Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...mentioned above, are known to feed largely upon plant-lice of different kinds that infest the vegetation frequented by these crickets while among the living in the insect world. So decided is this cannibalistic habit with them, that, taking everything into consideration, I doubt not but the benefit resulting from their presence exceeds the injury done by them. The carnivorous habit is quite general among the various representatives of the cricket family; but up to the present time it is not generally known even among entomologists that these treecrickets of the genus (Ecanthus at least are such confirmed destroyers of plant-lice and other small, soft-bodied insects. REMEDIES. After devoting so much space to the life-history and habits of these insects, it would be wrong not to mention a remedy by which their injuries can be prevented, if it is desirable to do so after ascertaining what great benefit they also are to the horticulturist, and by aiding in keeping under control smaller insects such as plant-lice and leafhoppers. Birds, and a few of the insectivora among mammals, devour these crickets eagerly, as do also quite a number of the predaceous beetles and wasps. The Asilus flies among the Diptera also destroy a few of them. They also suffer from parasites and disease, as do all other insects. In addition to these natural checks, we can do much toward their diminution by gathering and burning the injured twigs, and other harbors containing their eggs. This should be done in winter or spring, before the eggs hatch. THE GRAPE-VINE FLEA-BEETLE. Haltioa chalybea Illig. The insect known by the above name is certainly worthy of attention here, as it is also to be met with in our vineyards where it does much injury by defoliating our grape-vines. It is a small...
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