place of

hind wings. Three distinct body regions. Mouth

parts tubular, for sucking, piercing, or lapping. Life

changes complete. Flies, mosquitoes, gnats.

HYMENOPTERA. —Hymen (membrane),

pteron (a wing). Four clear wings, when present ; few wing veins : hind wings smaller than

front wings and often hooked to them. Mouth

parts for chewing. Abdomen often with slender

waist, females of some kinds with stingers. Life

changes complete. Wasps, ants, bees, sawflies.

ODONATA.—Odous (a tooth). Four

long, rather narrow wings, finely netted

and either clear or banded, of equal or

nearly equal size. Vv'ings with a short,

heavy cross vein and a slight notch along

front side so that they look as if jointed.

Large e.yes, head loosely joined to long,

narrow body; antennae short. Mouth

parts for chewing. Nymphs living in water. Life changes incomplete. Dragonflies, damsel flies.

FIGURE 7.—Fly.

FIGURE 8.—^Wasp.

FIGURE 9.—Dragonfly.
6 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, Ü. S. ÖETT". UJ^' AUUIUULTUKE

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES, FIRST YEAR

This manual is so outlined that 4r-H club members can carry on

insect work for 1, 2, or 3 years. To help members get the most out

of this insect study, the following calendar outlines the activities

for the first year. Similar calendars for the second- and third-year

activities appear on pages 46 and 00, respectively. If less than 12

meetings a year are held, two or more activities can be combined

in one meeting period.

Meetings

First, February -

Second, March

Third, April

Fourth, May

Fifth, June

Sixth, July

Seventh. August

Eighth, September...

Ninth, October

Tenth, November

Eleventh, December.

Twelfth, January

Acquaintance with insects

Organization. Review introduction to manual

<3utline work for year. Make collection box

Make collecting net

Make killing jars. Pin insects

Make spreading board. Spread butterflies or moths.

Collect and identify insects -

Collecting trip. Make butterfly mounts

Fill out note forms. Arrange insects by orders

Exhibit collections. "Wienie" roast

Locate insects in winter quarters

Reports on work and literature references

Discussion on life cycle of insects

Page

10

10

n

n

11

ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST YEAR OUTLINED

The following outline breaks down the calendar of activities for

the first year of insect work. It lists some of the equipment necessary and'sugirests a few steps in procedure for carrying out the work

for each meeting of each month.

When entire clubs are engaged in insect work, the work for each

meeting can be illustrated by team demonstrations. The introduction and summary for each demonstration will be about the same.

In the introduction the demonstrators should tell (1) what is being

demonstrated, and (2) what it will be used for. In the summary,

they should present briefly the main points in the demonstration to

be remembered and ask for questions.

Because the equipment and procedure will yary with each meeting, this outline gives the equipment necessary and a few points on

procedure for each meeting.

ORGANIZATION. REVIEW INTRODUCTION TO MANITAL

[First meeting—February]

The county agent or entomologist tells the story of insects—^how

they cause damage and how they are controlled. Reads and explains

the introduction to the manual. Tells how club members can do insect work. The club is organized.

OUTLINE WORK FOR YEAR

[Second meeting—]March]

The club president, county club agent, or extension entomologist

outlines the work for the year and has club members make a survey

of the insect situation before the next meeting. Summary of work

for the year is read through.
4-H CLUB INSECT lAIANUAL

MAKE COU.KCTIOX BOX

Equipment :

L Cigar box, 2 by 6 by S inches preferred.

2. Piece of double-faced, cc»rrugated cardboard or soft fiberboard

3. Glue.

4. Moth ball.

5* Common pins.

6. Box or folder of matches.

/i ,t

/ ; /

1

/

1

/ /

FIGURE 10.—Cigar box. FIGURE 11.—Cijiar box equipped

for insect collecting.

Procedure :

1. ( 'ut cardboard to fit bottom of box.

::. Smear glue on bottom of box and insert cardboard.

:*». Box may be lined with white paper.

4. Heat head of pin from lighted match.

5. Insert hot head of pin into moth ball and cool.

6. Stick moth ball, on pin, into corner of box.

MAKE COLLECriNG NET

[Third meeting—April]

Equipment :

1. Small wooden handle about 3 feet long (broom handle).

2. Five feet of heavy, stiff wire (barrel hoops or telephone wire).

Wood hand/e Wire C/ofh pattern

FIGURE 12.—Wooden handle, wire, and cloth pattern for making collecting net.

3. Piece of cloth 3 by .5 feet (mosquito netting or better grade material).

4. Pattern from which to cut cloth.

5. Saw, hammer, brace, small bit, narrow

wood chisel.

6. Cord for wrapping wire onto handle.

Procedure :

1. Bend wire into shape.

L'. Bore hole and cut grooves in broom

handle.

3. Cut cloth and sew it together.

4. Slip bag on wire.

5. Attach wire to handle.

6. Refer<'iicH : Consult your county agent

for additional information.

FIGURE 13.—Collecting net.
g MIS(\ PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

MAKE KILLING JARS

Fourth meeting—May

Equipment:

1. A 1-pint fruit jar fitted with jar ring and tight lid.

2. I*iece of cardboard ( douMe-faced corrugated preferred).

3. Small bottle of carbon tetrachloride. (Carbon tetraehloride cleaning

fluids mny be used. )

4. About a half cupful of small scraps of rubber from any source, such as

old jar rings or inner tubes.

Procedure :

1. Cut cardboard to fit tightly insid«^ jar.

2. Place scraps of rubber inside jar.

FIGURE 14.—(ilass jar with

tight lid.

FIGURE ir>.—Jar charirrd with

carbon tetraehloride.

FiGT'RK 16.—KilUng jar properly labeled.

:;. Saturate scraps of rubber with carbon tetraehloride.

4. Pour out excess liquid after rubber becomes saturated.

r). Cover scraps with cardboard disk.

0. Place lid on tight.

If jar is kept sealed tight except when insects are being placed in it or removed

from it, the carbon tetrachl(»ride will remain active for a month or more.

To recharire killing jar, remove the cardboard and add more carbon tetraehloride as explained in item 3 of procedure, above. Replace the cardboard disk

and the lid.

PIN INSECTS

Equipment :

1. Pins (No. 3 insect pins preferred; common pins may be used).

2. A few freshly killed insects representing each of the five major groups;

namely, stinkbug, beetle, bee or fly, grasshopper, butterfly.

3. SI treading board.

4. Labels to be placed on pin with ijisect.

Beetle. Bee Grasshopper

FIGURE 17.—Inserts, properly pinned.

Procedure :

1. Pin insects according to figure 17, above.

2. Place on pin, label giving name of insect, name of collector, date when

collected, and place.

a. Instructions: See sixth meeting, calendar of activities, first year.
4-H CLUB INSECT :\IANUAL

MAKE SPREADING BOARD. SPREAD BUTTERFLIES oli MOTHS

[F^fth meeting—June]

Equipment :

1. Two strips, % by 2 inches, of softwood 1 foot lon^^

2. One strip of cork or similar material, Vi

by 2 by 12 inches.

3. Two blocks, ^^ by 2 by f) inchi's.

4. Small nails, hammer, pins.

Procedure :

1. Nail wooden strips on blocks, leaving them

about one-fourth of an inch apart.

2. Nail cork strip flatwise to slats, beneath

crack between slats.

3. Pin butterfly before it is dry.

4. Insert pin through cork so that body rests

on cork between slats.

5. With point of another pin move wings

forward.

6. When wings are spread, place strip of

paper across them. Fasten down with

pins.

7. Allow butterfly to remain on spreader a

few days, or until dry. Fi<;riiK is.—Hnttnrfly, spirad.

COLLECT AND IDENTIFY INSECTS

[Sixth meeting—July]

Equipment :

1. Killing jar or hoitle.

2. Collecting net.

3. Extra bottle or box for young or softbodied forms.

4. State or Government farmers' bulletin

on insects.

5. Textbook on insects.

6. Small labels % by 1 inch, cut from stiff

paper.

Procedure :

1. Collect economic insects from gardens,

orchards, or field crops.

2. Observe plant on which each insect is

feeding.

3. Kill adult forms only in killing jars.

4. Keep lid tight on killing jar except when inserting or removing insects.

5. Immature insects may be pickled in alcohol or formaldehyde.

6. Compare insects with pictures and descriptions in bulletins and books.

7. Prepare labels (to be placed on pin with insect).

8. On one or more labels have :

a. Name of insect.

b. Place where collected,

r. Date collected.

d. Name of collector.

FIGURE 19.—Insect

in killing jar.

FIGURE 20.—

lusHct. pinned

and labeled.

COLLECTING TBIP. MAKE BUTTEEFLY MOUNTS

[Seventh meeting—August]

Equipment :

1. Collecting material.

2. Piece of window glass 4 by 4 inches.

826391*»—49 2
10 MISC. PUBLICATIUN 318, U. S. DEFT. Ob' AUUlCULTURE

CARDBOARD

3. Piece of cardboard,

same size as glass.

4. Thin layer of cotton,

same size as glass.

5. Picture binding such

as passe partout

tape.

6. Butterfly with wings

spread and dried.

Procedure :

1. Collect insects and

note kind of plants

on which they are

found.

2. Make mount by—

\i. Spreading thin layer

of cotton on cardboard.

b. Arranging butterfly

on cotton.

c. Placing glass over

butterfly.

d. Binding edges of

cardboard to glass

with binding tape.

e. String may be attached for hanging mount, or strip of cardboard may be

glued on back of mount as a support.

FIGURE 21.—Materials for making butterfly mount.

FILL OUT NOTE FORMS. ARRANGE INSECTS BY ORDERS

[Eighth meeting—September]

Equipment :

1. Note forms, pencils.

2. Insect collections.

3. Reference bulletins.

Procedure :

1. Write notes about insects on forms

similar to that shown on page 41.

2. Arrange insects in the collections.

3. Make sure that each insect is properly labeled. Date and locality are

important.

4. Insects should be neatly arranged in

rows, heads toward back of box.

5. Place insects representing the different orders together—beetles in one

place, flies in another, etc. FIGURE 22.—Butterfly in mount.

EXHIBIT COLLECTIONS. "WIENIE" ROAST

[Ninth meeting—October]

Equipment :

1. Insect collections and any notes on insects.

2. "Wienies," cider, marshmallows, etc.

FIGURE 23.—Insect collections arranged for exhibition.

Procedure :

1. Place all insects from a given club in neat order.

2. Refreshments.

3. Program—games, playlets, stunts, etc.
4^H CLUB INSECT MANUAL

IX)CATE INSECTS IN WINTER QUARTERS

[Tenth meeting—Novemberj

11

Equipment :

1. Notebook and pencil.

2. Bulletins, as an aid in identifying insects.

3. Hoe, pick, or shovel to uncover insects.

Procedure :

1. Locate hibernating insects under loose bark of trees, in crevicos in

bark, clumps of grass, under rubbish or plant refuse, in soil, etc

2. Make notes on insects—kinds, when and where fcnind.

REPORTS ON WORK AND IJTERATURE REFERENCES

[Eleventh meeting—December]

Equipment :

1. Collection and any notes that member may have.

2. Book, farm paper, newspaper, or bulletin carrying some unusual or

interesting story about an insect.

Procedure :

Each club member—

1. Tells name of the insects in his or her collection.

2. Tells what he or she knows about each insect in eolleetion.

3. Names book or bulletin where information was obtained,

4. Tells in his own words an interesting story about an insect, and

his source of information.

DISCUSSION ON LIFE CYCLE OF INSECTS

[Twelfth meeting—January]

Equipment :

1. Book, bulletin, or paper giving life history of some insect.

Procedure :

1. Each member reports on life of some insect,

a. Its name.

&. The plant or animal on which it feeds.

c. How it feeds (chews or sucks).

d. Kind of life cycle, complete or incomplete.

e. Where it spends the winter.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES OF INSECTS

Some boys and girls may want to know more about the technical

names of insects or the relationship of one insect to another. In the

description accompanying the pictures, the scientific name of the insect

is given. For example, the scientific name of the red-legged grasshopper shown on page 13 is Melanoplus femur-mhnim. For classification purposes, other larger divisions such as orders and families

are also used. Xo reference is made to families in the description, but

the order to which the insect belongs appears under the discussion of

the first insect in the group, if not under each insect.

The following chart shows how the technical name of an insect is

used in classification. Kemember that in the order Homoptera there

are manj more families, genera, and species than are shown here. In

the family Aphiiclae (plant lice) five genera are listed, each of which

has certain characteristics in common. One finds on close examination, however, that in each of the genera are individuals differing in

character, so these are placed under species, as we see, for example,

under "Aphis."
12 MISC. PUBLir ATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

The order Homoptera suhdirided into some of its families^ genera, ana species

Order Family Genus Species

f "vphildae

Aphis

(gossypii.

¡maidi-radicis.

IA nuraphis _ -.

\pomi.

[rumicis.

roseus.

Cicadidae

Brevicoryne -. brassicae.

Eriosoma lanigerum.

Myzus cerasi.

Magicicada septendecim. Homoptera.

Cicadellidae .

(Empoasca

{Erythroneura.

Membracidae . Ceresa bubalus.

l< 'opL'idao

[. \spidiotus perniciosus.

Chionaspis furfura.

Lepidosaphes

Pulvinaria

ulmi.

vitis.

Thus it can be seen that the cotton or melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) belongs to the family Aphiidae

and the order Homoptera.

FURTHER AIDS TO IDENTIFICATION

Anyone who is sufficiently interested in insects to want to make

a collection, will want to know the names of those collected. Because

there are so many different kinds, it is almost impossible to prepare

a simple key for identification that the average ¡Derson can use.

The best that can be hoj^ed for in this publication is to acquaint

club members with the larger groups of insects such as the orders.

In some cases it is well to know the families, and, where the insect

is of major imi^ortance, it is very helpful to be able to identify the

species.

INCHES

II II II II II M II II Mill 1 1 II lllll Ulli

1 2 3 4

milmilllJlliiii iiiilllliliiiiliiiiliiiili lull iiiilimliiiili?i?limlimlimlm?J

MILLIMETERS

FiGiRK 1:4.—Rule for measuring insects.

Instead of the usual key, a number of i^ictures have been used to

:i.>isi.^t m identification. In some cases the picture of a single insect

is shown to represent an entire order, and in other instances the pictures represent the family also. Remember that there may be a thousand or more insects that are very closely related to the insect shown

in the picture, and in many cases closely resemble it. Textbooks and

bulletins may be used to help further in identification.

Since a means of measuring is not always available, the rule

sketched above should be useful. The upper portion is divided into

inches, and the lower portion into millimeters.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 13

FIGURE 25.—Grasshopper.

ORTHOPTERA (GRASSHOPPERS AND OTHERS)

Grasshoppers.—A large group of the order Orthoptera is represented by the grasshoppers. They vary greatly in size. Most grasshoppers are greenish and yellowish gray in color. Their ratlier long

hnid legs, thiclvened at the base, equip them for jumping. The mouth

parts are of the chewing type, and tliese insects destroy many kinds

of held crops, vegetables, and weeds; at times they also eat the leaves

and bark off trees. ISIost of the grasshoppers overwinter in the

ground m the egg stage. These insects

have changes in form during the life cycle.

When hrst hatched, they are very sinall.

They shed their skins several times durinolife, each thne coming out in a larger skin

and a little more closely resembiing the

adult form which has four wings. Tlie

hind wings are folded fanlike uiuler the rather long, narrow forewhigs. Since these insects destroy crops, they most certainly are

pests. Grasshoppers may be controlled by cultural practices, but

when they become abundant, it is necessary to apply insecticides.

The scientiric name of the grasshopper shown here is MelanopTns

femur-ruhrum. (The length of this species is apjiroximately 1 inch )

Crickets.—Xearly every boy and girl has heard the chirping of the

cricket although they may never have seen the little insect, abou.t

five-eighths of an inch long, that does the chirping. Crickets vary widely in shape and structure. Most of them are black in color. The one

shown here is the large, black Held cricket

{Achitu iissiiiiiUs). The four wings fold over

the back but are seldom, if ever, used for flying.

Like othei- ÜrtlKjptna. the crickets have incomplete life changes and overwinter mainly in the

i'irg stage in the ground, or in the nyni]ilial stage

in protected places. They have chewing mouth

parts and feed on a wide variety of sul¡stances.

This species sometimes causes damage by eating

the twine from bundles of grain.

Katydids.—Xo doubt many boys and girls

in the Xorthern States have hearcl the remark

"It will be only 6 weeks until frost," because

some member of the family has heai'd the familiar katydid. The sound of

this insect is much easier to detect than the insect itself, l^ecause

its green color makes it diihcult to

see amidst gi-een foliage. Like

the grasshopper and the cricket,

the katydid belongs to the order

Orthoptera and has incomplete

life changes. It winters in the

egg stage

FIGURE 26.—Cricktt.

FIGURE 27.—Katydid.

The eggs are often

mistaken for some kind of scale

insect because of their peculiar

shinglelike arrangement along the margins of leaves or along twigs.

The large angular-winged katydid (Mlcrocentmm retmer ve) is about

2 inches long. It has chewing nioutli parts and feeds mainly on the
14 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FiGi'KE 28.—Tree cricket.

leaves of trees. It has four rather large wings folded over its back.

This insect, like the grasshopper, can cra^Yl, jump, or fly. The katydid is seldom of economic importance.

Tree crickets.—In the order Orthoptera are a number of small,

pale-green insects, about three-fourths of an inch long, known as tree

crickets (OeeantMis spp.). They have chewing

f~: mouth parts and feed on a wide range of materials,

inchiding the leaves, blossoms, and sometimes the

ripening fruit of plants, or on weakened members

of their own kind. Like most other Orthoptera,

tree crickets have four wings. The eggs of tree

crickets are deposited in the twigs or canes of

plants, where they remain over winter, and the egg

[junctures made in the stems cause this insect to be

considered a j^est of raspberry and similar small

fruits. Stomach ¡joisons will kill the nj'mphs, and

burning the canes containing the eggs will destroy

them.

Mantids.—Xot all Orthoptera are injurious.

The mantids are beneficial because they feed on

other insects, many of which are i^ests. Mantids

can be easily distinguished from other Orthoptera

by the much elongated thorax or waist part of the ^

body, and l)y the large front legs, which are fitted ^

for grasjiing their prey. The four wings usually

are folded back over the hind part of the body.

The total length of the body of the species here

illustrated is api)roximately 2U inches. These insects have incomplete life changes. The eggs are

laid in clusters, usually coverecfwith dried froth,

on l)ranches and twigs of trees or shrubs and remain there through the winter. The next spring

the eggs hatch, and the young mantids start their

beneficial work of destroying other insects. Since

the mantids are friends of man, we need not worry

abotU control measures. The one shown here is

Stag?nomanti.s Carolina. FIGURE 29.-Mantid.

Roaches.—The cockroaches make up

another family of the Orthoptera. Two

kinds are rather common over the United

States, the small German roach and the

larger American roach. These insects

prefer to remain in dark places, although

at times they do venture into the light.

Their very flat bodies permit them to get

into extremely narrow cracks. These insects have four wings, but they are seldom

used. They feed primarily on human

foods and waste food products. Cockroaches have incomplete life changes.

After the eggs hatch, the nymphs shed

their skins several times and finally reach

-, the adult stage. Some roaches live in the

woods in the loose bark of trees or logs,

L j

FiQDBB 30.—Roach.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 15

It

FiGi-üE 31.—Walkins stick.

anv time rln i,Vo H '"""*:,'" '^fí'^'*^« "* tl^^ roadi may be found at

täube or tie tood they destroy as of tlie li th associated with them

¡^.z^]^:::^;:^''' °^ ^^-^i ^'^^'f-^^^ insecticides ^î^SîO!!;:;

f ctorv !S,t, of Tl Tn^' ^^PP K-ation is necessary to obtain satis

I'ab nt Í i ihp '"'"'' '^^'•''" ^'''' '' P'^>y'^':'^^''ta americana. I

IS aoout i^j^ inches loiiix.

Walking sticks—Another insect tliat belongs in tl,e order OrtlwnÍ",r'aré""a¡i«r""''"-^ " ^"""" *"^^'' '"'^'- M *- »V "/L

walking sticks, and . - - - - -.,

our common species

is D ¡apheromera

femorata. They

range in 1 e n g t Íi

from 2-^ s to 4 inches,

are often grayish in

color, and frefjuently feed on the foliage of trees and

shrubs, but seldom

become abundant

enough to warrant control measures. The eggs are simply dropped to

he ground from wliere the msect is feeding.' Ordinarily, they do not

hatch until the following spring. Sometimes tliev remain dormant an

additiona year before hatching. The young walking sticks crawl to

their food plants and complete their development.

HEMIPTERA (TRUE BUGS)

The order Hemiptera comprises a large group of insects that vary

considerably m general appearance. Many have a rather unpleasant

odor and one smaller group of this order is referred to in many

localities as the stinkbugs.

Stinkbugs.—True stinkbugs vary considerably in size and color,

but all present the five-sided appearance witJi the small triaii<:ulai'

area in the center of the back. The adult.s'""have

four wings ; the fore pair is half leathery and half

clear wing, hence the name of the order Hemiptera,

meaning half wings. The adults fly. but the

nymj^hs are limited to crawling. The"suggestion

in the word "nyniijh"' indicates that this insect, and

all insects of the order Hemiptera, have incomplete

life changes. The mouth parts are fitted for sucking. The stinkbug group feeds on a wide variety

of plants. Some, that feed on insect pests, are

beneficial. The insect pictured here, known as the

southern green stinkbug (Nezara viridala) is

about five-eighths of an inch long; it feeds on cotton and many vegetable crops. It hibernates as an adult in rubbish. It is often a'serious

pest and is very diíRcult to control, as it does not readily succumb to

the usual insecticides. If obtainable, sabadilla dust gives good control,

' for more on the use of resirJual sprays, see page 57.

FIGURE
16 MISC. I'UIiLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Harlequin bug.—The harlequin bug {Murgantia histrionica), order

Heniiptera, is about three-eighths of an inch long and is black with

laige orange, red, and yellow markings. It is a sucking insect, and has four wings. The adults fly, and both

adults and young crawl readily. The adults and the

full-grown nymphs are active "tliroughout the winter

when the days are warm. On cold days, or in the

northern limits of theii- distribution, the lïugs hide in

old cabbage plants, weeds, and otlier debris. This pest

is rather severe in the Southern States but can be

l)artially controlled by field sanitation, trap crops, culFiriKE r; tural piactices, and sprays such as rotenone extracts.

Haiip(iuiu"biig. If obtainable, sabadilla dust gives good contr«»!.

Water bug.—Occasionally around electric lights

one finds a grayish-brown bug about 2 inches long.

This insect is often called the giant water bug or

electric-light bug. The specific name is Lethoccnis

americanus. It has four wings; flies; overwinters

as a nymph or adult in trash, mud, or pools of

water;" has incomplete life changes, and may be

considered a j)est when it attacks fish, snails, etc., in

ponds and aquariums. The

larvae of this insect are

water loving and feed on various forms of water life.

This insect belongs to the

order Hemiptera. FIGURE 34-Water bug.

Masked Hunter.—Another of the true bugs

is the masked hunter [Reduvius personahis).

It is from one-half to three-foui'ths of an inch

long and is black, has sucking mouth parts,

four wings, and can flv. This insect is beneficial because it feeds on various household and

cereal insects. It overwinters as a nvmph or

F.GORE 35.-Masked hunter, ^^^^^j^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ j.j,p_ ^j^^ ^-^^

changes are incomplete. This insect belongs to the order Hemiptera.

Squash bug.—Practically every grower of squash has seen a rather

largo, elongated, dai'k-gray insect, and oftentimes'

clusters of .small lighter gray spiderlike pests feeding on his squash. These insects, like all other insects of the order Hemiptera, have incomplete life

changes and sucking mouth parts. The adult insect is about one-half an inch long. The adults of

this group have four wings and fly readily when

disturbed. Both the adults and the nymphs feed

on the leaves, fruits, and vines of squash and,

related plants. Tlie adult insects overwinter be-'

neath rubbish and loose bark of logs. They may

be partially controlled bv use of contact sprays and

cultural practices. If obtainable, sabadilla dust

gives good control. The common squash buoshown here is Anam ttistis . '^ ^

FIGURE 36.—Squash bug.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 17

rat^Jpr pW^f~^^ ^'''u^^ members of the order HeniiptiMa tliat

i!.;!n ^^^^ resemble tlie true stinkbuo-, except that they

iisua ly are smaller and a little more elon- ' ^

gated, are the plant buos. These insects

have incomplete life chanpes. They have

sucking mouth parts and four win<''s The

adult can fly readily, and both the adults

and nymphs cra^vl. This -loup feeds on

the leaves and small stems of weeds and on

many crops. Plant bugs spend the winter

as adults beneath rubbish. Most of them

are pests and are controlliMl by cultural

practices. However, DDT dust * or spray

gives good control. The conmion tarnished

plant bug (Lf/(/u,s ohlinratm) shown here is

brownish yellow in color, is marked with

black, and is about three-sixteenths of an P,,,,, .,- ,, ,, inch long. ^'*^'"'' 3..-i>hint i.ug.

Chinch bug —In the grain belt, when the chinch buir is mentioned.

tanners thoughts at once go to the bug that destroys their grain ciops.

There are several si)ecies of chincli bug, l)iit the

most destructive one is lUlssus h ucopti i \is.

This hemipteron has incomplete life chaiiiies.

It is al)out three-sixteenths of an incli loni:.

The adults have four white wings and are

black with silverv-aray haiis. The nvmplis

are reddish in color. ' They suck the^juiccs

from stems of grain, and, altliougli small, quite

often build up such enormous mnnbers that

they cause complete destruction of huL'-e portions of grainfields. They overwinter preferably in bunch grass and other grasses, but \\il!

survive under leaves on the ground in woodFiGCRE :> -chinrh i.u- '^^^^^^- ^"^^^^^' 1*^^^^^^ bark of trees, and in similar

. " protected i)laces. Control measures are chemical barriers, cultural practices, and the j^lanting of less favoivd hosts.

Bedbug.—Another one of the Hemiptera which is a notorious j^est

IS the bedbug {dwe.r IrctularJiís), This insect has incomplete life

changes. In the adult stage it is about three-sixteenths

of an inch long. It is reddish brown, has sucking mouth

parts, and is winglos. This means that its only mode of

travel is to crawl or be carried by man oi* moviiiü'objects.

The bedbug feeds on man, chickens, and many other

warm-blooded animals. In the South or in well-heated

homes in the North the-e bugs continue to feed thiough- FIGUUI- :;U ^B.MI

out the winter. All stages of the insect may be found the '"' ^'

year round. To control bedbugs. si)ray a r)-])ercent DDT solution on

infested mattresses, springs, bedframes, and on nearby furniture and

walls.

HOMOPTERA (BUGS)

The order Homoptera consists of a gioup of insects closely related

to the Hemiptera. In fact sonie entomologists consider them a suborder of the Hemiptera.

8263910—49 3
18 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FIGURE -10.—Cicada.

Cicadas or "locusts."—Almost every autumn one hears shrill noises

ill the trees. The maker of these shrill noises is called the dog-day

cicada or harvest ñy. There are other similar insects, however, that

ai)pear earlier in tlie season. Dog-day harvest flies have piercing

mouth parts and can suck the juices from

plants. The adults are about II/4 inches in

length and have four clear wings that fold

shedlike over the back. They have incomplete changes in the life cycle. Some of these

species require 4 years to round out their life

cycle; others require a longer period. In

fact; one sjjecies of cicada requires 17 years.

The name "locust" is often applied to these

Homoptera, but incorrectly. The principal

injury is caused by the adult, which punctures the twigs of trees in

order to deposit its eggs inside. This injury is especially noticeable

when ureat swarms of the 17-year cicadas appear. I'he insect shown

here is the ])eriodieal cicada {JIaykicada septendecim).

Leafhoppers.—Quite often annual plants begin to show signs of

stunted growth from no apparent cause, but when disturbed, tiny

insects can be seen flying from tlie plants. These insects, often incorrectly called white flies, are really leafhoppers. The tiny beak

through whicli they suck plant juices causes a mottled or stippled eflect on the leaves of grapes and

many hardy jdants. Some kinds of leafhoppers also

carry plant diseases from one ¡dant to another.

Leafhoppers vary considerably in size and color, but

all are lung and narrow with four wings, also rather

long and narrow, folded over the back when at rest.

Leafhoppers have incomplete life changes. The

nymphs are difficult to see because they are very active and usually, when the plant on which they are

feeding is di.sturbed, scurry to the opposite side of

the leaf, away frcjm the observer. The observer,

when fortunate enough to see a nymph crawling, will

note that it usually does not run straight forward

but SdUiewhat sidewise. Leafhoi)pers teed on a wide

variety of plants. In the South they are active throughout the season.

In the Xorthern States some overwinter as adults and some as eo-o-s.

The insect pictured here, the potato leafhopper

{Empoasca fahae), is approximately one-eighth of

an inch long. It may be controlled by spraying

witli DDT. bordeaux mixture, or pyrethrum. or by

dusting witli sulfur.

Mealybugs.—Anyone who has attempted to grow

house plants, especially coleus, has become familiar

with a downy growth which occurs along the main

stem, but too few people realize that this down

F^iGURE 41.—Leafbopper.

FIGURE 42,—Mealy

bug.

covers an insect, the mealybug. J\Iealybuo-s vary

considerably in size and structure and feecl on a

wide variety of host plants. Although very tiny,

into the tPnrl... , f "''^?'/i' T ''^^^ *? "^'^^'t tl^eir sucking beaks into the tender jxirts of the leaves and stems of plants Thev are

practically all wingless, and both adults and young are ob& 0
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 19

n!'wi' 7^'^^' 'V'^^'''" " ''' weather and spend t he u inl.T

on the host ph.nt. The life ehanaes are nu'ou.nlete.

P"IGCI!B

in all stages

nff-pn hanr...^ 1 ■■-. '• -"^ i.it- ^.uanaes are nicoinpiete. Mealvhu"s

witl \v.ff , T'""" 1'"'^'" ^"^ ''-''' ^^^' -ntrolUMl hv washing- the h.Cst

W on fhp \\'i !" I^^'''^^V'-'; '" ' '' ^•'*"^='^'^ -^l^'''.^' '"• f'lnufvation. depending on the plan on whu-h they are feedin-. A eonnuon «lea ybui/'.^w ........ ,,,,, ) ,, the one shown here. It is about three-sixteenth's

01 an mrli m lenatli.

hP^íníf p"f^o!frV'''^'''V-' '''7 i^^'^'^*^^^ ^«"g^ f"^ '-1 ^i«iise in which he. can eat and sleep and possibly rest, but certain tiny insects

budd a house m which tliey spend their entire life. Scale insects

are the ones referred to. Many people have seen the little houses,

about one-ei-hth of an inch Mide, under which the insects live

but _ few luive ever seen the insects themselves because thev are'

so tiny. The shape or style of the house often assists in cíistinguishmo; the nanie of its inhabitant. For instance, there is an insec which builds a house somewhat resembling a tiny oystershell,

and tor this reason it is called the oystershell

scale. The scale insect pictured here, wliich

always presents the appearance of a small nipple,

is called the San José scale (A.spidwfux

pemiciosus) because it was accidentally introduced

at San Jose, Calif. Scale insects in feeding; suck

the juices from many kinds of plants. Tlie San

José scale spends the winter on its host plant and

attempts to live over in all stages, but most of

the survivors are second-stage nymphs. During

the first few hours of its îife, die young scale

insect crawls about on the plant, but sooii settles down and starts

to secrete a scalelike covering. Once established, the female never

leaves the scale. The male insects, however, have wings and eome out

at certain seasons of the year, depending on the locality. Scale

insects become very destructive at times. Some are controlled by

contact sprays and others by fumigation.

COLEÓPTERA (BEETLES)

One of the largest orders of insects is the Coleóptera to which

belong the beetles, all of which have complete life changes. They

usually have leathery forewings, and the hind wings when present

and not in use are folded up under these leathery wings. Many of

the beetles are severe j^ests.

Ladybeetles.—Very common representatives of this order are the

ladybeetles.

\

However, most ladybeetles are l>eneficial because they

feed on other insects. The species vary widely in

"f^f^ f^ color, are usually spotted, and have a somewhat

«i^*j^ f)val body about one-fourth of an inch long. Ladybeetle larvae are somewhat lizardlike and usually

have short tufts of spines over the body. These

insects abound in colonies of plant lice. They overwinter in the adult stage; their four life stages are

spent above ground. The little friend shown here

FiQOBB 44 —Lad ^^ ^^^ convergent ladybeetle {Hippodamia converbeetle. ^' gem).
20 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Mexican bean beetle.—In certain parts of the country bean growing is difficult because of a little black-spotted beetle, approximately

one-fourth of an inch in length, that chews the

leaves of bean plants. Like the other beetles, or

Coleóptera, it has two pairs of wings, the fore

pair leathery and the hind pair clear. The

adults are hemispherical in shape, and coppery

brown in color with black spots; the larvae are

bright yellow with many forked spines on their

])acks. The adults overwinter in protected places.

FIGURE 4.-;.— Mexican Most of the ladybeetles are beneficial, but this

i.tanbeetle. QJ^^^ f]^^ ]\fexican bcau beetle {Epilachna varives-

/Âs), is a i^est. It can be controlled with derris or cube dusts or

sprays.

Colorado potato beetle.—WTiat boy or girl in most parts of the

United States, when visiting a potato patch, has not, at some time or

other, seen a yellow and black striped beetle and a small, soft-shelled,

brick-colored grub with black sjoots along its sides, feeding on the

potato leaves? This is the Colorado potato beetle.

The adult is about three-eighths of an inch long.

It has five black lines on each wing cover and

black sj^ots on the other part of the body. Of its

four wings, the fore or outer are leathery, and

the under wings are veinous and fold beneath the

leather}" wings when thei insect is not in flight.

Tlie potato beetle overwinters in the adult stage

in the ground, and in the spring flies to potatoes

or certain closelv related plants and starts chewing the leaves. Soon after the adults appear,

clusters of orange-colored eggs may be found on

tlie under side of the leaves. The grubs which hatch from these eggs

also feed on potato foliage, and, when growth is completed, burrow

into the ground and go into the pupal stage, later to emerge as adults.

There may be two generations a year in scmie sections. DDT. pariï>

li'reen, or lead arsenate is dusted or sprayed on the potatoes to control

FIGURE 46. — Colorado

potato beetle.

this l)eetle. The scientihc name of this insect, which belongs to the

order Coleóptera, is Li i>t¡not(ífs<í (ha mlin tata.

Spotted cucumber beetle.—Rather early in the spring

in the most northern parts of this country there appears

on beans, cucumbers, and various other plants, an elongated, greenish-yellow beetle about one-fourth of an

inch in length. The head and legs are black. Because

of 12 black spots on its back, 6 on each wing cover, and

because it chews holes in the leaves of verv small cucumber plants, the adult of this insect is called the 12-spotted

cucumber beetle. The larva feeds to a large extent on

corn roots, and in this stage it is known as the corn

FIGURE 47.-spot- rootworm. This insect overwinters in the adult stage.

ted c^ucumber The eggs are laid just beneath the surface of the soil in

the early summer. Because the larvae feed on a great

number of the roots of plants belonging to the grass family, and the

adults on a wide variety of plants and flowei^, the damage to any
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 21

thai IS

l)('c;uise

K I .1 I- 11 E 4S;.—

' liciiiuil Iji'etle.

one plant usually is not serious. Control of the spotted cucumber

beetle on most crops is difficult, but on such plants as melons damao-e

can be prevented by means of treatment with arsenicals. This insc^-t

belongs to the order Coleóptera; its scientific name is l>¡„l>n>t¡m

toulccnnpiiiirfata.

Ground beetles.—Amono- the beetles is another family

mostly beneficial. These are the around beetles, so named

many of them have the habit of running; around over

the ground m search of food. Most species are shiny '

black wnli long legs, but a few are blue, green, or lu'own

in color. Both tlie adults and larvae of the groundliving species hide under stones and debris during the

day and come out at nioht in search of food, which for

the most part consists of other insects. The beetle shown

here, however, is an active tree climber: it is Calomnui

scrufafor. known as the caterpillar hunter. It is about

114 inches long. The wing covers are green witli rosy

metallic margins. Like the other beetles, botli the adult's

and larvae have chewing mouth parts. The adults have

four wings, the front "pair leathery and completely covering the

abdomen, and the hind pair clear. AVhen at rest, the "hind wings are

folded up under the forewings. Although it more comiuoidy moves

about on foot, this beetle can fly. It overwinters as adult or pupa

underground.

Tiger beetles.—Along streams and sandy shores one often finds

insects about half an inch long that run very

rapidly, and fly to escape cajiture. They aie

called tiger beetles. These beetles vary greatly in

color, some having brilliant metallic hues. The

tiger beetle shown hei-e, ('¡nrtiuhla tniii<¡iieh(U'/(ii,

is about half an inch long, brownish with whitish

bands, and has chewing mouth parts and four

wings. It feeds on various small insects and other

small animals. It has complete life chauües.

Both the adult and larva hibernate in holes in

the ground. Since this beetle feeds <jn otiier insects, it may be considered beneficial.

June beetles.—During the early \)\wX of the

summer there is an insect that flies cluiusily alioul,

knocking itself against screens, lights, and the walls

of houses. Close examination reveals that it is a

rather stout, dark-brown to light-reddish colored

beetle, rangiag from -J« to 1 inch in length, with

four wings, the fore pair leathery and the hind pair

clear. This insect feeds on the leaves of various

trees and slirubs. The larva of the June beetle is the

white grub that abounds in the soil, wliere it feeds

on the roots of plants. It hibernates in the ground,

usually lives over two full winters, and pupates late

in the summer. The adults emerge and lay eggs late

in the spring or early in the summer of the following year. Cultural practices assist in the control of

the grubs. The June beetle shown here belongs to the order Cole

optera, and is Ph¡jJloiiliiiya ¡liaki i.

Fl(jrKE4!i.—Tiger Ijeetle.

I' li E r>(i.—June

I til'.
22 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FiuüHE "il.—riick

beetle.

Click beetles.—Click beetles are familiar to almost any person who

has had anything to do with insects. This little elongated beetle

has a body apparently divided into two parts only,

the head being rather indistinct. When the insect

is placed on its backJt has the ability to flip itself

into the air, and, after several attempts,_ alight

on its feet. Click beetles vary considerably in size,

from 1/4 of an inch to 2 inches. The larvae are

called wireworms. They feed on the roots and in

the stems of various plants. Some of these insects

complete their life cycle in 1 year, but other

kinds may require several years. The scientific name

of tlie insect pictured here is Melanotuv co/n/íniní.%

order Coleóptera. DDT oiethyleue dibrouiide used in

the soil controls wireworms.

Locust borer.—Among the beetles are some with very long antennae. These are called longhorn beetles. Most members of this group

have elongated bodies ranging in length from i/o

inch to 2 inches. The adults are rather strong

fliers and swift runners. The larvae are borers

and live within the woody parts of trees and

shrubs or beneath tree bark. The species shown

here is the locust borer, Cyïïene rohmiae, a black

beetle with yellow markings. It is about fiveeighths of an inch long. The adults may be found

basking in the sun on locust trees during September. They feed on the flowers of goldenrod, and

the larvae live inside locust trees. These beetles

have complete life changes and overwinter in the

larval stage in the inner bark, where they have

been feeding. They bore deep into the wood during the following spring and summer and cause

serious damage to locu.st tiees. especially those of low vigor. This insect belongs to the order Coleóptera. DDT emulsion prevents attack.

Flatheaded borer.—There is another group of insects that are

fairly robust. They have a rather uniform width of body except for

the hind third, which tapers somewhat abruptly.

Most of these dark-bronze-, brassy-, or copperycolored beetles are commonly called buprestids.

Like all the other Coleóptera, they have chewing

mouth \yaYts in both the adult and larval stage.

The larvae are wood-boring insects and feed on

many kinds of trees. They are decidedly segmented, and their broad, flat heads are about

twice as wide as the rest of the body. There is

usually only one brood each season. Insects of

this type have diíRculty in establishing themselves in healthy or vigorous growing trees, but

following drought or weakening of the trees from

other causes these borers do become established,

and control measures are necessary. Clean up and burn all infested

trees and branches during April and ISIay. Younger trees may be

protected by wrapping with burlap or building paper. The insect

FiGUKE .J2.—Locust

borer.

F I G r R E G."?.—Flatheaded apple-tree

borer.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 23

"A

FiGUiiE ."4.—(iranary weevil.

shown here is (he adult of the flatheaded applo-tiee l.o.er {('hn/sobot/in.s femorafa). It is about one-half an inch lon^v.

tiranary weevil.—There is a weevil, rather elonuated—ah..iit oneeighth of an inch in lenoth—\\ith a long nose, and

chestnut brown m color. The size of this insect '

inay be coniixired to the orain of wheat upon whicli

It rests. This weevil lives indoors and attacks various kinds of stored i?:rains, often doing considera])le

damage. The chewing jaws of the adults are located

at the end of the long, snoutlike head. Hind wings

or the ones used in flight are absent, so that the

insect can move about only by crawling. Like all

other Coleóptera, the weevils have four stages in

their life cycle—egg. larva, pupa, and aduh. This

insect may have several generations a year, deijending on the temperature. Fumigation and residual

sprays give the most ettective control. The scientihc

name of this insect is ^Sitophilus c/mnwiu.s.

Bean weevil.—Entomologists are often asked during the winter or

early m the spring for information about infestations of a rather

small insect about one-eighth of an inch long discovered Avin«»- about

the house and windows, or perhaps by some housewife "when ])reparing dry beans for cooking. This insect has a body that tapers

sharply to the head, four wings, and a few white markings on its

back. The adults fly rather readily to the giwn beans

in the field and lay their eggs in the pods. Soon after

hatching, the larvae burrow inside the bean and continue to develop with it. Small circular holes often seen

m dry beans indicate that the beans have been infested

and the weevils have left the bean through these holes.

When the dry beans are placed in storage.'if the weather

is warm, the insects continue to breed all the year

through, but when the weather is cold the larvae remain

inactive. The bean weevil belongs to the order Coleóptera, and is called AcanthosceJides ohtecim. It may be controlled

by fumigation or heating.

LEPIDOPTERA (BUTTERFLIES AND OTHERS)

Where is the boy or girl wlio never chased a butterfly? But did

this boy or girl ever consider that the butterfly came from a small

worm, or larva as the entomologists call it % Butterflies, moths, and

skippers have a gi'eat deal in common. Their life cycles are the

same in that they consist of four distinct stages, the »igg, the caterpillar (or feeding stage), the pupa (or resting stage), and the adult

butterfly or nioth (the reproducing stage). The butterfly, pupa, and

larva are quite unlike one another in appearance. This group of

insects carries the name ''Lepidoptera," which means "scale wings,"

and everyone who has handled a butterfly or moth knows that the

four wings are covered with a fine scaly powder which, when brushed

off, leaves a clear wing. The butterflies and moths have suckingtype mouth parts, but the young, or caterpillars, have chewing mouth

parts.

Cabbage butterfly.—Possibly one of the most common of these

butterflies is the little white cabbage butterfly, which has a wing

F I G r E E O'K

Bean weevil
24 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPÏ. OF AGRICULTURE

FlGünE 50.—Cabbage but

terfly.

expanse of about. I14 inches. The tips of the forewings are black.

The female l)utteifly has two black spots and the male, one black

" spot on eacli forewing. The hind wing of each

sex has a single black spot on the outer front

margin. Tlie eggs are very small and easily

overlooked. The larva is a velvety-green caterpillar found on cabbage and related plants.

Wlien the larva finishes feeding it forms a pupa,

or clirysalis. on the leaves where the caterpillars

have fed. Cabbage butterflies have three or more

generations each year, depending on the locality.

They overwinter in the pupal stage. "The caterpillars cause considerable damage to cultivated cabbage and related crops, and derris

and cube )io\vders are used to control these pests. The technical name

of the cahliage ])utterfly is Pi< ris rapae.

Swallowtail butterflies.—liuttei'flies of another group, and of

much larger size than the cabbage butterflies, have long tails on the

tips of the hind wings and are therefore called swallowtail butterflies. The different kinds of these butterflies feed on various plants.

The large black butterfly pictured here is the one whose larva feeds

on celery and related plants. It has a wingspread of about 3 inches.

The spots along the margins of the wings are yellow instead of white

as indicated in the i)icture. Like all other butterflies, this one has

four wing>. In the adult stage it has sucking

moutli part.-, but the caterpillars have chewing mouth parts and sometimes cause damage

to cultivated celery, parsley, and related crops.

Hand picking these caterpillars would give

control, although under some conditions

poison application may be necessary. There

are two or three generations each year, and

the winter is passed in the pupal stage. Most

of the swallowtail liutterflies carry the name

is called Pu/lil'd ¡Kßli/.r( lif'S.

Monarch butterfly.—Throughout much of the summer one sees

large reddish-brown butterflies. Their wings have black veins and

borders, and in the borders are many small white spots. The wingspread is from about 31/^ to 4

inches. The butterflies have

sucking mouth i)arts and sap the

juices from flowers. The larvae

feed on the leaves. Until fairly

recent years it was not known

that these butterflies moved

north in the summer and south

in the winter, but now large

droves have been located moving

southward in much the same

fashion as do wild birds. They

lenutin throughout the winter in

the hedges or other sheltei;ed

mplete life changes. Butterflies

are of (jueslionable importance, but if the larvae should build up

—Swallowtail butterfly.

PapUlo. and this one

FiGL'KE 58.—M(inari-h buttcrtly.

places in the South. They have co
4-H CLin; IXSKCT MANT'AT> 25

to destructive numbers stomach poisons will kill them. The scientilic

name of the butterfly shtnvn here is Danam plexlppuH. This insect

belongs to the order Lepidoptera.

Cecropia moth.—An insect frequently observed is the Cecropia

moth. This moth is also very laroe, with a wiuo- expanse of 5 to

6 inches. It is brown in varying shades, and each of the

four wings bears, near the center, a crescent-shaped white

spot bordered with red. This

moth has sucking mouth parts.

The larva is covered with

knoblike spines and is of a

delicate, dull bluish-green

color. The moth overwinters

in a rather large grayish

cocoon attached to the branches

of trees and shrubs where the

larva has fed. A cocoon is —

often taken into a building and '""^""^ 59.-cec..opia m„th.

the Cecropia moth allowed to emerge in cai)tivity.

The life changes of this insect are complete. It is of questionable

importance. This moth belongs to the order Lepidoptera. The

scientific name of the insect shown liere is SamJa cccrdiña.

_ Regal moth.—The entomologist's attention is often called to some ugly, rather

large, spiny caterpillar, the larva of the

royal walnut moth, or regal moth (C'ltheroida regaUs). It is one of the largest

of its grouj:) and has a wingspread of 4 to

5 inches. It is reddish brown with yellow

spots. Like other Lepidoptera. this insect

has four wings. The lar\a feeds on the

leaves of shrubs and trees and in some

This insect overclianixes. It is of

FiGTEE 60.—Regal niotli.

known as the hickory horned devil,

winters as a pupa in the soil and has complete life

questionable inip(ntance.

Imperial moth .—Another

closely related sjiecies is the

imperial \W)Ú\ [Encleí^ imperialis). This motli rivals the

regal moth in size with a wing

expanse oí 4 to ."> inches. It is

pale yellow, banded and

speckled with ])urplish brown,

and tlie wings have lilaccolored bases. The larva of

this insect bears ratlier short,

spiny horns on the head end of

the body, and feeds on the leaves of shrubs and trees. The moth has

four wings and sucking mouth parts. This insect overwinters as a

pupa in the soil. It is of questionable importance.

Hawk moths.—Certain insects resemble the hummingbird in that

they hover around flowers and suck the nectar from deep bell-shaped

FiuuJiE Gl.—ImiHTiiil moth.

826391°—49-
26 MISr. PUBLICATION 318. U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FIGURE Oi.—Hawk ninth.

flowers. The adults of this oroup of Lep^doptera are called hawk

moths. These insects have rather heavy bodies and four wings, the

hind pair being much shorter than the fore pair. The larvae of

this group of moths are rather lai'ge

and have a taillike horn at the end

(jf the body. When disturbed these

larvae throw their heads back almost

at a right angle and remain in that

position. Both the adult and larva

of the ditiVreiit sjjecies of hawk moths

vary considera!)ly. The species shown

here is Pfofopafre quinquemaculata.,

and is the parent of one of the large,

green liornw (»rnis that feed on the foliage of tobacco, tomato, and certain other plants. It is possibly the most common and most destructive form. This moth is ash gra}' in color with darker markings, and

its wing expanse is from 4 to 5 inches. This species overwinters in the

cartli in the pupal stage. The worms can be hand-picked and killed,

or killed by applying a poison dust or spra}' to the food plant. Tomatoes in fruit should not be sprayed with poisons. This species feeds

OH toliaccn. tiiuiatoes, or i^otatoes.

Carpenter worm.—Orchardists often ñnd rather large holes in

the branches or trunks of their trees, and when the holes are opened

the larvae, or young, of the carpenter

moth are found. This moth has a wing

expanse of from 2 to 3I/2 inches; the wings

are mottled gray, the hind wings of the

male being yellow to orange lined with

black. The mouth parts are absent or

vestigial. The life changes are complete.

In many sections this insect is a pest.

Suggestions for control are to cage the

tree trunks to prevent infestation, and the injection of carbon disulphide into the occupied burrows. The scientific name of the

carpenter worm is Pr'wnoxyatm rohiniae. This insect belongs to the

order Lepidoptera.

Banded woolly bear.—In the fall and earlv spring there is a black

and brown banded w oolly bear caterpillar that appears to be wandering around aimlessly. Quite often it is

noticed crossing highways or sidewalks.

In the fall it attempts to find protected

places where it can spend the winter. This

caterpillar is the larva of the Isabella

tiger moth. The moth, or adult insect, has

a wing expanse of from 2 to 21/2 inches.

It is dull orange yellow with dusky spots.

The adult has sucking mouth parts; the

larva has chewing mouth parts and feeds

on grass and leaves of various low-growing plants. Although it is

of questionable importance, this insect can be controlled with stomach

poisons. It belongs to the order Lepidoptera ; the scientific name of

the species shown here is h'/a imhella.

Bollworm or corn earworm.—Some insects have several common

names, depending on the food plant on which they feed This is one

FIGURE G.3.—Carpenter worm.

FIGURE 64.—Banded woolly bear.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 27

FiGrEE <ir>. P.I

worm.

It is distributed

reason why scientists jissipi a technical name Id an insect. For instance, Heliothis annigera refers to the corn earwonii or the coltoii

bollworm, known to tomato growers as the tomato fruitworm. No

doubt many persons have seen this worm feeding

on the end of a roasting ear or chewing holes in

tomatoes; others have seen it feeding in cotton bolls,

but probably few have realized that this worm is

the young stage of a fawn-colored moth which has

a wingspread of about lU inches. These moths

have sucking mouth parts but cause no damage except in hiynig eggs that hatch into little larvae.

The insects have complete changes in form during

the life cycle, and there are several generations each

year. The^- overwinter in the pupal stage in the

earth. This pest is possibly public enemy No. 1

among the insects attacking the food crops of man.

through temperate and tropical regions and attacks various kinds of

plants. Contriil ineasurcs will vary. (It'iiciidiiig cm the crop.

Cutworms.—Practically everyone who has set out A'oung plants has

noticed that within a day or so after planting some are cut off just

at the surface of the ground. Under such circumstances, a wellinformed jierson usually scratches a little

^y soil away from the remaining stump of the

plant and there finds a gray worm or larva

coiled and waiting for darkness so that it

can attack another ])lant. These larvae are

called cutworms. The parent is a nightflying moth. There are a great many different kinds of cutworms,

on the adults and larvae differ

The moths have four wings, the hind pair usually being paler in

color than the forewings. The wing exi)anse is about IVo inches.

Cutworms feed on many kinds of plants, and sometimes climb fruit

trees and injure them. They have a complete life cycle and there is

one generation a year. Eggs are usually laid in midsummer, and

the insects overwinter as partially grown larvae. Cutworms are

rather severe pests. The most common control measure is the application of poisoned bait; however, stomach poisons sprayed on the

plants they are injuring will kill the climbing forms. _ The species

shown here is the moth of the spotted cutworm {Agvotis c-nignim).

Eastern tent caterpillar.—Practically every spring, about the time

the apple and cherry trees, especially wild cherries, begin to leaf,

there appears in the crotches of the ^

branches a small wel» which harbors a

young army of caterpillars. These little

fellows appear as if by magic and start

chewing the leaves off' the trees. Sometimes they become abundant enough to

strip all "the leaves off these trees. This

insect is called the eastern tent caterpillar

{Malacoxoina (imericano). Its parent is a

moth that flies around at night early in the

summer and deposits eggs on the branches

of certain fruit trees. The eggs do not hatch unti

FIGURE 60.—Cutworm. The markings

gieatiy.

F] .UKE 07.—Eastern tent caterpillar.

il the following spring. The moths are reddish brown with whitish lines on
28 MISC. rUBLlCATIoN .US, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FKU-RE CIS.—(irnpr lent' foUlnr.

oacli forewiiig, as sliowii in the picture, and have a wing expanse

of from 1 to li/o inclies. They have sucking mouth parts but do not

Iced. The caterpillars feed during the sunny part of the day. In

commeicial oi'chaids, the usual poison sprays control these insects, hut

wheie they are found elsewhere they may be controlled by carefully

huining or otherwise destroying the nests or webs as soon as discovery

is made. Also spi-ay small welis with one-eighth-percent DDT emulsion. Some relief maj' be had b}' destroying the eggs during the

winter.

Grape leaf folder.—Around the grape arbor one often finds a very

dark-hrown moth with a wing expanse of nearly an inch. Two oval

white spots apjjear on each foi'ewing. The

hind wings also have white markings. This

insect is called the grape leaf folder {Desmin funefal'/x ). The larva is an active palegreen caterpillar that rolls and ties the

leaves of wild and cultivated grapes and

chews the leaves within the tie. There are

two or three generations each year, depending on the locality. The insect overwinters

in the pupal stage. It is necessary to spray

grape leaves witli poison to control this pest.

Codling moth.—How many times have you opened an aj^ple and

found a worm, half a worm, oi- a brown tunnel where the worm has

been feeding? Even though many i)ersons have seen the apple worm,

few have seen the parent, which is called the codling moth. This

moth is fi'om alxmt one-half to three-fourths of

an inch in length. The four wings of the codlingmoth are foldetl leailike over the back, and have

numerous light-gray and brown markings. The

moths lay their eggs on the leaves and fruit of

several kinds of trees such as apple, pear, and

quince. This insect has com])lete life changes,

and there are from one to three generations a

year, depending on the locality and climatic conditions. The full-grown larvae overwinter in silken cocoons hidden in

crevices in the bark of trees or in similarly protected places. This insect is the chief pest of apples. Spraying is used in its control, although

sanitary measures will helj) to reduce the number of overwintering

larvae. Scientists speak of the codling moth as Carpocapm. pomonella.

Indian-meal moth.—Many housewives have become alanned at the sight of a rather small moth,

with 34-inch wingspread, around the house, not

realizing that this little creature originated in the

pantry or the granary and is the Indian-meal moth,

the larvae of which feed on all manner of dried

vegetable products, seeds, nuts, fruits, etc. In the

household it frequently is found in corn meal or

1/ '' "'^ oatmeal. This moth can be distinguished from the

Li_ __ _, elothes moth by the wings, the outer or hind part

being much darker in color than the fore part. The

lai'va is a rather small white caterpillar, and almost

all ot the tour lite stages may be found any time of the year This

insect, which is called PhxUa ¡uterpnnctdla, belongs to the order

FIGURE 69

Fir.uRE 70.—IndianIHI'.TI iiiiilli.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 29

FlGlRE 71.- -Cl<Jtlies

mijtlis.

Lepidoptera. It can be controlled by cleanini^- out all (he old coin

meal in the cracks and crevices of the pantry, or by jjoison uas.

Clothes moths.—There are other small moths not quite so lar<j,e

as the one just described that are found most frequently around

clothes closets where woolens and furs are stored. These insects ai-e

of il uniform fawn color, and tlie winiispread is only about onedialf

an inch. Each of the four wings is nuich narrower than those of most of the" butterflies and

moths. These insects are the clothes moths.

Clothes moths have complete life i-hanü'es. The

young of the moths—the small white larvae—-

chew holes in woolen ck)thes and the mohair

fabric on furniture. These moths do not feed

on any vegetable products such as rayon or cotton. The larvae pujiate where they have been

feeding. There are three or more generations,

and breeding is continuous throughout the year if buildings are

heated. The best control is prevention by frcijuent airing, sunning of

clothes, and storing in mothproof containers. Also use a residual

spray on closet walls. The clothes moth shown here is the kind known

as the welibing clothes moth ( Tiiuolji h'lHxelUclhi).

Webworms.—During the sununer and fall there appear in the

grasses a number of small moths that fold their wings closely about

their bodies when at rest. They usually rest with

their bodies forming an angle with the stalk of grass

on which they aligiit. the front part of their bodies

being farthest from the stalk. The palpi (mouth

parts) aie much elongated and extend beyond the

head. The moths of this group belong to the genus

Craiiihux. Owing to their peculiar resting position

and extension of the pali)i, they are readily distinguished from other small moths. The larvae of the

('ramhus are called sod webworms because they u>nally feed in a web on the roots of grass plaiUs.

where they overwinter. The wings of these mothare buff to light brown in color with a spread of from

3^ inch to 11/4 inches. The life changes are complete. The insects often cause considerable damage to corn and other members of the grass family. Insecticides and

cultural practices are suggested foi- control. The species shown here

is commonly called the larger sod webworm; the specific or scientific

name is ('rrnnhrix fr!^pcf>if<.

Clearwing moths.—Any boy

or girl who has found an insect

like the one illustrated here perhaps has had a hard time deciding whether it belonged to the

order including the butterflies

and moths (or*ler Lepidoptera),

or to some other group of insects having clear wings. These

moths do not have scales covering the entire wings, as do most

of the others, but careful exam- FIUUUK 73.—ck-unvin« moth.

FiGfRE 72.—Webworm moth.
30 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, Ü. fS. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

I'Kii i;i; 74. Ski|i|Ji'i-.

are unit'onii in fulm

for suckinii'. ami the

iiiatiim will slifiw that scales are present on the body and at least

on the veins and niai'iiins of the wings. Insects of this group also

have a pronounced tuft of hair on the tip of the abdomen. They are

known as the clearwing moths. The larvae, or caterpillars, of most

of these moths chew their way into the woody portion of plants and

often cause serious damage. These moths have complete life changes,

and usually there is one generation each year. The moth shown here

is the pareiit of the peach-tree borer {Sanninoidea exitiosa). It has a

wini;s]uvad of I14 inches.

Skippers.—Among the butterflies and moths may be found insects

that resemble butterflies when flying around in the daytime, but on

close inspection they resemble moths because

of their heavier bodies. If the antennae are

hooked, as shown in the accompanying picture, these insects belong to the group called

ski|)]iers. They get this name from their

lapid. darting flight. The one pictured here

is the locust skipper [Epargyrens tityrus).

It has a wing expanse of from 1% to Ü inches.

The forewings are dark brown with yellow

bands and silver spots beneath ; the hind wings

The mouth parts of these moths are made

arvae feed on various leguminous plants such

as clovers. The skii)pers overwinter as pupae on the ground in dead

leaves. The life changes are complete. These insects occasionally

become pests. Stomach poisons will kill the larvae.

DíPTERA (FLIES)

In this big insect world there is one group that is particularly

annoying to picnic parties, either while they are attempting to eat

or when they are fishing along streams. The group of insects referred to belongs to the order Dii)teia. which means that members

of this family have two wings and only stubs where the hind wings

ought to be. Members of this order vary considerably in size and

shape, as the description of the following kinds, representing different

families, will indicate.

Houseflies.—Possibly the most common of this group is the liousefly

{Musca domestica), which is about one-fourth of an inch long, gray

with black stripes, eyes dark red, and abdomen yellowish at the base.

Contrary to the ideas of many persons, the housefly cannot bite, as it has specialized or lappingtype mouth parts. The stablefly, which closely

resembles the housefly and is quite often mistaken

for it, has piercing mouth parts and can most certainly register its presence. Houseflies feed on

all sorts of filth and possibly are one of man's

worst enemies, since they carry disease organisms.

They have complete life changes, overwinter in all

stages, and have several generations each season.

Space sprays and aerosol bombs - give temporary

relief from flies. DDT residual sprays around FIGURE 75.—Housefly.

= For mure un the u.><e of space siirays and aerosul I ilis, see page .J7.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 31

FKU'IU; -S,N i-i' ily.

Since they are benebarns, outbuildings, and houses jirovide effective and histing fly control, (jood sanitation is an important supplement to DDT sprays.

Destroy breed in«: places and dispose of manure properly.

Syrphid flies.—Anotlier fandlv of flies that are quite often found

hovering around flowers, or places where there is an abundance of

plant lice, is the syrphid flies, of which there

are a great many kinds. Althouiili there is a

wide variation in these insects, many have clecidetl markings on the abdomen, the adults

of this group have two wings and suckingmouth parts. These flies have complete litV

changes. Some larvae feed on aphids. One

would need to examine but few colonies of

plant lice before finding a very small, le«'-

less, sluglike creature feeding on the lice. Tins

is the larvae of the syrpluis fly. These flies

remain over winter in the pupa'l stage among

leaves on the ground or on stems of plants. _....^ .„., a.r u^i.cficial, no control measures are necessary. The syrphus fly shown here

is Si//p/n/s n'besii, which varies from three-eighths

to one-half inch in length.

Blowflies.—During the summertime anv meat or

dead animal will draw a number of blowflies. The

adults feed upon carrion and flowers, and the nniggots of most species feed mainly on decayimr meat's.

They overwinter in puparia inthe soil.

In general, blowflies are considered beneficial

because the maggots destroy dead animal matter.

If they become so abundant that they are a miisance.

the maggots may be coiUrolled liy burying or l)urning the material in which they breed'. Adult flies

may be destroyed by sprays.

Flesh flies are "blowflies, but differ from the

others in that the female gives birth to living maggots. Other blowflies deposit eggs. The flesh flies are rather large and grayish in

with black stripes on their backs. Their abdomens are covered

hairs. The flesh fly here shown is Surcophnç]it p]'infho¡ni(iii.

Green-bottle and blue-l)ottle flies are blowflies

also. The bodies of these flies are metallic green or

blue in color and shiny. These flies are larger than

houseflies.

Larvae of one species of blowfly are called screwworms. They infest wounds on animals and, by

feeding on living tissue, cause suffering and great

loss of livestock, mostly in the Southern States.

Smear 62 (see item 131, p. 56) should be used to

treat infested wounds and to ¡jrotect against further blowing by the flies.

The green-bottle fly pictured here is Phaenicia serk-nta.

of fly is from one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long.

FIGURE 77.—Flesh flv.

color

with

I'ii;ii',E 78.—GreenIn,ttle fly.

'I'his species
32 MISC. I'UBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OP AGRICULTURE

FKHKK -Iliii-sefly.

Horseflies.—In the horse-and-biiggy days many runaways were

caused by large black flies lighting on the horse. The group of flies

to which tliis species belongs are called horseflies.

Tliey va I y considerably in size and can be distinguished by the peculiar shape of the head,

\A Inch is nearly all eyes and fits over the front part

of the l)ody cap fashion. The adults have two

wings and piercing mouth parts. They feed on a

munber of animals. Horseflies have complete life

changes and spend the winter as larvae in mud.

Altliough these insects are pests, there is no effective control except drainage of the marshy areas

in which many kinds breed. The black horsefly

pictured here is Tahanibs atratus. This species is

from ^4 to li/s inches long.

Robber flies.-—Can it be possible that when man desired more speed

in the air he looked to the robber flies? Most robber flies are rather

large. Even though they have but two

wings they are capable of flying very fast.

They feed almost entirely on other insects.

The' head of the robber fly somewhat, resembles that of the horsefly, but its neck

is much longer. Tlie aduît has piercing

mouth parts. These insects usually winter

as larvae or pupae in the ground,

where the laivae feed on worms and

larvae of other insects. Like all other

Diptera, the robber fly has complete life

changes. Tlie one sliown here is Promachus rt/fipe-s, which attains a length of from 1 to 1% inches.

Mosquitoes.—What person has not heard the buzzing of a mosquito or felt the mouth parts pierce an exposed part of the body?

This group of Dijîtera possibly causes as much annoyance to people,

esjiecially picnickers, as any other insect. It is

only the female mosquito that can bite, and not

all kinds of mosquitoes feed on man or animals.

In addition to causing annoyance from feeding,

some mosquitoes are responsible for carrying diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Malaria

is a major health problem in the South. All

mosquitoes have a long, narrow body with comparatively long legs and two wings. The life

changes are complete. The larvae, or "wigglers,"

are found in stagnant water. Mosquitoes breed

commonly in rain barrels, cisterns, ponds, and

Mos.iuito. *'f'i*''' l>hit'es where water stands. Drain stagnant

pools if ])ossible. Cover water containers tightly.

Treat breeding areas with DDT. Use residual DDT sprays to control

adults. Use repellents to prevent bites. Mosquitoes are usually much

smaller than ciane flies, and can be distinguished from crane flies by the

tiny hairs on the margins of the wings. The one shown here is the

yellow-fever mosquito {Aedes aegypti), which is about three-sixteenths

of an inch loii<r.

FIGURE 80.—Robber fly.

FIGDEE 81.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 33

Crane flies.—Quite often one sees long^-legged, awkward insects

wnicn look like overgrown mosquitoes flying over the fields They

are commonly called crane flies. These flies

vary from one-eighth of an inch to 2 inches

in length and are brownish in color with

mottled wings. The adults have lapping

mouth parts and probably lap nectar from

open blossoms. These insects have complete

life changes and spend the winter as eggs,

or larvae, in the ;oil. The larvae are sometimes called leat] erjackets because of their

leathery skin. O Tasionally they warrant a

control measure. Poisoned bait' is effective.

The male of the range crane fly pictured

liere. Tipula simplex, has wings but the

female is wingless. This species is from

three-eighths to one-half of an inch in length. pi^^^^ s2.-crane fly.

HYMENOPTERA (WASPS AND OTHERS)

There is another group of insects that in many respects resemble flies,

partly because of their clear wings. This group is the Hvmenoptera.'

They may be distniguished from the flies by the number of wings.

The winged Hymenoptera have four wings, but they are often so

close together tliat it is difficult to tell whether there are two or four

unless they are examined at tlie point

of attachment to the body. Insects in

the group vary considerably in appearance. Among tliein are "the wasps,

ants, bees, etc. For tlie most part, a

basal portion of tlie abdomen is reduced to a very slender, threadlike

structure, wliich varies in length, depending on tlie species.

Wasps.—In the wasp, this slender

structure is very long. The muddauber wasp {ScfUphron carmentarlum) shown here is almost an inch

long. ])lack witli oraiia'e-vellow niark- FiGiRE Sy.—Was-p.

ings. It lias modified mouth parts

for chewing and lapping. Tlie

adult feeds on flowers, and the larva

feeds on paralyzed spiders wliich

the parent wasps store in cells. Tlie

wasp has complete life changes and

overwinters as a full-grown larva in

the cell of the mud nest. The economic importance of this insect is

questionable.

Golden digger wasp.—Another

insect of the order Hyineiioi^tei-a.

closely related to the mud-dauber

wasp, is the golden digger wasp. It

also is about an inch long, black or

§:;639i°—49 ,-'

FiGUBB Hi.—Golden digger wasp.
34 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FIGURE S5.-—Bald-faced horuct.

reddish yellow with golden hair, and has four wings. This insect has

coniplelè life changes. The mouth parts are fitted for chewing and

lapping. This wasp, Ammohia* ichneumonea, in the adult form feeds

on flowers, and the larva feeds on paralyzed grasshoppers. It hibernates in a cell in the gi'ound, probably as a full-gi'own larva or pupa.

Because it destroys grasshoppers it can be considered beneficial.

Bald-faced hornet,—Another of the wasps, and one having a short,

thick body, is the bald-faced hornet. The queen of this species is

about seven-eighths of an inch long; the workers are somewhat smaller.

This wasp is black with creamywhite markings and has four wings

which enable it to fly rapidly. The

mouth parts are fitted for chewing

and lai)ping. The bald-faced hornet also is able to inflict a painful

sting. The adult feeds on flowers,

fruit juices, and honeydew; the

larva feeds on softened insects. Tliis

insect has complete life changes; the

adult queens hibernate in slieltered

l^laces such as under bark or in

crevices. Vvlien the days begin to

warm in the spring, the queen starts the construction of her paperlike nest, and as soon as sufficient comb is built, begins to rear her

brood. As the season advances and the first workers emerge, the

nest is increased in size by tearing out the inner lining, widening the

layers of comb, and adding more layers of comb below. Additional

layei-s of the i^aperlike covering of the nest are then built on the outside. This material consists of wood fillers mixed with a salivary secretion, is waterproof and very tough, and affords protection for the nest.

The nest sometimes attains the size of a foot or more in diameter.

The economic importance of this insect is questionable, although it

does kill some destructive insects. The bald-faced hornet shown here

is Vespula marulata^ and belongs to the order Hymenoptera.

Parasitic wasps.—No doubt many persons have encountered wasplike insects with long appendages like the one shown here, but have

not realized that these

threadlike structures are '"'^

for egg laying. The !

insect illustrated here, ^^

M('(iarh]i!<>^a mncfiinix, is ---.„^^ ^"^---^^^ * %,

an inch or more long.

The egg-laying structure,

or ovipositor, may be 3

inches long. The body

is very slender, light . — i

brown, with lighter chev- FIGUKE se.—raiasitic wasp.

rons along the sides of the abdomen. Although the adult has chewing mouth parts, it is doubtful if it does very^much feeding, but the

larva feeds by sucking the blood from the larva of the pigeon horntail. The long egg-laymg appendages permit this wasp to drill
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 35

larva d f Ih plocoll

FlcH RE NT.—I'Lira.'iilic \v;isp.

rather deeply into the wood to parasitize (he la

horntail. Tliere are niany more insects

in this gronp. hnt they have mnch

shorter eiio-layino- appenda-^es. This

insect has complete life changes, as do

all other Hymenoptera.

Parasitic wasps.—Another of the

group Hymeiioplera or wasplike insects

isC'occi/!/o/ti//nti.s ¡H'dall-s. It i-a jKuasite

of other insects and therefore may be considei-ed benertcial. This insect "is about

one-half inch long, black, with four

clear wings. The legs are brownish

red except for the hind tibiae and

tarsi, which are black. The tibiae and

tarsi are the parts of the legs farthest removed from the body. Tlie mou(h parts are fitted fm- ihewing.

This insect overwinters as a hirva in the pupa of the moths, upon

which the larva feetls. As with all other was|)s, the life changes

are complete.

Ants.—;Many interesting hours have been spent by people in watching and studying the activities of the ants, and many books have

been written about them. Ants are'social insects

and live in colonies as do the bees, which belong

also to the order Hymenoptera. They vary considerably in size, but all have three distinct body

regions. They are wingless exceitt at swarming

time. The swarming forms have four clear wings

which they lose soon after they establish their

new quarters. Ants have chewing mouth pai'ts.

They have complete life changes. The particular species shown here is the black carpenter

ant {Cam¡)onof}(í^ hercitlcanu.s pennftylvanicus).

It is about three-eighths of an inch long. It

builds its nest in decaying wood of various kinds,

and sometimes in sound wood. The adults hiberFiGiKE 8>..—Ant. j^.^(.g -^^^ ^Yi^ iiQ&t. This ant is somethnes injurious

to timbers in buil<ling>. Ants cause ainioyance by their [)resence and

by getting into foc^d. I'^e chlordane insecticides or poison baits where

these insects are f(nind. Locate ne>ts and treat them with chlordane

or a fumigant.

Honeybees.—It is doubtful that man has probed into the private

life of any other insect as much as he has into the life of the honeybee.

Perhaps "one reason for this is that the honeybee has

been known for centuries and has been the only insect

to provide a natural sweet. Beeswax has been used

for a long time in the preparation of various household articles. In more recent years honeybees have

been found to be important factors in the pollination

of blossoms, which is essential to seed and fruit production. Honeybees are social insects and live in colonies. There are several races. The workers are about

five-eighths of an inch long and usually dark brown in

color Like other Hvmenoptera. they have four wmgs, and the adults

fly readily. The mouth parts of the adults are modified for sucking

FlfiURE SO,

Honeybee.
36 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FuiURE 90.—Bumblebee.

liquid foods such as the nectar of flowers. The honeybee i^P^ '^^^Jj'

fera) spends the winter in the adult stage in the hive. The lite

changes are complete.

Bumblebees.—What farm or small-town boy or prl has not had

the exix'rifiu'c of lighting a nest of bumblebees? it is doubtful if

any of these boys or girls realized

that bumblebees are beneficial insects

and necessary to the pollination of

certain flowers, especially the clovers.

Bumblebees are so well known that

little description is necessary. However, it should be stated that they are

about five-eighths of an inch long,

have four wings, belong to the order

Hymenoptera, and have mouth parts

modified for chewing and sucking.

The adults feed on flowers. It is at

the time of feeding as well as of gathering nectar and pollen, upon

which they rear their young, that they pollinate the flowers. Bumblebees have' complete life changes and overwinter as adult queens in

sheltered crevices or cavities. The one shown here, Bomhtis americaiiorum, is sometimes called the blacktailed, yellow-banded bumblebee.

Pigeon tremexo—The pigeon horntail {Tnvncv columha) is one of our

largest Hymenoptera. It may grow to

be V'-2 inche.s in length, exclusive of its

egg-laA'ing appendages. It is black,

with ocher-yellow markings, the proportionate amounts of yellow vaiying.

The nuiuth parts are modified for chewing and lapping. The larva of this

insect bores into the dying branches

or trunks of trees such as maple, elm,

apple, pear, beech, oak, and sycamore, and apparently spends

the winter as a full-grown larva or pupa in the trunks of these trees.

This insect, like all other Hymenoptera, has complete life changes.

Infestations may be prevented by keeping trees in a vigorous growing condition. In case of heavy infestation, trees may be cut and

burned during the fall and winter, thereby

destroying the larva.

Chalcid flies.—If it were not for oiu:

friends in the insect world, certain pests

would make our existence difficult. Some

of these friends of ours are very tiny and

frequently umioticed; for example, the

chalcid flies. Some species are parasitic

and live inside various other insects. All

chalcid flies belong to the order Hymenoptera. They have four

wings, chewing mouth parts, and complete life changes. The species

FiijURE 91.—Pigeon tremex.

FiGCEE 92.—Chalcid fly.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 37

shown here is Bmchymeria ovata, which lives as a parasite inside the

pupae ot various moths. It is about three-sixteontlis of an inch loin.-.

It overwinters possibly as an adult, or perhaps within its liost as^i

tiill-grown larva. Some species of chalcids, however, live in seeds

These may be controlled by cuUural practices.

Sawflies.—In the order Hynienoptcra

is another group of insects, the sawriies,

whose larvae \ery much resemble caterpillars. Adult sawflies rest with their

wings folded flatwise over their l)acks.

The adult shown here is about thrce-

—Sawfly.

eighths of an inch long. Tlie wings

have been spread to show the structure.

This is the impt)rted currant worm

{Pteronidea rihesH). The larva chews

holes in tlie leaves of currants and

gooseberries. It has complete life changes and overwinters as eitlier

a full-grown larva or a pupa in a silken case in trash on the ground

near where the larva feeds. It can be controlled with anv ^--ood

stomach poison. ' '^

MISCELLANEOUS GROUPS

JCBE 94

Lacewings.—Very few clusters of apliids

or plant lice ajjpear without the presence

of small cream-cohjred lizardlike insects.

These active little insects, which are the

larvae of lacewing flies, liave long, sickleshaped jaws in addition to antennae, or

feelers. The parent as pictured here is pale

green in color ; some species have black and

red markings about the head. This insect

is approximately half an inch long. It has cliewiug mouth parts,

four lacelike wings, and can either crawl or fly. The larvae have a

combination of chewing and sucking mouth i^arts; that is, the sicklelike projections referred to earlier are hollow, and after the larvae

have pierced the bodies of weaker insects they suck the liody fluids

of their prey through the hollow, hooked mouth ¡¡arts. Lacewing

flies have a complete metamorphosis.

They belong to the order Xeuroptera.

The full-grown larvae or adults overwinter under bark, in fallen leaves,

etc. These insects are beneficial in

helping to control pests. Tlie species

shown here is CJirysopa ocvlata.

Dragonflies.—Every boy or girl

who has wandered along a stream has

seen the insect which in some sections

is called a snake feeder, or snake

doctor, but as a matter of fact it is a

dragonfly and has no connection with snakes. Tlie adults have four thin

glossy wings, some with smaller or larger darker i)atches and numerous veins. The adults have chewing mouth parts and catcli insects

while in flight. The nymphs are carnivorous and live in water, where

they feed on insects and other small aquatic animals. Dragonflies

FIGUUC D5.—Drayontly.
38 MISr. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

FiorEE 9G.—Damsel fly.

winter as nymphs in water, particularly in ponds and lakes, and may

be considered of some value as enemies of flies and mosquitoes and as

Hsh food. The life chan^^es are incomplete. The species shown here

is the 10-spotted dragonfly [Lihelhda puIcheUa). Its body is about

2 inches long and its wing expanse about 31/2 inches. This insect

belongs to the order Odonata.

Damsel flies.—There is another group of the Odonata called

damsel flies. They have long, narrow bodies with shiny wings that

taper rather sharply to the point where

they are attached to the body. Wlien at

rest these wings are folded rather close to

the body. These insects have chewing

mouth parts, and the adults catcli small insects from the air during flight. The

nymphs feed on small insects and other

aquatic animals, and winter usually in

small streams. The life changes of the

damsel fly are incomplete. These insects

are of some importance, as are the dragonflies, and for the same reasons. The species

shown here is the black-winged damsel fly

{Agriónmaculatum). It has a body about

1% inches long and a wing expanse of 21/0 inches. In this species the

wings are shiny black and the body metallic green with black on the

thorax.

Termites.—In recent years we have been hearing more and more

about a little insect pest that has caused destruction to frame buildings. Many people call this insect the white ant. It

is really not an ant but a termite, which belongs to

the order Isoptera. Termites differ from ants in that

the body is of fairly uniform width throughout its

entire length, Avhereas the body of the ant appears

pinched in the middle to almost a thread. Termite

wings are about twice as long as the bodj', whereas

the wings of the ant are about as long as the body.

The members of this family are social and live in

colonies as honeybees do. Each sj^ecies has a number

of ditferent forms or castes within the colony. Most

people make the acquaintance of termites during

swarming season, at which time they come out in

great droves from around the floor or foundation of

an infested house. Termites during the swanning

season have four rather large wings, loosely attached to the body.

The workers of this gi-oup of insects are the ones that cause damage

by chewing the wooden parts of houses, but they also work on a

great many plant or animal products. Most species of termites work

under cover and must have contact with soil moisture. In nature,

termites can be found feeding almost any place where there is dead

wood on or in the ground. The species shown here is ReticuUtermes flavipeu, and this worker is about one-fourth of an inch long.

Conti'ol measures vary according to conditions.

Earwigs.—Collectors often come across insects with hooklike appendages oil the hind portion of the body. These, no doubt, are

earwigs, whieh belong to the order Dermaptera. They have chewing

FIGURE 97. — Termite.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 39

FiGTRE 9S.—Karwig.

cam species carry

mouth parts and feed primarily on plant material, but also may eat

organic substances including meats or dead or weakened insects.

. - The true wings are folded in a complicated manner beneath the wing covers or nonfunctional frontwings. These insects dig in the soil, hide under

old boards and other suitable shelter, and may remain over the winter either in the egg stage or as

adult earwigs. The life changes are incomplete.

P'.aiwigs are sometimes pests and should Ije controlled by poisoned baits and sanitation. Tlie accompanying i)icture is tliat of the male European

earwig (Fo/'p'citJa nnr'/ritlana), now to be found in

the United States. Adult insects of this specie- are

fiuui one-half to three-fourtlis of an inch long.

Fleas.—Whenever cats and dogs are keptTaround

the house, there is likeliliood of introducing small

insects that cause much annoyance to members of the household by

attacking their legs and sucking the blood. Certa

bubonic plague. These insects are Heas, of

which there are many kinds, but all types

belong to the order Siphonaptera. They

usually are dark reddish brown, very much

flattened, and give the appearance of

standing on edge. Fleas do not have wings.

They have sucking mouth parts; the legs

are fitted for jumping and are their onlv

means of locomotion. The changes in the

life cycle are complete. The larvae usually

are found wherever cats, dogs, boos, and

some other animals bed down. The human flea (Pulex in-ifam) is

shown here. It is abf)ut one-eighth of an inch long. Treating cats

and clogs with derris powder, cleaning up the bedding of tlu-sc anunals.

and spraying or dusting the premises with insecticides will help to

control this jjest.

Silverfish, silver moth, or bristletail.— Ihere is another small

silvery-colored insect usually found on the floor, around books, or

in other dark places. Occasionally it ventnres out

f\- /^ into the light. It has several common names such

! \ / as silverfish, silver moth, or bristletail. It is wingless, and the body tapers rather gradually to the

hind end, which branches out into three very

definite spikes. These spikes give it the name

bristletail. The silverfish belongs to the order

Thysanura. Since the adult has the same form as

the larva, it cannot be considered as having a

metamorj)hosis; that is, there are no changes in

form during the life cycle. It has chewing mouth

parts and feeds especiall}^ on starchy materials

such as bookbindings, wallpaper, and starched

clothing. In the house this insect is active throughout the year and has no definite hibernation periotl.

The species shown here is from one-half to five-eighths of an inch long

and is Lepisma saccharina. Use of poisoned bait made of a mixture

FIGURE 99.—Flea.

FIGURE 100.-

fish

-Silver-
40 .Mise I>1II?LI('AT((»N 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

one ñiuls Sinai

looHike over I

¡^¡^^•y^íi^

Fii;irtE 1(11.—(.'adiüslly.

of oatmeal, while arsenic, sugar, salt, and water is one method of

conl rol. Dl )T or clilordane sjirays or dust are preferred for treatment.

Caddisflies.—Alonp; streams where the water flows rather swiftly,

inolhlike insects of pale-brown color with wings folded

heir hacks. Tliese are the caddisflies. Unlike those of

the moths, the two jiairs of wings are

scaleless and usually more or less

clothed with long, silky hairs. The

adults take very little food, but many

accept sweet fluids to a certain extent.

The}' fly readily. Tlie larvae crawl or

swim in water and feed on water forms

of either plant or animal life. They

winter as larvae, usually in streams.

Their life changes are complete. The

caddisfly shown here is about three-fourths of an inch long with a

wing expanse of about lY^ inclies. A sketch of the caddisfly, appearing in the section on collections and identification, order Tricho])tera, part III of this manual, gives an idea of the position of the

wings when at rest. Tlie scient itic name of this insect is P[/rn(>psyc}ie

S:uhf<t><rl<.lfilx.

Stone flies.—There is another group of insects that live around

rapid sticanis and wave-washed, rocky sliores. This is the stone fly

group, whicli belongs to the order Plecoptera.

These insects range from :;4 to Xy^ inches in

length, are pale brown, and the Avings are

foUUnl flat over the back. They have chewing

mouth ]iarts, but the adults feed very little;

the nymphs feed mainl}- on insects in the fastflowing streams. The adults fly readily, but

the nymphs crawl and swim in the water.

The stone fly wintei'S as a nymi>h in water

leading to large rivers. The life changes are incomplete. The

nymphs may serve as fish food. The species shown here is Ao-oneuria abnorinis.

FiijiRE 10:;.—stüue Hy.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 41

INSECT RECORD SHEET

L Common name of insect

II. Description:

1. Size (indicate by mark)

2. Color . . :

3. Mouth parts: Chewing ; sucking ; lapping

4. Number of wings

III. Where does insect live: Air ; soil ; water ; in host.

IV. On what does insect feed:

Item Leaves Blossoms Fruits Branches Main

stems Roots

Flowers

Shrubs

Orchard trees

Other trees

Hay crops

Grains

Vegetable crops

other crops

Wood ; wood products ; woolens ; furs

Fabrics ; food materials ; stored products

Man ; animals ; other insects

Tiny plants or animals in water

V. Habits:

1. How does it spend the winter:

Egg ; larva ; nymph ; pupa ; adult.

2. Where does it spend the winter?

3. Kind of life cycle:

a. Complete (four stages)

6. Incomplete (less than four)

VL Economic importance:

1. Pest

2. Beneficial

3. Questionable

VII. Control for pest:

1. Stomach poison

2. Contact spray

3. Sanitation

4* Cultural practices

Part IL—LIFE STUDIES AND CONTROL OF INSECTS

(Introduction to second-year work)

LIFE STUDIES

(How insects grow)

Once the insect becomes an adult it never grows any larger. A

gnat will always be a gnat : it is not a baby fly. Insects make all their

growth while in the immature stages. There are, however, two types

of growth. Some insects, like the grasshopper, develop gradually,

C:P

FIGURE 103.—Incomplete metamoriibosis.

and each time they shed their skin, the newly emerged young more

closely resemble the adults. We call this incomplete metamorphosis.

Grasshoppers, crickets, the true bugs, and plant lice go through incomplete metamorphosis.

The young or larvae of the butterflies and beetles do not resemble

the adult. A\nien the larva has completed its growth, it goes into a

0

FIGURE 104.—Complete metamorphosis.

pupal stage where the complete change, which we call complete

metamorphosis, takes place. Butterflies, beetles, wasps, and flies go

through complete metamorphosis.

CONTROL OF INSECTS

Many years ago very little was done about insect control, as outbreaks that caused serious damage occurred only occasionally. Since

then many changes have taken place, and we have an entirely different problem today.

43
44 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Through commerce, man has upset Nature's balance, and many

insects have been accidentally introduced and their natural enemies

have been left behind. Many plants have been introduced which

provide better food for native insects than native plants provide, thus

stimulating the rapid reproduction of these favored insects. Certain

plant breeding has made plants more susceptible to insect attack.

Then, also, one phase of our agricultural system—the planting of

large acreages of one kind of ciop in a concentrated area—has made

it possible for insect pests to increase in such destructive numbers

that they can cause serious damage.

In recent years quarantines liave been put into effect which regulate the shipment of plants and animals. Plant breeders are working toward greater resistance in plants to insects and diseases. Much

work with parasites is being done to help Nature reestablish her

balance. All these factors are helping, but more immediate or drastic

control measures are necessary, and chemicals poisonous to insects

must be used in many cases.

Fi<:ORE 105.—Chewing mouth parts (left) ; sucking mouth

parts (right).

In the earlier days, a blanket recommendation was made—stomach

poisons for chewing insects and contact sprays for sucking insects.

Now an effort is being made to use less and less of the metallic

poisons. The organic or plant-product sprays have been found to be

much more specifac, and the old rule does not always apply. A person

must know much more about insects and insecticides (spray material)

than was formerly necessary if he hopes to control insects adequately.

This control phase of the project is for the purpose of acquainting

the club member with insect habits and the effect of different control

measures.

COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

In addition to studying insect control and life habits, club members

of second-year gi^oups should endeavor to collect and prepare notes

on eight orders of insects not included in the first-year work Some

of the ()rders listed below contain many small insects, spechnens of

which should be mounted on small cardboard points or preserved in

alcohol or formaldehyde.

NEUROPTERA.-Neuron (nerve), pteron

(a wing). Four large ieaflike wings, nearly

equal in size, usuaUy finely netted; wings

notched, held rooflike over back when at

rest Antennae long. Mouth parts for chewing. Life changes (metamorphosis) complete. Larvae of some living in the water.

Dobson flies, aphis lions, ant lions (doodlebugs).

FIGURE 106.—Lacewing.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 45

FIGURE 108.

Termite.

EPHEMERÎDA.—Ephemeron (a short-lived insert). Four netted, veined winj^s folded verti<jilly

over back when at rest; hind pair nuich smaller

than front pair. Mouth parts for chewing. Antennae short. Three long tails on tip of abdomen. Life

changes incomplete. Body rather frail ; molt once

in adult staiit'. Very short lived. Nymphs living in

the water. Mayflies, lake flies, or shad flies.

ISOPTERA.—Isos (equal), pteron (a wing). Most forms

wingless ; kings and queens having four wings at mating time ;

wings equal in size, long, narrow, and folded over back when

at rest. Somewhat resembling ants, but pale in color and having

no slender waist in abdomen. Termites (white ants).

SIPHONAPTERA.—Siphon (a tube), ápteros (without

wings). Small, wingless body, laterally compressed (flattened at sides). Hind legs long, stout, fitted for jumping.

Mouth parts piercing and sucking. Life changes complete.

Fleas.

FIGURE 110.—

Sucking louse.

FIGURE 111.—BitiDg louse.

ANOPLL'RA.—Anoplos (unarmed), oura (tail). Small, wingless, flattened parasites of mammals. :\luuth parts for piercing

and sucking. Head narrow and pointed in front. Eyes wanting

or degenerate. Life changes slight. Blood-sucking lice.

MALLOPHAGA.—Mallos (wool), phagein (to eat).

Small, \^ingless, flattened insects. Large broad heads,

rounded in front; eyes degenerate; mouth parts for chewing. Life changes ineomplete. Mostly parasites of birds,

some of mammals. Chewing lice or bird lice.

THYSANOPTERA.—Thysanos (fringe), pteron (a wing).

Mostly winirless; when wings are present, four long and

narrow, fringed with hairs, folded over back when at rest.

Body much elongated. :\Iouth parts for rasping. Life changes

incomplete. Thrips.

FiGUEB 112.—^Thrip.
46 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

THYSANURA.—Thysanos (a tassel), oura (tail)* Small,

gray, wingless insects. Long antennae. Mouth parts for

chewing, and long bristlelike tails. No metamorphosis, that

is, no changes in form during life cycle. Body somewhat

carrot shaped. Found in dark places. Feeds on starchy substances such as bookbinding. Silverfish, bristletails, or fish

moths.

FIGURE 113.—Silverfish.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES, SECOND YEAR

Meetings Life studies and control of insects Page

First, February Organization. Repair collecting equipment 46

Second. March _ Outline work. Study bulletins. Make collection boxes 46

Third, April Spring survey. Make preservatives for immature insects 46

Fourth, May _ Select insects to be reared. Make rearing cages 47

Fifth, June __. Select control project. Mix and apply insecticides 47

Sixth, July Visit control projects. Make mounts of insects and plants 48

Seventh, August Check results of control. Exhibit control material-'-_- - 48

Eighth, September

Ninth, October

Make hibernation cages. Collect and place insects in cages

Exhibit insects. Stunts and plays about insects. "Wienie"roast

Complete record books. Spade garden or follow plow

49

49

Tenth, November . 49

Eleventh, December. Identification contests. Judging contests . 50

Twelfth, January Make permanent exhibit fi^r school or county agent's oflfice 52

ACTIVITIES FOR SECOND YEAR OUTLINED

ORGANIZATION. REPAIR COLLECTING EQUTPMEINT

[First meeting—February]

Equipment :

1. Copy of insect manual.

2. Material to repair old collecting equipment or make new.

Procedure :

1. Read and discuss each paragraph of manual separately.

2. Make net according to instructions on page 7, part I, of this manual.

OUTLINB WORK. STUDY BULLETINS. MAKE COLLECTION BOXES

[Second meeting—March]

Equipment :

Cigar box, corrugated cardboard, manual, bulletins.

Procedure :

President of club, club agent, or entomologist outlines work for year;

reads manual. Before next meeting, each club member should make

survey of insect pests about his home.

SPRING SURVEY. MAKE3 PRESERVATR^ES FOR

IMMATURE INSECTS

[Third meeting—April]

Equipment :

Small vials (size of man's largest finger) with stoppers; 5-percent solution of formaldehyde.

Procedure :

1. Dilute formaldehyde to 5-percent

solution.

2. Distribute solution in vials, to

members.

3. Field trip. Make survey of abundance of important insect pests in

hibernation or on crops.

FIGURE 114.—Vial

for preserving

immature insects.

FIGURE 115.—Insect, preserved

in vial.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 47

SELECT INSECTS TO BE RE^VRED. MAKE RE.\RING CAGES

FIGURE 116.—Glass

insect rearini:

cage.

FIGURE 117.—

Screened insect

rearing cage.

[Fourth moetin^^—May]

Equipment :

1. Each member should have a list of common insects

about the farm or home.

2. Glass c<»ntainer with both bottom and top open, such

as lamp chinniey or fruit can with bottom removed.

3. A pieie of cheesecloth.

4. Floweriiot or can in which to grow plant.

5. Screen wire.

6. Sticks of wood (small, to support screen cage).

7. Carpet tacks.

Procedure :

1. From life cycle presented in books or bulletins, decide

which insects can be reared during summer.

L\ As far as possible, have each member select a different insect to rear.

3. Outline procedure for rearing insects.

4. Glass cajJic.

a. Place globe over plant and firm it in soil.

h. Fasten cheesecloth over top.

5. Screen cage.

a. Roll screen to make cylinder of desired size.

Ö. Tack stick to fold in screen (leaving stick li or

3 inches longer than screen).

c. Fasten cloth or screen over top.

d. Insert point of stick in soil. Firm soil around

base of wire.

SELEICT C^^NTBOL PROJECT. MIX AND APPLY INSECTICIDES

[Fifth meeting—June]

Equipment :

1. List of crops or animals about your home.

-. List of insects causin^^ damage.

3. Samples of all insecticides to be used by each club member.

^< m

PAR

FIGURE 118.—Insecticide containers.

4. Necessary vessels for mixing.

5. Bulletins and books on insect control.

Procedure :

1. Select most troublesome insect pests in community.

2. Assign to each club member a different insect to control.

S. Work out control measures to be followed by each club member.

4, Each member, or team, demonstrates mixiim of each kind of msecticide

to be used.

5. Tell story of need for thorough mixing, for caution, etc.
48 MIS(\ PUBLirATIOX 31S, U. S. M'PT. lIF AUKiiTOLTUKE

FIGURE 110.—How to mount

specimens of insect and its

injury to host.

Procedure :

1. Visit control project.

VISIT CONTROL PROJECTS. MAKE MOUNTS OF INSECTS

AND PLANTS

[Sixth meeting—July]

1. Piece of glass about 6 by 8 inches (windowpane ).

2. Shallow box, (> by 8 l>y 1 inches.

8. Cotton.

4. Insect and portions of damaged plants

or products.

5. Paper for labels.

6. Tools: Hammer, saw, pincers, chisel,

etc.

7. Record sheets for insect-control experiment.

/

%^#

FIGURE 120.—Mount,

complete, showing in

sect and injured host.

a. Compare sprayed and unsprayed plants.

b. Select life stages of the insect.

c. Select typical injury to leaves, fruits, or

twigs.

2. Fit lid for box ; use glass for top.

3. Place cotton in box.

4. Arrange insect and damaged leaves, cloth, etc., in

box.

5. Fasten lid on box.

6. Fill out record sheet with information on spray

for insect control.

7. Write narrative report. Sample copy of a narra-^

tive report appears on page 51.

CHECK Ri:SULTS OF CONTROL. EXHIBIT CONTROL MATERIAL

[Seventh meeting—August]

Equipment :

1. Pencil and noteljook.

2. Equipment to weigh or measure crop.

3. Insect mounts.

FIGURE 121.—^Älaterials used in insect studies.

4. Preserved specimens of immature insects.

5. Potted plants showing insects and damage.

Procedure :

1. Harvest crop.

2. Weigh or measure crop.

3. Record weights or measures for check and control.

4. Arrange exhibit showing each club member's mounts, preserved insects,

and potted plant ; also any notes available.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 49

MAKE HIBERNATION CAGES. COLLECT AND PLACE INSECTS IN CAGES

^ . [Eighth meeting—September]

Equipment :

1. Two pieces of screen about 24 inches square and one piece 24 inches

wide and 6 feet long (or enough to cover four sides of a 24-ineh

cube).

FIGURE 122.—Materials for making hibernation cage.

2. Wooden strips to make frame for cage (eight 1- by 1- by 20-inch, and

four 1- by 1- by 22-inch strips).

3. Nails and carpet tacks.

4. A container in which to collect live insects.

Procedure :

1. Nail frame together.

2. Cover with screen.

3. Tack very tightly to prevent insects' escape.

4. If possible, fit door into one side.

5. Allow the four longer corner strips to extend

below wire.

6. Sink longer legs in soil.

7. Place leaves, sticks, etc., in cage.

8. Collect live insects from crops.

9. Place several hundred beetles or bugs inside.

10. Examine occasionally to see that cage has not

been molested.

11. Examine and count bugs that come out alive in

spring. FIGURE 123.—Hibernation

cage, complete.

EXHIBIT INSECTS. STUNTS AND PLAYS ABOUT INSECTS. **WIENIE*' ROAST

[Ninth meeting—October]

Equipment :

1. Collections of insects.

2. "Wienies," marshmallows, cider, etc.

3. Club members, parents, and friends.

Procedure :

1. Arrange collections.

2. Prepare and serve refreshments.

3. Games, stunts, and plays.

COMPLETE RECORD BOOKS. SPADE GARDEN OR FOLLOW PLOW

[Tenth meeting—November]

Equipment :

1. Record book, pencils.

2. All notes taken during year.

3. Spade.

4. Blank forms.
50 :\IISr. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICÜI-TURE

Procedure :

1. Completely fill out record books.

2. Fill out blank forms from information on pages 54 to 56.

3. Spade garden or follow plow.

a. See how many insects are in trash to be plowed under.

h. See how many soil insects can be found on freshly turned soil

that are exposed to the weather and birds.

4. Plant cover crops on freshly worked soil.

Kaxue.

(Club ceoiber)

Ineect-Control Experiment

Spray Becord Sheet

Name of plants. <l^u4-/i<^

Hajse of insect to be controlled: a.uf'^T^

Doee thle ineect have chewing or eucking mouth parts?,

What epray or duet material was ueedT SC/^c^^t>u¿^gy

Strength of dust material: 0,75^^ .^#b.¿/L-<i^-uu^ „.'C.^ŒZw^^

ú-£.€ * A^Ù,^^

- ^if^ijtAyCA^^^

Spray Calendar

Application

First

Second

Third

Date

^9^^^ ff

Î^HA^^^

Lu^^fô

Height of plant

Inches, 7

/o

/x.

State of development of plant

C^^>c>€u^^ ..^^«^^' ^.-y,^^n^^

FIGURE 124.—Sample of record sheet.

IDEXÏIFICATION CONTESTS. JUDGING CONTESTS

[Eleventh meeting—December]

Contests may be used to make individuals better acquainted with insects and

insect injury to the host, as well as with control measures. Contests may be

between individuals within a club or between members of different clubs. Each

club member may fill out a form for 10 insects as indicated in the contest record

sheet shown on page 52.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 51

Equipment (identification) : . . v K^o^i,.,r « nnmlwr 1 Representative specimens of several insects, each beariui: a number.

2. Record sheets.

FiouEE 125.—Sample of narrative report.

Procedure (identification) ; each member works separately:

1. Remove names from insects.

2. Assign a number to each insect.

3. Write number and name of insect.
52 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Equipment (judging) :

1. Twelve samples of injury caused by insects, each sample carrying a

number.

2. Twelve spi'dmens of economic insects, each specimen carrying a number.

3. Twelve samples of insecticides, each sample carrying a number.

4. Series of placards, each placard carrying a number and the name of a

particular control practice, such as spraying, dusting, fumigation.

5. Forms to be filled out by c(mtestants.

Contest Eecord Sheet

Injury sample Insect Insecticide Control practice

Potato-- .-- Colorado potato

beetle.

Lead arsenate... Dusting or spraying.

Procedure (judging) :

1. Contestants work separately.

a. Select sample of injury. Write name of host in proper column

on forms similar to the one preceding.

h. Identify insect which caused injury and write name (or number)

in space.

('. Pick out insecticide used f(>r control, and write its number in space.

d. Pick out control-practice placard and write its number in space.

MAKE PE2ÍMAXENT EXHIBIT FOR SCHOOL OR COUNTY AGENT'S OFFICE

[Twelfth meeting—January]

Equipment :

1. Collections.

2. ( i lass-topped boxes for collections.

:^. Material on life cycle of insects.

4. Mounts to be made up.

Procedure :

1. Select best specimens of representative insects.

2. Arrange by orders in glass-topped box.

3. Label insects plainly.

4. Make mounts of ins<'ct in different stages of life cycle and of material

damaged.

5. Label material on mounts plainly.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT INSECTS

Club members should know something about the habits of the

insects in their collections, and control of the pests. If a paragraph

were written on each insect, this manual would be too large to be

practical for the purpose for which it is intended. The key appearing on pages 54 and 55 (table 1) will prove helpful in aiding members

to obtain the information they need regarding each common insect

listed.

On page ri3 is a completed questionnaire (fig. 126) in which capital letters indicate the 10 questions listed. To fill out similar questionnaires, turn to pages 54 and 55, on which appear a list of common

insects arranged in alphabetical order. The capital letters appearing in table 1 correspond to those appearing in the questionnaire;

following each insect name is a series of numbers arranged in columns under the capital letters. These numbers refer to like numbers on pages 55 and 56, which give the answers to the questions. For

example, if an alfalfa caterpillar is the insect concerned, and we want

to fill out a questionnaire, we turn to table 1, page 54, and find

alfalfa caterpillar; then look for column A, which represents the
4-H CLUB rXSECT MANUAL 53

question, "What plant, animal, or its products afford food for this

insectÍ' Opposite alfalfa caterpillar and under A, we ttnd the

number 2. If we turn to page 55 and look under A, we tíiul tliat

number 2 refers to alfalfa and clovers, Avhich are the food of the.

caterpillar. By the same procedure all the questions for each insect

THINGS TO OOW ABOUT INSSCTS

Hame of collectorI ^M- Q.

Place where collected 1 Town ^^^<l^p.o.^t^ State dZ^-^il^

lame of insects Common v^>^.»^»^Oc»'u^-g^^

QemiB ¿:^^^^cJi^^^ Species^

I>ate collected t Day^

. What plant, animal, or its products afford food for this insect?

B« Ihat part of the food plant or animal is infested?

C« In what sta^ does Insect spend the winter?

(^^yf^-^

D« Ihere does insect spend the winter?

a.^-y!~^

S« Ifhat kind of moath parts has this insect?

j^^

G« What is the injoirious sta^e of this insect?

H» Control is directed toward i^iat sta^e of this insect?

a^^uA.^i^-'^ —

I« What control measures are recommended?

J* What insecticide would he used?

a

FlGlRE 12c.—Sample of questionnaire.

may be answered. In table 1, if the mouth parts, controls, or

other factors differ for the adult and larva, the top number refers to

the adult and the bottom number to the larva. The reference for

the codling moth indicates that control is directed to the larvae and

that all control practices and materials refer to the larvae.
54 MISO. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

UST OF COMMON INSECTS

Only a few of the more important insects found throughout the

country are named in the list of common insects. In each community

some will be found that are not included in the list. By studying

literature on this subject, club members can familiarize themselves

with facts regarding the insects in their own locality.

TABLE 1.—List of common insects with a key to information on their life history,

habits, and control

[Column heads A through J correspond to questions on page 53. All numbers in table refer to information

indicated by similar numbers listed under capital letters on pages 56 and 56]

Common name of

Question

insect 1 "«^^

A B 0 D E F Q H I J

rAdult... 66

62

66

62

Alfalfa caterpillar..

Angoumois grain

moth.i

\Larva.-.

fAdult...

2 32 48,50 60 67 73 73 80,86 116

ILarva... /

21 34,35

31

32,34

50 60 67 73 76 88,90 105,114

Apple aphid ( 3 46 53 64

66

62

66

62

67 73,75 76 97 112.121

Armyworm /Adult.-- 103.122 2

1Larva...

/Adult-.-

7,21 32 47,50 57,60 67 73 73 77 134,139

Bagworm

Bean weevil

1 Larva.-- 23 32 46 60 67 73 73 89,97

88

90,98

116

^ 4 34,35 50 60 62 67 73,75 76

73

75

75

105

f

Bedbug 1 14,1

18

15

40

32,33

44

31,32

33,34

33

32,34

40

32

50 54,60 64

62

62

67

67

68

73,75

.......

97

86

111

/Adult..-

\Larva...

109,134 Blister beetle 47 57

73

75

80,83

86,96

101,103

107,139 Boll weevil {:::;::::: 8 49 56 62

66

62

62

64

66

62

66

62

67 73,75

/Adult... jJOHworm

Brown chicken

louse

ILarva... 18

20

6

48

50

46,50

57

60

60

67

67

67

73

73,75

73,75

73

76

76

80,86

84,86

86,97

107, 111

111, 133

121

111

Cabbage aphid

Cabbage looper 2. _

Cankerworm

Carpet beetles

(buffalo moth,

/Adult...

\Larva...

/Adult...

6,18 32 48 55 67 73 73

75

73

86,97

78

86,97

88,96

97,98

84

86,97

83,100

78

82

127,128

[Larva... 3,23

11,15

25

1

32 48 57 67 73 111,116

106, 111

124,139

111

127 128

r 39,42

40

50

50

60

60

62

66

67

67

73,75

75

76

76

etc.).

Cat and dog flea... r

{

Chinch bug__ (Adult...

INymph.

/Adult...

7,21

7,21

28,32

28,32

49 56 64

64

64

64

65

66

62

67

67

67

73

75

75

75

73

76

108 112 _,

\Nymph. 23

Cattle

26

40

47

47

57,60

Cattle grub 60 67 73 73

75

73

86,97

88,96

97,98

86

96,97

128

106, 111

124,139

106, 111

127,133

Clothes moth 1

/Adult...

Larva... 11,25 42 50 60 67 73

{ 12 35 50 60 62

66

62

62

67 73,75 73,75

Codling moth 2

Colorado potato

/Adult...

ILarva... /.. 3

19

34

32

47

49

56

57

67

67

73

73,75

73

73,75

83,97

86,97

111,116

111,116

122 beetle.. {

Comearworm

Cotton flea hopper.

/Adult... 66

ILarva... 62 /

18 32,34

28,29

30,31

33,34

32

43

32,36

48 57 67 73 73 91 126,139

\ 8,18

3,10,16

8

'"Í5,*Í8"

46 52 64

64

62

67 73,75 "'"76" ""8Ó,"86"

86,97

"ÍÓÍ,"Í07

Cotton leaf worm 2. 101 103 /Adult...

I Larva.-.

Í

67 73 73 116,122

Cricket (ñeld)

46,47 57,56 62

66

62

62

62

62

71 73,75 73,75 77 103,134

Cutworm /Adult...

Dragonfly

ILarva...

1 Adult...

INymph.

18

15

15

18

26,28 47 57 67

68

68

71

73 73 77 122,134

Firefly "26,"36'

47

47

69

57

Oranarv WPPvil / ""'88'

96,97

106 I 7,2Í 34,35 50 6Ö 62 " "67' 73'76" "76' 111,114

1 Numb-rs in columns I and J apply to both adult and larva of this insect.

2 Numbers m columns I and J apply only to the larva of this insect.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 55

ABLE 1. i,i^i Qf common insects with a key to information on their life history,

habits, and control—Continued

Common name of

insect Stage

Question

A B C D E F G H I J

Grasshopper. t

31,32

33.34 77,80

86.97

83.86

89.97

80.82

106 18 46 57 62 67 73,75 ""'76'

Harlequin bug }-..::::: 107, 134

Hessian fly 1-- 6

21

10

13

1

32

28

33

40

39

49

47

50

47

47

60

60

Hivp

60

57

64

65

66

65

64

67

67

68

67

67

73,75

73

73

76

""Í28."Í30

Honeybee 139

Horse botfly

Horsefly 73

75

73,72 91

92

77.86

88,97

97

96

105 1

Housefly /Ädidtlll

\Larva...

ÍAdult

12,14

12,14

""àè"

50

50

54,57

54

62

65," 66'

66

62

62

62

62

62

67

67

'""75"

"'"75"

""76"

75

73

106, 111

132. 139

111 139

Imported cabbageworm. >

Japanese beetle

Ladybeetle

Mantid

iLarva...

/Adult.. _

\La^va..-

6

18

21

15

15

8,9

18

""32"

32,34

26

44,45

44,45

31

32,33

32,33

34

40

27,31

32,34

32

33,34

48,'5Ö" ""55" "'67'

67

67

68

68

""""73"

73

75

" '73'

75

73

""86,"97"

97

80

iii

127.128

111

139 47

49

46

57

56

53

Melon aphid.. ...

Mexican

46,50 52 64 67 73,75 73,75 86,97 bean 121

beetie. 4

1

49

50

56

51,54

62

64

67

67

"73,75"

73,75

73," 75'

73,75

""86," 97"

84,91,97

Mites: "ÍÓ9,'Í28

Flower 139

139 Vegetable 3,18 46,50 60 64 67 73,75 76 86" Tree 135,139

139

121,128

111, 126

127,139

Shrub 23 46 53 64 67 73,75 76

73

75

97

85,96

97

Í

i 1

is'

"'2,\Y

40

32

33,34

31

32,34

50 51 64 67 73,75

Onion thrips /

49 55 65 67 73,75 76 86,97

---

Pea aphid L-"""II

111

46,49 60 64,66

66

62

66

62

62

67 73,75 73,75 86,97 111,128

Peach borer

Stalk borer

Wlreworms (click

beetles)

/Adult..-

Larva...

/Adult..

16 28 47 60 67 73 73 88 124,139

\Larva... 18

18

' 28

26,27

47

47

55,60

57,60

67

67

73

73

73

73

83,96

88,95 113,139

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONNAIRE

A. Food,

products

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

plants, animals, or their

Animals, many kinds.

Alfalfa and clovers.

Apples and pears.

Beans.

Books and papers.

Cabbage and related crops.

Com.

Cotton.

Cucumbers, melons, and

squash.

10. Flowers.

11. Furs.

12. Food products.

13. Horses and mules.

14. Annoyance.

15. Other insects.

16. Peaches.

17. Peas. ,

18. Plants, many kinds.

19. Potatoes.

20. Poultry and birds.

21. Small grains and grasses.

22. Tomato and tobacco.

23. Trees in general.

24. Wood and wood products.

25. Woolens.

B. Part of host infested:

26. Roots.

27. Bulbs or tubers.

28. Main stem or trunk.

29. Bark.

30. Branches.

31. Buds or squares.

32. Leaves.

33. Blossoms.

34. Fruits or grains.

35. Stored plant products.

36. Decaying vegetation.

37. Paste, glue, starch.

38. Lumber.

39. Hide or leather.

40. Flesh or blood.

41. In intestines.

42. Dried hair and feathers.

43. Decaying animal matter.

44. Eggs (insect).

45. Young and adults (insect).
56 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DKgffi OF AORICUL'

('. Stage in which insect spends the

winter:

46 Egg.

47. Immature stages.

48. Pupa.

49. Adult.

50. All stages (in South or in

heated buildings).

D. Where insect spends the winter:

51. Animals.

52. Alternate host.

53. Branches of trees.

54. Buildings.

55. Crop refuse.

56. Protected places in general.

57. Soil.

58. Stored products.

59. Water.

60. Where it fed.

61. Woody portion of plants.

E. Mouth parts:

62. Chewing.

63. Lapping.

64. Piercing and sucking.

65. Rasping.

66. Sucking.

F. Economic importance:

67. Pest.

68. Beneficial.

69. Larva beneficial.

70. Adult beneficial.

71. Questionable importance.

G. Inj urious stage:

(Same numbers as H.)

H. Control directed toward:

72. Egg.

73. Immature stage.

74. Pupa.

75. Adult.

76. All stages.

I. Control measures:

77. Baits.

78. Banding or barriers.

79. Burning.

80. Culture.

81. Date of harvesting.

82. Date of planting.

83. Destroying hibernating quarters.

84. Dipping.

85. Drainage.

86. Dusting.

87. Hot-water treatment.

88. Fumigation.

89. Hand picking or squeezing.

90. Heating.

91. Medication.

92. None satisfactory.

93. Parasite.

94. Pruning.

95. Rotation.

96. Sanitation or crop-refuse destruction.

97. Spraying.

98. Store products in tight container.

99. Trapping.

100. Use plants of resistant varieties.

J. Insecticide to use:

101. Benzene hexachloride.

102. Bordeaux mixture.

103. Calcium arsenate.

104. Calcium cyanide.

105. Carbon disulfide-carbon tetrachloride.

106. Chlordane.

107. Chlorinated camphene.^

108. Creosote.

109. Cryolite.

110. DD mixture (dichloropropylene-dichloropropane).

111. DDT (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane).

112. Dinitro compounds.

113. Ethylene dibromide.

114. Ethylene dichloride-carbon

tetrachloride mixture.

115. Hydrocyanic acid.

116. Lead arsenate.

117. Lime-sulfur.

118. Methoxvchlor(methoxy analog

of DDT).

119. Methyl bromide.

120. Naphthalene (moth balls and

ñakes).

121. Nicotine.

122. Paris green.

123. Parathion.

124. PDB (paradichlorobenzene).

125. Pentachlorophenol.

126. Petroleum oils.

127. Pyrethrum.

128. Rotenone (derris and cube).

129. Rvania.

130. Sabadilla.

131. Smear 62 (diphenylamine

preparation).

132. Sodium arsenite.

133. Sodium fluoride.

134. Sodium ñuosilicate.

135. Sulfur (dusting).

136. TDE (dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane) (DDD).

137. Tetraethyl pyrophosphate.

138. Thiocyanates.

139. Your county agent can give

you additional information

about the foregoing insecticides.

i Now known as tozapbene.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 57

INSECTICIDES

W e get most of the inseclieides that have been in use for a long t ime

ironi metallic compounds or from phuits. Those of metallic origin,

such as lead arsenate, are morganie insecticides; those from plants,

such as nicotine from tobacco and pyi'ethrum from the pyrethi'um

flowers, are organic. Organic chemicals that are prepared in the

laboratory (synthetic organic chemicals), such as paradichlorohenzene, are also used. Bei:inning with Dl)l\ a number of new synthetic

organic insecticides have been developed. These aie made of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygiMi, and clihnine, combined in

such a way as to form very conn)lex chemical comj)ounds. Foi' example, the cheinical iiaine\)f DDT is dichloro dii)henyl tiichloioethane. The initials are the Hist letters of each part of the name.

When insecticidal chemicals are lirst developed, they are not well

standardized. The technical chemicals (connnercial grade) should

be used as insecticides only when they are proi>erly |)re])ared in formulations (mixtures) that can be used as dusts,'sprays, or aerosols.

Thus, we have five general types of DDT formulations : ( 1 ) Powders,

to apply as a dust: (iM wettable powders, or powders that will mix

easily with water, for spraying: (->) emulsion concentrates, to be diluted (made weaker) by adding water and applied as a spray : (4) solutions, to be applied without dilution: and (T)) aerosols, to be applied

in the form of fine mist or smoke. Most other synthetic organic insecticides are prepared in similar formulations

Residual sprays, >pace sprays, and aerosols are new terms that have

come into use since the new insecticides were developed. A residual

spray is one that when placed upon walls and other surfaces leaves a

residue (fine particles or crystals) that is effective for some time

against insects that crawl or rest on the treated surfaces. Space sprays

and aerosols are released into the air as a fog or mist. The minute insecticide particles in the air come in contact with the insects and

kill them.

Some of the new insecticides can be applied in concentrated fi)rm

and in very >mall amounts per acre. In fact, against certain forest

insects, as little as % to 1 pound of DDT to 1 gallon of solution to the

acre has been found to give good control. This has made airplane

spraying practical, because there is no need for hauling a lot of excess

liquid.

Many of the old types of spraying and dusting equipment may be

used for a])plying the new insecticides. However, new tyi)es of apidication equipment are being developed, such as mist l)lowers, fog generators, and improved devices for dispersing insecticides from the

air.

The new synthetic organic insecticides are finding a useful place

by expanding tlie range of effective and economical insect control.

They will probably not completely replace the insecticides in use

before DDT was developed. No material yet developed has been

found effective for practical use against all insect pests. In fact,

different formulations of a given material may vary in efftMtiveness

against the same insect species. Years of testing under many different

conditions are usuallv necessary to determine the value of each material and formulations of it against different kinds of insects. The
58 MISO. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

possible harmful effects of an insecticide on plants, animals, and soil

must be determined also before it can be safely recommended for a

given use.

The new synthetic or^^anic insecticides, like many of the materials

previously in use have certain disadvantages. ]\Iost of them are poisonous to higher animals, including man. Thus, such material

should not be used on fruits and vegetables when fruit or foliage that

is to be eaten is on the plants, unless the poisonous residues are removed

by .weathering- or can and will be removed by artificial means. Follow recommendations when you apply any insecticide. If you use too

much you are wasteful, and to do so may be harmful.

In handlinL^ mixing, and applyin*^ insecticides that are poisonous

to human beings, be especially careful not to inhale excessive

quantities.

After working with such materials, wash your hands or any exposed part of your body thoroughly. Label the containers plainly in

which these insecticides are kept or stored, and place them out of

reach of children or of persons who would be careless in their use.
PART III.—TELLING OTHERS ABOUT INSECTS

[Introduction to third-year work]

Members of the group organized for third-year insect study will, in

addition to continuing with insect collecting, be ready to carry to

other club members and to adults their knowledge gained from previous study. The third-year outline of work should include giving

plays and demonstrations, preparing and displaying exhibits, and

making surveys. Through these devices, entomologists and extension workers may be aided in getting correct insect-control information into the hands of many persons who otherwise would not be

reached. The great number of insects and the wide variety of control practices provide almost limitless work for club members to do

in this field.

COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

There is a difference of opinion as to the total number of orders of

insects, but it is about 25. Representatives of some orders are very

rare and would seldom be picked up for collections. However, seven

orders, in addition to those already described, are listed here, and

specimens of some of them can be located with sufficient effort.

DERMAPTERA.—Derma (skin), pteron (a wing). Front

wings beetlelike (leathery), but much shorter than abdomen. Hind wings earshaped, veins radiating from middle

forward margin. Often wingless. Cerci (forceplike structures) on tip of abdomen. Mouth parts for chewing. Life

changes (metamorphosis) incomplete. Earwigs.

FIGURE 127.—Earwig.

CORRODENTIA.—Corrodens (gnawing). Minute insects, wingless or with four membranous wings with few

prominent veins; wings, when present, folded rooflike

over body. Mouth parts for chewing. Life changes very

slight. Booklice, dust lice, bark lice, deathwatches.

FIGURE 128.—Booklouse.

TRICHOPTERA.—Thrix, genitive trichos (a hair),

pteron (a wing). Four similar membranous wings; hind

pair shorter and broader. Mouth parts modified for chewing. Antennae long, legs long. Life changes complete.

Larvae living in water. Caddisflies. PiGUBB 129.—Caddisfly. 59
60 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, Ü. S. DRPT. OJ' XgRIOTTCTÜRE

PLECOPTERA.—Flecos (plaited), pteron (a wing)»

Four netted, veined wings, front pair narrow, hind pair

very broad and folding like a fan, folded flat on abdomen when at rest. IMouth parts for chewing. Life

changes incomplete. iStoneflies.

MECOPTERA.—Mecos (length), pteron (a wing). Four

long, rather narrow wings, with numerous cross veins.

Mouth parts elongated into a snout three times as long as

width across the eyes ; chewing portion of mouth parts at

end of snout. Life changes complete. Scorpion flies.

FmuRE 1P»1.—Siorpion fly.

FiorRF 132.—

iSpringtail.

FIGURE 133.—TVisteilwing parasite.

COLLEMBOLA.—Colla (glue), embolon ia bolt or bar).

Tiny, primitive, wingless insects. Mouth parts for chewing,

sunken into head. Never more than six abdominal segments.

First segment with a forked adhesive organ or ventral tube.

Fourth segment with a forked spring, which the insect uses

to flip itself along. No metamorphosis, that is, no changes in

form during the life cycle. Springtails.

STREPSIPTERA.—Strepsis (a turning or twisting),

pteron (a wing). Four wings, front pair reduced to

mere clubs, hiijd pair triangular. Eyes stalked, degenerate. Mouth parts for chewing. Mouth parts mere

vestiges. Wormlike insects, living throughout life in the

interior of other insects. (Females without wângs, eyes,

or antennae.) Twisted-wing parasites.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES, THIRD YEAR

Meetings Telling others about

insects

First, February

Second, March

Third, April

Fourth, May

Organization.

Outline work.

¡•Playlets. Surveys.

¡Demonstrations.

JExhibits.

¡Fall surveys.

1 Playlets.

Fifth, June

Sixth, July

Seventh, August

Eighth, September

Ninth, October

Tenth, November

Eleventh, December

Twelfth, Januarv

PLAYLETS

Playlets can be effective teaching devices. There is no question that

thron<rh playlets many people can be ''shown the light" to better insect

control when dramatic situations dealino; with the solution of some
4-H CLUB IX8ECT MANUAL ßj

io( al problem are cleverly presented with sufficient wit and humor to

lighten the serious thought back of the play.

louno- people engaged in insect study should be eiuouratztMl to take

the mitiativi' in writing their own playlets to suit local conditions, and

then cast them in harmony with the talent availaV)le. This procedine

should be helpful in stimulating originality and sustaining interest

among the ( lub members concerned.

Each member who takes part in a playlet should keep in mind that

in portraying a character he should be natural; avoid acting too me

chanically: try to speak smoothly—not hesitate; practice to impersonate the character he is to represent.

DEMONSTRATIONS '

Demonstrations provide club members with the opportunity actively to study the details and technicalities of insect control, especially in relation to insects that are prevalent in their own communities. Club members themselves not only become well informed,

but are thereby better prepared to pass this information on to others.

The damage done by an insect, how it lives (life cycle), its feeding

habits and methods of control, constitute major points which should

be well developed in any 4-H team demonstration dealing with insect

control. These points are outlined a little more in detail in the sample

outline on pages (')ü and t):j. Club members may use this guide in

planning a team demonstration on the control of any insect or insects

found in their community, as, for example, insects on flowers, or

peach borer control.

A club tour or a survey of the various kinds of insects foinid

around their homes and in their communities not only will aid chib

members in the selection of a demonstration sul)ject having much

practical value and worthy of being demonstrated, but will furnish

them with hel):)ful, important data for the develoj^ment of their demonstration. (Xote points listed under introduction in outline, page {V2.)

The insect, the host,^ and some evidence of the damage caused

by the insect should be shown in the introduction. A chart or poster

presenting important data on the insect or demonstration subject,

resulting possibly from a club survey, makes the introduction more

convincing because it helps to emphasize the need for good control

methods.

"In presenting the demonstration, material such as models of

insects or charts should be kept out of sight except when in use.

When these materials are being used in the demonstration, they should

be handled in such a way that they are plainly visible to the audience.

Diagrams or charts will help to illustrate the feeding habits and

different kinds of mouth structures of insects, and other minute

processes and structures.

To have their demonstration fundamentally sound and complete,

club members should make an exhaustive study of all the subjectmatter material available relating to their demonstration. In addition to using the material in this manual, club members may consult

* Demonstrations may be iriven at the fifth meetini:, in Jinip, and the sixth meetiiii:. in

July. See calendar of activities for third-year work, p. r,0.

^ The host of an insect is the plant or animal or its products on which the insect feeds,

such as cabbage for the cabbageworm or furs and woolens for the clothes moth.
62 MISO. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRIOULTURE

such well-informed persons as the county agricultural agent, club

agent, or extension specialist, and obtain bulletins from them on the

particular subject being demonstrated.

SAMPLE OUTLINE FOR TEAM DEMONSTRATION ON INSECT CONTROL

Demonstrator's name Demonstrator's name

1. Introduction (talking and showing).

Reasons for Lrivinu demonstration :

Kinds of insects prevalent in

community.

Damage done l>y these insects.

Most important insect in community :

H(»st of this insect.

Nature of damage by this

insect.

Economic or aesthetic

value of host.

(No talking. )

Demonstrator assists inanimate with

work.

Furnishes teammatn with ^luipment

and supplies as needed.

3. Second part of demonstration (talking and working).

A. Control methods:

(1) InsHcticidal.

a. Kind.

1. Name of poison.

;?. Contact or stomach

poison.

&. Cost.

c. Method of mixing insecticide.

1. Dilution.

2. Procedure.

d. Methods of application.

1. Dusting, spraying,

fumigation, or

medication.

2. Place to apply poison.

6. Time of application.

f. Number of applications.

g. How lung is insecticide

effective ?

li. First part of demonstration (talking

and working).

A. Habits of the insects :

(1) Time of year and place

where tlie different life

stages {egg, larva or

nymph, pupa, and adult)

are found.

B. Relation of hal)its to control:

(1) Feeding.

a. Chewing.

&. Sucking.

(Under coyer or out in

open. )

(2) Where insects spend th<'

winter.

(3) ]Mi,2:ration (check by barriers).

(4) Others.

(No talking.)

Demonstrator assists teammate with

work.

Furnishes teammate with equipment

and supplies as needed.
4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 63

h. Time required to kill

insect.

(2) Other methods.

a. Hand picking.

h. Cultural practices.

r. Management practices.

d. Sanitary measures.

<'. Natural control.

1. Parasites.

2. Predators.

(No talking.)

Demonstrator assists teammate with

charts, posters, and all equipment

necessary for summarizing all important points of demonstration.

Summary (talking and showing).

A review of all important points considered in demonstration. Use

charts, posters, and any type of illustrative material necessary.

There is almost no limit to the number of insect-control practices that lend

themselves to team demonstrations. Below are listed a few suggestive topics

which may be developed according to the sample outline given. The subheads

under each topic are control methods that should be demonstrated.

1. Controlling the clothes moth and

carpet beetle,

o. Spraying.

h. Brushing, sunning, and airing.

c. Cleaning and storing.

d. Fumigation.

2. Controlling stored grain insects.

a. Cleaning bins.

h. Spraying bins.

c. Fumigation.

3. Controlling the cattle grub.

a. Spraying.

h. Dusting.

c. Washing.

4. Controlling the screwworm.

a. Medication.

ft. Prevention of wounds.

6.

10.

11.

Controlling lice on animals.

a. Dipping.

h. Spraying.

c. Dusting.

Controlling the peach tree borer

with paradichlorobenzene.

Controlling vegetable garden insect pests.

Controlling flower insect pests.

Controlling houseflies.

Ö. Sanitation.

h. Screens.

c. Sprays.

Mixing poison bait for use in grasshopper and cutworm control.

Mixing poison sirup for use in

house-ant control.

In addition to the team demonstrations on insect control, there are many

other phases of the work with insects that can be presented by individual

demonstrations. Thev are simple processes that may become part of a team

demonstration. The following items may offer a few suggestions:

1. Preparing insects to be sent away for identification.

2. Making a collection net.

3. Making a jar for killing insects.

4. Pinning insects.

5. Making a spreading board.

6. Spreading butterflies.

7. Mounting butterflies for ornamental use.

EXHIBITS*

The primary object of an exhibit is to create interest. It is often

difficult to tell an entire story with an exhibit. Quite frequently

when people go where exhibits are shown, they do not take time

to make a complete study of the whole exhibit. For these reasons,

exhibits must be simple and so built that they will suggest the story

without the use of too many legends.

«Exhibits may be given at the Augiist and September meetings. See calendar of activities

for third-year work, p. 60.
64 ^^IISC. PUBLICATION .US, U. S. DEPÎ^UÏ' AGKlUUL'iUKE

Exhibits slioulcl create enough interest to influence the observer,

when he sees an articli* or bulletin on the subject, to want to read

it and know more details of that particular sul3Ject. If one of the

purposes of the exhibit is to show insect damage to a plant or animal,

living si)eciniens should be used whenever possible, and arranged

in their natural ])()sition and surroundings.

In displa\ in^• control measures, the major steps in procedure may

be shown. For instance, in peach borer control, use three trees or

stumps. Around one have the ground leveled off and free of stones

and trash. Around another show the jiosition of the chemical, and

arrange the third to show the job completed with the soil mounded

u]) around the tree.

Whenever possible, have the life stages of the insect and the material to be used in control in conspicuous places, where persons who

wish to examine them more closely may do so.

SURVEYS'

Through surveys it is possible to locate areas of heavy insect population and arrange to apply control measures before damage occurs.

Where certain control measures are to start with given populations

of the insect, surveys are very important. Ent(jmologists make surveys every year, but conditions do not permit them to cover every

farm or even every county. Reports by local people often will help

the entomologist to locate threatening numbers of insects that might

otherwise be overlooked until after damage occurs. Information on

the abundance of many insect i)ests not mentioned in this manual

would be valuable.

The information gained from surveys with reference to the cotton

boll weevil, for example, would be important. The early spring survey

to be made about the time cotton is chopped would indicate the number

of weevils emerging from hibernation. When 40 or more weevils per

acre are present on any given field, control measures are likely to be

necessary on that field, and arrangements for applying such measures

should be made.

The sijuaie-infestât ion survey should be made on each field when

the cotton Ix^üins to fruit, to determine when 10 percent of the squares

are infested. If cloudy, rainy weather, which is favorable to boll

weevil development, pievails, dusting with calcium arsenate should

be started.

Possibly one of the best examples of the effectiveness of surveys

is that made for the hessian fly. Through a survev made each summer by entomologists, the danger of hessian fly infestation in wheat

sown in the fall is determined, and if necessarv the farmers are

warned to observe the safe seeding dates. Club*members in territoiy where the hessian fly is ])revalent could, bv familiarizing themselves with the survey, do much to assist entomologists, as "well as

t(, educate farmers, regarding the value of withholding planting until

after the safe seeding date.

for thh-d-yeaT w^^^^^ ""* ^^'^ ^''^''"^' ^"'^ November meetinj^^s. See calendar of activities
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