The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-30
BUGS THAT SWARM AT NIGHT.
Beetles and other Nocturnal Insects
That Offend Humanity.
(From the Kansas city star.l

Qrom the Kansas City Star
No one loves the electric light bug to
be sure. but most people cherish a curl
osity regarding these summer visitors that
appear in swarms On a fine night. buzz
sor a while wherever there is the at
traction of an electri: light and then dis
appear. These flights OF insects which the
naturaists term breeding flights, are I'M
dertaken for the purpose of propagating
their species. At the appearance OF dawn
the bugs leave the air and seek the trees,
grass, or water-wherever their dwelling
place may be. 1t is strange circumstance
that only certain atmospheric conditions
will induce these flight A hot. still night
when the air is heavily laden with moisture
seems most favorable. On no occasion will
the electric light bugs swarm when the
wind is blowing from the north, no matter
how suitable the other conditions
First in the season. comes the neat, seal
brown, oval beetles, commonly called June
bug. which feeds upon the foliage OF trees.
The June bug deposits eggs which develop
into the white grubs so often found in
flower beds. These grubs eat the roots
of plants and shrubs, causing the speedy
death of whatever they assail. Several
years ago they were particularly destruct-
i've in Kansas City and many beautiful
flower beds were destroyed by their at
tacks. The June bug larvae enjoys year
of life as a grub, then spins itself about
with a cocoon, hibernates for one winter
and energies full-fiedged June bug, ready
to strip trees of their foliage, riot about
the street arc lamps or plump himself
down the neck of the summer girl.
Next come the water beetles, fat, shiny,
black fellows that inhabit ponds and stag
nant river bayous After nights dissipa-
tion under the electric light the water
beetle sails away as fast as his wings can
carry him, ard as soon as he catches sight
of the CLEAN of water below, no matter
how high up he may be, he folds his wings,
drops into the water and is a water bug
once more. Early on Il summer morning
after flight of water beetles, few hours
before sunrise. one may stand by pond
in the country and hear the ''phiti phit' OF
the beetles dropping into the water from
far overhead. The water beetles haste to
get home often leads him to mistake The
CLINT of greenhouse skylights for water and
TO hurl hirlsef to destruction on the glass
below, Many florists who do rot know the
cause of it all are puzzled to find dead
water beetles about their greenhouses in
the morning.
The giant water bug that comes about
this time is by far the largest of all the
summer bugs. This water bug is of yell
lowish drab color. looks like an enlarged
squash bug, has a fiat back and walks
upon great sprawly legs. They seldom ap
pear in great numbers. but are found &C.
casionaIly under the lights during the whole
summer This insect is Of the sucker class.
While the water beetle lives by eating
foliage Of plants this fellow drains the
juice through a proboscis of considerable
piercing power. The giant water bug nay
well be avoided by human beings. as he
can. and does not hesitate to use his pro-
boseis with dangerous effect on being dis
turbed.
The little green skip-jack which goes
by the name Of leaf-hopper is. in common
with the giant water bug a sucker. al
though he does not inhabit the water.
but subsists on the leaves OF trees. lie
appears about the same time as the black
water beetles.
Another insect with power to harm
is the bombardier beetle. This fellow has
a stubby body and is black. He carries.
stored away IN 4 pouch. a supply of
powerful organic acid. On being angered
h. emits jet OF this, which, on reaching
the air, is changed into a gas. This gas,
IL it reaches a human being, will effect
a severe burn upon whatever part Of the
skin 1t may touch. If you have ever
brushed from the back of your neck
bug that left a painful blister you have
met that valiant soldier, the bombardier
beetle.