Entomology Commons^™

Elephas Scotti A New Primitive Mammoth From Nebraska, Erwin Hinckley Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum (1924–2023)

On February 18,1922, the mandible of an unusually primitive mammoth was secured for the palaeontological collections of Mr. Hector Maiben by Mr. E. T. Engle. The specimen was found in Aftonian gravel on the farm of Mr. E. J. Hartman, five miles south of Staplehurst, Seward County, Nebraska. It is numbered 18-2-22 in the accession book of the Nebraska State' Museum.

A Preliminary Report On The Nebraska State Museum, Erwin H. Barbour

Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum (1924–2023)

The Nebraska State Museum has been established a sufficient number of years to make it widely known throughout the state, both by reputation and by personal visits. Incident to a growing clientele and an expanding correspondence, it is expedient that a concise circular letter be issued in bulletin form. Such a pamphlet can be promptly forwarded to inquirers and will offer obvious advantages over individual replies.

The Plains False Wireworm And Its Control, M. H. Swenk

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

The last three crops of winter wheat, and especially the crop of 1922-23, have been seriously injured in southwestern Nebraska and especially on the dry land farms of Cheyenne, Kimball, Banner, Morrill, Garden, Deuel , Keith, Perkins, and Hitchcock Counties, by an abundance of hard-bodied, cylindrical, shining waxy yellow, soil-infesting larvae. These greatly resemble wireworms and are often mistaken for them, but they differ conspicuously in being more active and having well-developed, club-shaped antennae, long and stout front legs, and a less flattened body with a distinctly upturned tip. These larvae destroy the planted seed in the fall and eat …

Insect Pests Of Stored Grains And Their Control, M. H. Swenk

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

In Nebraska there are about 20 species of insects that injure stored grain more or less. Some are beetles and their larvae, others are the caterpillars of small moths. To the farmer all are "weevil," although that name is really properly applied only to two beetle species-the granary weevil and the rice weevil. The following paragraphs and illustrations will describe the several more important stored grain pests to be found in this State, so that the farmer may recognize the particular pest or pests that are doing the injury to his grain, and may then apply the proper remedy.

A Synopsis Of The Scarabaeidae Of Nebraska (Coleoptera), R. W. Dawson

University Studies (University of Nebraska) (1888–1984)

Several years ago the writer undertook a study of the "June-bug" family (Scarabaeidae) for the state of Nebraska. The object of the study was two fold: First to determine the number and status of our species in this large and economically important family, and second to present a taxonomic review which would enable the beginning student, or interested amateur, to readily name with reasonable certainty any species which he might encounter in the state.

In the following pages 40 genera and 162 species are tabulated, and notes given on the abundance, seasonal and geographical distribution of the species within the …

A Synopsis Of The Syrphidae Of Nebraska With Descriptions Of New Species From Nebraska And Colorado, Everett E. Wehr

University Studies (University of Nebraska) (1888–1984)

In June, 1907, Mr. Paul R. Jones published in the Journal of the New York Entomological Society "A Preliminary List of Nebraska Syrphidae with Descriptions of New Species.'" At that time there was available only a comparatively small collection of Syrphid flies, but apparently it contained a fairly good representation of the species found in the state. Subsequent collectors have contributed a considerable amount of new material from the state in which there are twelve additional species, two of which are· new. With these additions, the Nebraska list is increased to ninety species.

At the present time the classification of …

Insect Pests Of Stored Grains And Their Control, M. H. Swenk

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

In Nebraska there are about 20 species of insects that injure stored grain more or less. Some are beetles and their larvae, others are the caterpillars of small moths. To the farmer all are "weevil," although that name is really properly applied only to two beetle species-the granary weevil and the rice weevil. The following paragraphs and illustrations will describe the several more important stored grain pests to be found in this State, so that the farmer may recognize the particular pest or pests that are doing the injury to his grain, and may then apply the proper remedy.

A Synopsis Of The Sphecoidea Of Nebraska (Hymenoptera), Clarence E. Mickel

University Studies (University of Nebraska) (1888–1984)

The following paper is the result of three years more or less intermittent study and collecting of the entomophilous wasps of the superfamily Sphecoidea. In 1908, Mr. H. S. Smith published a list of Nebraska Sphecoidea together with synoptic tables, descriptions of new species and notes. The University of N ebraska collection of this group has more than doubled in size since 1908, the collection of Nebraska specimens now numbering about 7,000, while the entire collection of Sphecoidea includes between 8,000 and 9,000 specimens. This wealth of material has naturally increased the number of species known to occur within the …

Color And Color-Pattern Mechanism Of Tiger Beetles, Victor E. Shelford

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

In 1903 the writer undertook a study of variation of the tiger beetles. The work here presented is the outgrowth of this beginning, and indeed includes some small portions regarding color patterns that were written in that year. The work has been prolonged for many reasons, but chief of these was the very large number of species in the group and the fact that an adequate understanding of the material could not be attained without consulting many large collections. Further, the experimental results obtained in 1906 demanded a firsthand study of the variations of the species concerned and their natural …

Spraying Experiments In Nebraska, J. Ralph Cooper

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Research Bulletins

The more important questions which were considered during the three years covered by the present report were as follows: 1. How many summer sprays are required and when should they be applied? 2. What is the difference in efficiency between various brands of arsenate of lead? 3. What are the relative values of lime sulphur and Bordeaux as fungicides for spraying apples? 4. Is it possible to lessen or prevent Bordeaux injury and at the same time control fungous diseases? 5. Is it possible to interchange Bordeaux and lime sulphur in a spray schedule in such a manner as to …

The Present Methods Of Teaching Entomology, J. H. Comstock

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The present methods of teaching entomology followed in the United States have been developed almost entirely by men now teaching this subject. A second generation of teachers has begun its work; but the first is still on the stage. We h3i¥e progressed far enough, however, to make it worth while for the teachers to compare methods, in order that each may profit by the experience of the others. In a conference of this kind the contribution of each to the discussion will be, naturally, at first, merely a statement of the methods evolved in our several widely separated institutions. Then …

Present Methods Of Teaching Entomology, H. T. Fernald

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

In teaching entomology, much depends upon the ultimate aim of the student. A course in introductory entomology, whether as a required or an elective subject is sure to include many students who will not continue the subject farther. It is at least probable, that these students will form over half of the class, and accordingly, the introductory treatment should be arranged on the basis of the greatest good to the greatest number. This will usually mean some slight knowledge of insect anatomy, particularly external anatomy, and a general survey of insects as a group, with special attention to the pests …

The Present Methods Of Teaching Entomology, Herbert Osborn

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

In a discussion of the methods of teaching entomology, it is almost necessary to take a hasty view of the growth of the subject and of the different methods of imparting knowledge in it during the past half century. We need scarcely go back of this, because for the United States, at least, the growth of the teaching of entomology as a subject included in a college curriculum has had its growth within that time. In fact, practically all of the development of the teaching outside of two or three localities has been within the last twenty-five' years. Naturally the …

Present Methods Of Teaching Entomology At The University Of Nebraska, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

'When our Secretary sent out his preliminary notification of this meeting and asked me to take part in a discussion of "present methods of teaching Entomology," the matter at first seemed of little importance so far, at least, as the speaker was concerned. However, after giving the subject some thought I have decided that it might be well at least to take the time and trouble to attempt to explain briefly a few of the methods by which the student in Nebraska is enabled to absorb some entomological information. In order to do this with an unbiased feeling it might …

The House Fly (Musca Domestica) And Allies, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

"Of what use are flies, anyway?" This and similar questions have frequently been asked of the writer by persons who seem to think that each and every living thing has been created solely for some special benefit to man.

Primarily the common house fly (Musca domestica), together with several of its allies which habitually frequent human habitations, are scavengers. In this role they assist in the removal of filth and litter of various sorts that too often are permitted to accumulate in the vicinity of our homes, schools, offices, and ' places of business or pleasure. These flies …

The Sphegoidea Of Nebraska, Harry Scott Smith

University Studies (University of Nebraska) (1888–1984)

The following paper is the result of a study pursued by the writer at odd intervals during the past two years, and is based on the material contained in the collection of the University of Nebraska. Although the list is a fairly large one for a single state, nothing like systematic collecting has been done on the group, and it is expected that a great many additional species will be found in the near future. The only portion of the state that has been at all closely collected is Sioux county, where, during the past ten years, several zoological expeditions …

A Plea For The Protection Of Our Birds, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The fact that insect depredations are increasing in extent each succeeding year makes it plain to us that something must be done to prevent it, and that quickly. We have found to our sorrow that, although we are continually making increased efforts to destroy these pests, our efforts avail but little and the destruction of our crops goes on. What, then, is to be done? How can we be released from this ever-increasing struggle for existence? The answer is plain. Heed the advice of the Naturalist who has made a study of the life-histories of the various other living creatures …

Report On The Orthoptera Of Trinidad, West Indies, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Several years ago Mr. H. D. Chipman collected insects on the Island of Trinidad, British West Indies, and the writer secured a fairly complete set of the Orthoptera taken by him. Since that time a few additional forms have been obtained from G. E. Tryhane, of St. Anne's, Trinidad, and others from W. E. Broadway, of St. George's Grenada, who formerly collected on Trinidad. Altogether upwards of one hundred (112) species have thus been accumulated and form the basis of this paper.

Unlike others of the West Indies, this island is more closely related to the South American mainland in …

Synoptic List Of Paraguayan Acrididæ, Or Locusts, With Descriptions Of New Forms, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The present paper is based primarily on the extensive collection obtained from Mr. W. T. Foster, of Sapucay, Paraguay, and now belonging to the United States National Museum. In addition, the writer hns personally collected in that country, besides having purchased several small collections from that section of South America. To inake the paper as complete as possible, Giglio-Tos's papers have been consulted, and all the forms not represented in the collections studied have been included.

Among the specimens illustrated are:

Cephalocoema costulata Burmeister

Stirapleura variabilis Bruner

Sinipta dalmani Stal

Euplectrotettix conspersus Bruner

Dichroatettix viridifrons Bruner

Parorphula graminea Bruner

Plectrotettix …

New Elementary Agriculture For Rural And Graded Schools, Charles E. Bessey, Lawrence Bruner, G. D. Swezey

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Nebraska is an agricultural state. The products of her soil are the basis of her industries and her prosperity. The children of our great state of Nebraska should be familiar with our crops, our grains and grasses, our flowers and fruits, our trees and shrubs and weeds, our domestic animals and birds and insects. Our children should have a practical knowledge of the management of a farm, of the composition of the soil, and of the adaptability of the farm and its soil for the cultivation of certain plants and the counter effect of such plant growth upon the soil. …

Some Notes On The Bee Genus Andrena, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Several years ago the writer undertook to determine and lable the bees contained in the collection of insects belonging to the University of Nebraska. After some preliminary work in the way of assorting and arranging the material at hand, and securing literature with which to do the naming, it was found that the large number of the species belonging to the genus Andrena in its broad sense could only be placed by the aid of some kind of synoptic key or table. Not being able to find such an aid in our entomological literature it was decided to construct one …

A Preliminary Introduction To The Study Of Entomology, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

This book has been prepared for the purpose of partially supplying a demand that seems to exist here in the West for an elementary work on entomology such as can be used in the public schools and on the farm. It is not an original production, but comprises notes from many sources as they have been gathered by the writer and presented from time to time in talks to his classes in the University of Nebraska and before audiences at farmers' institutes throughout the state. The chapters on remedies and on apple and small grain insects have been compiled and …

Notes On The Wing-Color Of North American Locusts Belonging To The Sub-Family Œdipodinæ And Its Seeming Relation To Climatic Conditions., Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

One of the many features that have been noted in the study of our North American locusts during the past ten or a dozen years is the color-variation of the wings of the different species of lo-custs of the sub-family Œdipodinæ. As all students know who have had anything to do with these insects, some have yellow, others orange, still others red, and a very few have their wings blue. While this is true, perhaps it has not been generally noted that the presence or absence of humidity seems to have some influence upon these color-variations in the different representatives …

Insect Enemies Of The Small Grains, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Although "corn is king" in Nebraska, our crops of small grains are not insignificant. The insect enemies of wheat, oats, barley, and rye therefore demand our attention nearly or quite as much as do those which attack corn. Accordingly, during the past year much time has been given to the study of this class of insect pests. While many of the species are identical for the different crops, the nature of the plants themselves being unlike, it necessarily follows that the mode of attack among these enemies must vary somewhat in each case. This being true, some pains has been …

Report Of The Entomologist, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

In accordance with custom I present herewith a report as acting entomologist to the State Board of Agriculture. In former reports attention was paid to various insects detrimental to the agricultural interests of the state-sometimes one thing and at other times other things were considered. For the present paper I have concluded to give a review of the subject of the insect enemies of corn. In doing this - it is my intention to follow the plan adopted in Bulletin No. 14 of the Experiment Station, where I treated the insects injurious to young trees growing upon tree claims.

Since …

Report On Nebraska Insects, Lawrence Bruner

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Lincoln, Nebr. , September 19, 1888. Sir: Aside from a very limited number of species such as are always more or less injurious, the insect depredations in the State of Nebraska have been unusually few and light during the present year. Among these latter I will notice in brief the following as having attracted my attention at the time of their occurrence: Plum weevils (Conotrachelus nenuphar and Coccotorus scutellaria), the Codling Moth (Carpoeapsa pomonella), Cabbage butterflies (Pieris protodiee and P. rapai), the Army-worm (Leucania unipuncta), the Large Willow Saw-fly (Cimbex americana …