The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1881-08-25
THE CHINCH BUG.

| Western States this year, and is now
! preying upon the growing corn in many
/ localities. AS it does not exceed grain
CT wheat in size, the injury that single
individual does is insignificant, but in
seasons favorable to their propagation
/ they come in countless numbers, attack
ing the growing crops in myriads, and,
/ however small the quantity of juice of
plants extracted by single individual,
/ the aggregate amount of (which each
plant is robbed by many of these small
insects is fatal to healthy plant growth.
The natural history of the chinch bug
and many other important facts in regard
to it have been contributed to the COL
umns of The Prairie Farmer during the
past thirty years by eminent entomol-
ogists and others, who have studied and
observed its habits and characteristics,
among whom were Walsh, Riley, Le-
| Baron, Thomas, and Sinner. The sweep
ing damage it has frequently wrought to
crops has made it an object of much
scientific inquiry, for as Prof. Thomas
says, "East of the Mississippi it is with
out rival" An epitome of the most
prominent facts elected in regard to it is
not out of place.
The latest information pertaining to
the history, characters, habits and means
of destroying this pest, or counteracting
its injuries, is contained in paper by
Prof. Thomas, and issued by the U. S.
chronological Commission. In the 7th
annual chronological report of this State
prof. Thomas second annual report
is az exhaustive article on this insect.
From these papers the following facts
are chiefly drawn:
The chinch bug was known before
! 1881, yet in that year it was for the first
time scientifically described by Mr.. Say.
In The Prairie Farmer in September,
1S50-nineteen years after Mr.. Says des-
cription-Dr. LeBaroE, not aware that
it had been previously described, named
it RhyparachrOnaus deUastator, and gave
the following description of it: Length
|: lines. or three-twentieths of an inch;
body black, clothed with very fine
grayish down, not distinctly visible to
the naked eye; basal joint of the antenne
honey-yellow; second joint the same tip
ped with black; second and third Joints
black; beak brown; wings and wing
cases, white; the latter are black at their
insertion, and have near the middle, two
short irregular black lines, and con-
spicuous black marginal spot; legs, dark
honey yellow, terminal joint of the feet
and the claws black.
In tho northern portion of TIlinois and
other localities, including most of the
Northwestern States, this insect is two
brooded; but there is some evidence OF
an occasional third brood in the extreme
southern portions of Illinois and in Ken
! lucky. The latter however Is only an
exceptional occurrence.
The chinch bugs pass the winter in the
perfect state, Or as perfect insects-not
as eggs, nor as larvae or young, nor yet
as pupa. With the advent of cold
weather. the fall brood leaves the dry
corn stalks and seek retreat where they
remain during the winter. Corn shocks,
straw piles, rubbish, logs, fence rows,
ETC., afford harbor for them. Ii for
est or piece of woodland IS near, they
frequently find convenient shelter there
in. During the winter they remain in
a semi-torpid or torpid state, but are eas
lily warmed into activity. The time of
coming forth in the spring depends upon
latitude and season; usually this IS dur
ing the month of April, in the central
and southern portions of Illinois. After
pairing the female commences laying
eggs, and proceeds leisurely at her work
for two or three weeks, depositing few
day 10y day, as they develope in the ovar-
les. The eggs are deposited just below
the soil, on the roots or just below the
surface, or on the stem near the surface.
The egg is at first of a pale, dull whitish
color, but gradually assumes a reddish
color from the changes traspiring within.
The young bug is red, but turns 10 q
grayish brown, varying in color and
markings with successive molts. Soon
after Matching, the young insect inserts
its tiny beak into the plant and sucks its
juices. The entire process of growth re-
quires from five to seven weeks. Upon
reaching the perfect state the sexes pair
and the progeny constitutes the "fall'
or second brood. Before the females of
this brood deposit their eggs they leave
their original quarters and migrate in
search of more abundant supply of
food. Occasionally they take flight, but
this depends to great extent upon the
weather; but their usual method of find
ing better feeding grounds, is by march
ing along the surface of the ground
Where corn is the main crop succeeding
wheat, it is generally attacked, but they
do not disdain oats, or some other cereal,
or grass in a succulent stage. Their
migrations on foot seldom exceed forty
; rods.
The means recommended for their
destruction, or to prevent their ravages,
; are various, few of which have been
found efectual. To counteract the work
!, of this pest is the objective point of all
research and inquiry in regard to it,
Prairie Farmer.
Coop HEALTH is impossible when the
blood is impure, or when it is thin and
cold. Under such conditions one dis
: casa after another is developed. Boils
pimples, headache, neuralgia, rheuma
5 tisn, etc., are the result of impure blood
and the wisest course is to make the blood
pure rich apI WORN, bv tba usa of Aver.