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Story
August 26, 1883
Daily Globe
Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
The article highlights natural enemies of the Colorado potato beetle—insects, birds, and animals—and urges farmers to protect them to minimize use of poisonous pesticides, promoting natural balance in agriculture.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
SPARE THE DESTROYERS OF THE POTATO BUG.
A number of insects aid the farmer and gardener in keeping the greatest of potato pests, the Colorado beetle, in check. Lady-bugs, or "lady-birds," in their larval state are among the most effective enemies of the "potato bug," doing valuable service in destroying both eggs and larvae. The mature lady-bugs are red, pink or bright colored, with small black dots, and should be known and protected by all farmers.
Some of the tiger beetles do good work against the potato beetle. The Lytta doraphora is an internal parasite, closely resembling a common fly, and is one of the most effective destroyers of the Colorado beetle. The female fly attaches a single egg to the body of the potato larva. The small, footless maggot soon hatches, burrows into the body of its victim, and finally destroys it. This fly may be seen buzzing about in the summer, and at times it is so abundant in potato fields as to remind one of a swarm of bees.
A species of mite (Uropoda Americana) attacks the beetle, and sometimes so covers its host that no part of the beetle is visible. This external parasite is about the size of a small pin-head, and is yellowish brown.
Several birds feed upon the potato beetle, among which is the too much persecuted crow. This sable bird will even dig into the earth for the hibernating individuals. The services of the common quail are underrated in this respect. The rose-breasted grosbeak has a fondness for the potato beetle, and does much good by feeding upon it. Ducks and chickens have learned to eat the larvae, and some fowls have overcome the native dislike for the mature insect. Thirty or forty perfect beetles have been found in a chicken's crop.
Among the quadrupeds the skunk sometimes eats the potato beetle, while the common toad and black snake feed freely upon this pest of the farm.
The various poisons employed, among which Paris green and London purple take the lead, are effective and easily applied; but every precaution should be taken to favor the natural enemies, and thus help to so adjust the system of nature that it will favor the healthful growth of all farm and garden crops.
Spare the insect and other enemies of the potato beetle, and there will be less need of applying dangerous arsenical compounds.--American Agriculturist.
A number of insects aid the farmer and gardener in keeping the greatest of potato pests, the Colorado beetle, in check. Lady-bugs, or "lady-birds," in their larval state are among the most effective enemies of the "potato bug," doing valuable service in destroying both eggs and larvae. The mature lady-bugs are red, pink or bright colored, with small black dots, and should be known and protected by all farmers.
Some of the tiger beetles do good work against the potato beetle. The Lytta doraphora is an internal parasite, closely resembling a common fly, and is one of the most effective destroyers of the Colorado beetle. The female fly attaches a single egg to the body of the potato larva. The small, footless maggot soon hatches, burrows into the body of its victim, and finally destroys it. This fly may be seen buzzing about in the summer, and at times it is so abundant in potato fields as to remind one of a swarm of bees.
A species of mite (Uropoda Americana) attacks the beetle, and sometimes so covers its host that no part of the beetle is visible. This external parasite is about the size of a small pin-head, and is yellowish brown.
Several birds feed upon the potato beetle, among which is the too much persecuted crow. This sable bird will even dig into the earth for the hibernating individuals. The services of the common quail are underrated in this respect. The rose-breasted grosbeak has a fondness for the potato beetle, and does much good by feeding upon it. Ducks and chickens have learned to eat the larvae, and some fowls have overcome the native dislike for the mature insect. Thirty or forty perfect beetles have been found in a chicken's crop.
Among the quadrupeds the skunk sometimes eats the potato beetle, while the common toad and black snake feed freely upon this pest of the farm.
The various poisons employed, among which Paris green and London purple take the lead, are effective and easily applied; but every precaution should be taken to favor the natural enemies, and thus help to so adjust the system of nature that it will favor the healthful growth of all farm and garden crops.
Spare the insect and other enemies of the potato beetle, and there will be less need of applying dangerous arsenical compounds.--American Agriculturist.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Nature
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Colorado Beetle
Lady Bugs
Parasite Fly
Tiger Beetles
Mites
Birds
Crows
Quails
Grosbeaks
Skunks
Toads
Natural Enemies
Pest Control
Where did it happen?
Farms And Gardens
Story Details
Location
Farms And Gardens
Story Details
Insects like lady-bugs, tiger beetles, parasite flies, and mites; birds such as crows, quails, grosbeaks, ducks, and chickens; and animals like skunks, toads, and snakes help control the Colorado potato beetle. Farmers should protect these natural enemies to reduce reliance on poisons like Paris green.