Oriental Beetle Research Articles

Methyl Bromide Fumigation for Control of Asiatic Beetle Grubs Attacking Azalea Plants

Journal Article Methyl Bromide Fumigation for Control of Asiatic Beetle Grubs Attacking Azalea Plants Get access Clyde C. Hamilton Clyde C. Hamilton New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, New Brunswick* Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 33, Issue 3, 1 June 1940, Pages 486–490, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/33.3.486 Published: 01 June 1940

The Fluctuation of the Population of Tiphia Popilliavora Rohwer in the Field and its Possible Causes

Journal Article The Fluctuation of the Population of Tiphia Popilliavora Rohwer in the Field and its Possible Causes Get access M. H. Brunson M. H. Brunson Division of Japanese and Asiatic Beetles, Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 27, Issue 2, 1 April 1934, Pages 514–518, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/27.2.514 Published: 01 April 1934

The Known Distribution of the Japanese Beetle in 1932 and 1933

Journal Article The Known Distribution of the Japanese Beetle in 1932 and 1933 Get access Henry Fox Henry Fox Division of Japanese and Asiatic Beetles, Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 27, Issue 2, 1 April 1934, Pages 461–473, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/27.2.461 Published: 01 April 1934

The Effectiveness of Paradichlorobenzene and Naphthalene in Preventing Oviposition by the Japanese Beetle

Journal Article The Effectiveness of Paradichlorobenzene and Naphthalene in Preventing Oviposition by the Japanese Beetle Get access J. William Lipp J. William Lipp Division of Japanese and Asiatic Beetles, Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 27, Issue 2, 1 April 1934, Pages 500–502, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/27.2.500 Published: 01 April 1934

An Improved Japanese Beetle Trap

Journal Article An Improved Japanese Beetle Trap Get access F. W. Metzger F. W. Metzger Division of Japanese and Asiatic Beetle Investigations, Bureau Entomology, United States Department of AgriCulture Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 27, Issue 2, 1 April 1934, Pages 473–476, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/27.2.473 Published: 01 April 1934

Present Status of Two Asiatic Beetles (Anomala Orientalis and Autoserica Castanea) in the United States1

The oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis Waterh.) is generally limited to an area within 90 miles of New York City, but the Asiatic garden beetle (Autoserica castanea Arrow) is found at widely separated localities from Massachusetts to Virginia. Both species in the larval or grub stage cause destruction to lawns, but only the Asiatic garden beetle is injurious to plants in the adult stage. Adult feeding of this species is most extensive on ornamental plants and often results in complete defoliation. The grubs of both species in lawns are controlled by an application of 15 pounds of lead arsenate to 1,000 square feet. For the Asiatic garden beetle a spray of 6 pounds of coated lead arsenate to 50 gallons of water, or a pounds of lead arsenate and 2 pounds of flour to 50 gallons of water, is recommended.

Polymastix, a Flagellate from the Asiatic Beetle

Polymastix, a Flagellate from the Asiatic Beetle

Preventing the Spread of the Japanese and Asiatic Beetles

Preventing the Spread of the Japanese and Asiatic Beetles

Known Distribution and Abundance of Anomala Orientalis Waterhouse, Aserica Castanea Arrow, and Serica Similis Lewis in New York1

The records include not only the range of Anomala orientalis, Aserica castanet ,and Serica similes but notes on their general abundance where they have been found to occur in New York State.

The Control of the Asiatic Beetle in Lawns

The control of the larvae of the Asiatic beetle (A nomala orientalis Waterhouse) in lawns can be accomplished by poisoning the soil with lead arsenate. The arsenate may be mixed with water and the resulting suspension sprinkled over the lawn, it may be mixed with a top-dressing of loam, or it may be incorporated in the upper inch of lawn soil. When applied as a suspension in water the amount recommended is three pounds of arsenate of lead per 100 square feet of lawn surface. When applied in a top-dressing of loam or incorporated in the upper inch of soil the amount recommended is two pounds per 100 square feet. The lawns should be treated before August 1st.

An Improved Carbon Disulfide Emulsion for the Control of Larvae of the Japanese Beetle and Other Insects1

A carbon disulfide emulsion has been prepared in which rosin, C. P. sodium hydroxide and U. S. P. oleic acid are used to form the emulsifying agent. In this way variation in the composition of the emulsifying agent is cut to a minimum. At present this emulsion is the one recommended for the treatment of turf and of nursery stock for the control of Japanese beetle larvae. This emulsion has also given good results against the larvae of the Asiatic beetle, Anomaia orientalis Waterh., and of the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida.

Organization of A Co-Operative Campaign Against The Asiatic Beetle

Injury to lawns in New Haven by the Asiatic Beetle, Anomala orientalis , became so prominent late in 1925 that official control seemed warranted. Federal experts advised a co-operative study of the insect and treatment of the soil to kill the grubs No special funds were available, though State funds could be used and replaced later by a deficiency appropriation. Property owners offered to contribute, and a local civic association appointed a committee to solicit and collect funds. Over $dollar;4,500.00 were obtained. The Association also obtained an appropriation of $dollar;2.500.00 from the City of New Haven. Congress appropriated $dollar;5,000.00 for the work. The area was quarantined. A place was leased for headquarters and an insectary built. Life history studies were made under the supervision of R. B. Friend, and quarantine regulations enforced, and scouting and soil treatment work conducted under J. P. Johnson. Altogether 19 tons of emulsion were purchased and used. Though not all bills have yet been paid, the amount expended for payroll is $dollar;7,884.59, and $dollar;4,244.21 has been paid for emulsion. A total of $dollar;17,089.12 has been expended, apportioned from the four appropriations as follows: Civic Association, $dollar;4,086.71; City of New Haven, $dollar;2,471.83; Federal appropriation $dollar;5,000.00; State funds, $dollar;5,530.58.

The Asiatic Beetle (Anomala Orientalis Waterhouse)

The Asiatic beetle (Anomala Orientalis Waterhouse) in Connecticut has usually one generation a year, but in a small percentage of cases it takes two years to complete the life cycle. Hibernation takes place as a rule during the third instar. The larvae pupate during June and July, and adults occur during July and August. If the larvae hibernate during the first instar, they do not complete development the following season but go thru as larvae and pupate a year later. This insect seriously injures lawns by eating the grass roots during the larval stages. The injury is particularly noticeable during September. The adults are not, pests of any importance.

Soil Treatment And Scouting For The Control Of The Asiatic Beetle

Approximately 1400 acres are now under quarantine for the Asiatic beetle, Anomala orientalis Waterhouse, in New Haven, Conn. Altogether 2402 beetles were found during the summer scouting season, and 4576 diggings were made in the spring and fall. The heavy infestation is concentrated in 300 acres, and the larvae injure the lawns severely. Carbon disulphide emulsion was used successfully in controlling them, and during the past year 100 acres were treated.

Insect Pests Newly Established In New York State

The recent appearance of three Japanese beetles in New York State, namely the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newm., limited for a number of years to New Jersey, the Asiatic beetle, A nomala orientalis Waterh., and a Japanese Serica, Aserica castanea a Arrow, is recorded. The grubs of all three are serious pests to sad, particularly lawns and golf greens. The Japanese beetles, so well known in New Jersey, are voracious feeders upon the foliage of number of fruit and shade trees in particular. Earlier investigations in that state have shown that there are practical measures for the control of this insect in both larval and adult stages. There are also brief records, with an indication of the economic status of certain insects which have become established in the state during the past twenty-five years; as follows: Birch Leaf Miner, Fenusa pumila Klug.; Gipsy moth, Porthetria dispar Linn.; Chrysanthemum midge, Diarthronomyia hypogea Lw.; European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilatis Hubn.; Imported Pine Saw Fly, Diprion simile Hartig; The Apple and Thorn Skeletonizer, Hemerophila pariana Clerck; Oriental Peach Moth, Laspeyresia molesta Busck; European Hornet, Vespa crubro Linn.; Eumpean Pine Shoot Moth, Rvetria buoliana Schiff.; Box Midge, Monarthropalpus buxi Labi.; European Earwig, Forficula auricularia Linn.; Spruce Bud Scale, Physokermes piceae Schr.; and European Elm Case Bearer, Haplotilia limosipennella Dup.

THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS AND INJURIOUS PLANTS IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

SUMMARY Insect pests in the Hawaiian Islands are, with few exceptions, immigrant species from other countries. Their control by biological methods dates from 1890, when A. Koebele introduced Novius cardinalis for repressing the cottony cushion scale, Icerya personas, and the experiment was completely successful. The sugar cane leafhopper, Perkinsiella saccharicida, has been suppressed by the combined activities of several imported species of Chalcid egg‐parasites, followed by the introduction of the predaceous Capsid, Cyrtorhinus mundulus, from Fiji and Queensland. Satisfactory control of the sugar cane borer, Rhabocnemis obscura has been achieved in most infested areas by the Tachinid Ceromasia sphenophori, introduced from New Guinea. In certain districts, under bad climatic conditions, outbreaks still occur and efforts are being made to meet the situation by introducing other beneficial insects. Efficient control of the beetle, Anomala orientalis has been obtained by the introduction of the wasp, Scolia maniliae from the Philippines. This pest has not since increased to its former destructive proportions. The Avocardo mealy bug, Pseudococcus nipae, affords one of the most recent examples of biological control. Since the importation of the Chalcid parasite Pseudaphycus utilis from Mexico in 1922 this pest has been difficult to find in many districts. The indigenous Pyralid leaf‐rollers Omiodes accepta and O. blackburni are no longer pests of serious consequence. They are controlled by several enemies, chief among them being the Braconid, Macrodyctium omiodivorum and the Chalcid, Chalcis obscurata: both parasites were originally obtained from Japan. Satisfactory repression of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, has yet to be achieved. The importation of parasites from Africa and Australia has markedly decreased the infestation, but their efficiency appears to be partly neutralised by the species competing against one another and supra‐parasitism is prevalent. The Australian fern weevil Syagrius fulvitarsis no longer occasions damage to tree ferns to its former extent. The recent introduction of the Braconid Ischiogonus syagrii from Australia has brought about this result. Early introductions of various Coccinellidae, more particularly of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Coelophora inaequalis, resulted in the complete subjugation of certain coccids and aphides. Promising results are being obtained against army worms and cutworms by the recent introduction of the Chalcid Euplectrus platyhypenae from Mexico. The breeding and liberation of this parasite are still being carried out. Control of wireworms and the horn fly has not, so far, met with success. The colonisation of a number of species of insect enemies of Lantana, from Mexico, afford the first example of pest plant control by this method. The restraint which they have exercised, more especially by prevention of seeding, has checked that plant reinfesting areas previously cleared. The repression of nut grass (Cyperus rotundatus) by the introduction of insect enemies from the Philippines is being carried out as a preliminary experiment and a survey of the possibility of controlling Pamakani (Eupatorium glandulosum) has been made in its Mexican habitat.

Three Injurious Insects Recently Introduced into Connecticut

The Asiatic beetle, Anomala orientalis Waterhouse, has caused considerable injury to lawns by the grubs eating the roots of grass, some being noticed in the fall of 1922. In each of the seasons of 1923,1924 and 1925, the injury had been observed but was not very conspicuous in 1925 until late summer. During August, September and October, there were many complaints and reports from an area of approximately one-fourth of a square mile in extent. The matter was again reported to the Bureau of Entomology and the Federal Horticultural Board, with a request that they send some one to look over the situation. Later Mr. L. B. Smith submitted a report recommending that an effort be made to eradicate this pest; for should it spread southward it might cause serious injury to various crops; that the entire area not covered by buildings or pavements, be treated with carbon disulphide next spring to kill the grubs. Plans are therefore being made to procure the necessary funds, and to carry out Mr. Smith's recommendations. The mines of the Imported Birch Leaf-Miner were first noticed in Connecticut in 1923, and the following year the adult was reared and found to be a sawfly, Fenusa pumila Klug, from Europe. Observations made in 1925 show that there were three complete generations and a partial fourth. Eggs are laid in the tender terminal leaves, and hatch in about ten days. The larval period requires an average of 11 or 12 days, and the winter is probably passed in the pupa stage. This insect is now distributed throughout southern New England, southeastern New York, and in Vermont as far north as the vicinity of Rutland. Apparently it prefers the gray birch, Betula populifolia, but also attacks the white or canoe birch and the European white birch, including the cut-leaf form. Most of the mines are on young sprouts or seedlings, though in a few cases they have been observed on larger trees. On September 8, 1925, stems of Rosa rugosa were received from Darien exhibiting the peculiar swellings or galls such as have been figured by Weiss as occurring in New Jersey and caused by Agrilus viridis var. fagi Ratz., a species from Europe. On October 15, stems of Rosa hugonis were received from Norwalk with similar galls. Norwalk and Darien are adjoining towns. The adults have not been reared in Connecticut, but it is characteristic Agrilus work.

An Asiatic Beetle (Anomala Orientalis) in Connecticut

Specimens of Anomala collected in a nursery in New Haven in 1920 and 1921 were identified in May, 1922, as Anomala orientalis. In 1923, white grubs injured the roots of grass in lawns in the vicinity. Adults were reared and proved to be this species.

Economic Entomology in the Philippines1

A CONSIDERABLE portion of the Bulletin before us is the outcome of work undertaken with the definitely economic object of procuring and transporting to the battlefield natural enemies of the beetle Anomala orientalis, which, by reason of the havoc wrought in the larval stage on the roots of the sugarcane, is a serious pest in the plantations, and was causing heavy losses in the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is gratifying to learn that the quest of the entomologists was entirely successful, and that through their labours the foe appears to have been vanquished, and thereby all mankind benefited in the saving of large quantities of one of our most valuable articles of food. The ally which the entomological staff summoned to the aid of the sugar-planters was the “wasp” Scolia manilae. It is perhaps prudent here to indicate that the term “wasp studies” must not be understood to apply solely to the true Diplopterous wasps, the Vespidæ; it is used in this publication as a convenient term including many families of aculeate Hymenoptera other than the bees.

The Progress of Scolia Manilæ Ashm. in Hawaii.

In a former article* the introduction of Scolia manilæ into, and its establishment in, the Hawaiian Islands was described. At that time the wasp was well established but its host, Anomala orientalis, was very abundant and doing great damage. *Ann. Ent. Soc. Am., X, p.207 (1917).