PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Agricultural Experiment Station
Circular No. 64 LaFayette, Ind., July, 1917
SOME COMMON GARDEN INSECTS
J. Troop	P. W. Mason
The year 1917 has been one of the most productive seasons for certain species of garden insects, and others as well, that we have experienced in many years. Hundreds of inquiries have been received by the Entomological Department concerning the species covered by the following pages, and this circular1 is issued as a source of information and as a help to those who are taking part in the great scheme of crop production and conservation.
The life histories and means of control of the species covered have all been worked out by scientists in times past, but as one generation succeeds another, it becomes necessary to repeat much of this information, in order that it may be made most effective.
INSECTS AFFECTING GARDEN BEETS
Blister Beetles.—About the only insects which seriously injure garden beets are blister beetles. These are discussed under potato insects, and the same control measures will apply to beets as to potatoes.2
INSECTS AFFECTING CABBAGE
Cabbage Root Maggots.—When cabbages begin to die, if one will look at the roots he will often find them decaying. In the decayed root, or in the ground near it, will be found small, whitish maggots; often several will be found about one plant. These maggots are hatched from eggs laid in the soil near the plant by a small fly, somewhat resembling the common house fly, except that it is much smaller. They feed for three or four weeks and then turn into pupae, from which the adult emerges, and lays eggs for more maggots. There are several generations each year. Young plants are mostly infested.
1 The illustrations are from different sources. Figs. 1 and 2 after Britton and Lowry; Figs. 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are from original photographs by P. W. Mason; Fig. 4 after Chittenden; Fig. 6 after Pettit