Antenna

Head

Pronotum Thorax Femora Scutellum

Corium \ Abdomen

Membrane

Drawing of typical chinch bug.. leucopterus (Say); this is long-winged form. How to Identify and Control Chinch Bugs

Results of another Weeds and Turf field research project

HERE is some confusion in mouthparts as are found in the family, not because the chinch T mosquito. At rest the stylet is held bug is typical but because it is the entomological circles which di- between the legs almost parallel most destructive member of the rectly affects the turf pest control to the body. family. Lygaeids are generally business. The mention of "chinch Another character which helps phytophagus or plant sap suckers. bug" by a worker in one part of to distinguish is the They insert their beaks into tender the country can be interpreted by scutellum. This is a triangular portions of plants, usually of the two other people, in other areas, structure directly on the back of grass family, and feed on juices as different . This part of the which might be de- from the insides. the problem is practical, the other scribed as "right between his Blissus is the genus of this part is academic* It seems that shoulder blades." Although He- family in which we are interested. there is confusion whether hirtus miptera share this character with The following characters will help and insularis listed below as sub- another insect group, when one identify a member of the genus species should be subspecies or finds an insect with a scutellum Blissus. The slightly cone-shaped should be listed directly under and divided wings, he can be head is bent gradually downward leucopterus as a separate and dis- certain it's a Hemipteran. anteriorly. The antennae are as tinct species. long as the head and the pronotum To begin a short study of chinch The family which concerns us combined. The pronotum covering bugs, it is necessary to know some- here is Lygaeidae (lie-gee'-ih-dee), the thorax is convex in the middle, thing about the order and family sometimes called the chinch bug tapering downward at the sides. to which chinch bugs belong. The scutellum previously de- Order Hemiptera is that insect Figure 1. Here is the classification of the chinch scribed does not have a ridge down group which comprises the true bwg, showing the "subspecies" which have per- the middle of it as other members bugs. "Hemiptera" refers to the plexed some researchers. of this family may have. When the front wing structure of this order. adult insect is at rest, all that can The basal portion of the wing is Class: Insecta be seen is a small part of the sides thickened and somewhat leathery; of the abdomen below the wings; it is called the corium. The apical Order: Hemiptera the wings do not completely cover or distal portion is typically mem- the abdomen but leave a slight branous as is the second set or Family: Lygaeidae margin showing. hind wings. With only half of the front set membranous, we get the Genus: Blissus (Say) is the term descriptive of the order, chinch bug of agricultural infamy. hemiptera or "half wing." At rest Species: leucopterus Thomas Say, a nineteenth century taxonomist, originally described insects in this order fold their Subspecies: wings across their backs so that this species in a genus other than Blissus; that is why his name ap- an "X" pattern is suggested. -hirtus? Hemiptera also have piercing, pears in parentheses after the species name. sucking mouthparts made up of -insularis? fused maxillae and mandibles (2 Since Blissus leucopterus is the each). There are no accessory representative type for chinch bugs, let us examine the life cycle perature, in 1 to 2 weeks or per- This is a good point for recognition of this agricultural pest and see haps longer. The young nymphs, of the species. how it applies to residential pest as they are called, are bright red Total maturation takes about control. and about half the size of a pin- 35 days. Egg-laying processes Life Cycle head. They insert their mouth- begin 7 to 10 days after the adult Adults come out of hibernation parts into plants where they were stage is reached. Females will lay in the spring when temperatures hatched and begin sucking the second generation eggs usually on rise into the 70's. They may have plant juices. Many feed on the young corn plants or other grasses spent the winter in any number same plant and this is what causes which may be succulent at this of places: in clumps of perennial the yellow spots on grass. As the time. grasses, under leaves and litter insects move outward from the In the southern portion of the near small woods, under hedges, area which they have killed, a chinch bug's range, there may be in shocks of corn, under bark of circular pattern of damage is seen. three broods of young each year; trees or in cracks of fenceposts, or Metamorphosis is gradual; in other places only two. under boards or shingles of homes nymphs pass through 5 instars or There are two forms of the or outbuildings. These hibernating growth stages in becoming fully chinch bug Blissus leucopterus, a places will generally have a south- winged adults. They molt 4 times. long-winged form, with wings ex- west exposure to gain benefit from There is no pupa or resting stage tending over the abdomen, and a the sparse winter sun. Usually in the life cycle. Nymphs look short-winged form with fully de- large groups of adult chinch bugs essentially like the adults except veloped wings which hardly cover will be found hibernating in one for the bright red coloration and the abdomen. Throughout the place. the absence of wings. central United States where the Mating is thought to take place With each successive molt, the chinch bug is mainly an agricul- before the bugs take flight from red color diminishes until the adult tural pest, the long-winged form the hibernation spot. After mat- color,black, is reached. Adults are predominates. ing, the few adults which have K inch long and black with only Blissus leucopterus has a range survived the winter fly to the slight reddish tinges around their almost covering the entire United nearest field of wheat or small legs. Their bodies are somewhat States. It is mainly an agricultural grain where the adult females lay hairy or fuzzy. Adult wings are pest in the Mississippi, Missouri several hundred eggs over a period white (leuco-pterus means ''white and Ohio River valleys, but it of about 20 days. wing") with a black triangle on causes trouble from the Appalach- Eggs hatch, depending on tem- the outer margin of the front wing. ians to the Rocky mountains.jThe agricultural chinch bug ranges as America (1926): "More robust the specimens taken were the far north as Quebec and New than typical leucopterus with short-wing forms." This is thought England and west to British Co- longer and denser and more erect by some to be a criterion for lumbia; south and west to Florida, yellowish hairs on the pronotum elevating it to species rank. Texas and Mexico. and sides of the abdomen. The Short-wing forms are those with Although not generally found femora are often dark brown smaller, yet mature, wings. These in California, Arizona, and Wash- (rather than reddish)." forms do not appear to have large ington, B. leucopterus has been Hirtus is a domestic pest, that scale migrations from one food collected in those states. is, it attacks lawns and golf courses plant to another as is commonly With facts about Blissus leucop- rather than agricultural crops. Its observed for the long-wing form. terus well in hand, we can continue feeding causes circles of yellowing Lawn Chinch Bug to investigate the other species and death of grasses, mainly bent- A third chinch bug exists in the which are nonagricultural yet eco- grass, in lawns. southern parts of the United nomically important and trouble- Although found predominately States. Opinion here is also divided some. in New England, the hairy chinch as to whether the lawn chinch bug, Hairy Chinch Bug bug does extend its range west as it is commonly called, should be In the northeast sector of the through New York, Pennsylvania, named Blissus leucopterus insularis United States, we find another Ohio, and even as far west as Iowa. Barber or Barber. chinch bug. It is called the hairy Hirtus has also been taken in Insularis is described as being chinch bug. There is divided Minnesota. shorter and narrower than typical opinion whether it is a separate Just as chinch bugs (leucopterus) leucopterus. The antennae have a species or only a subspecies of have long- and short-wing forms, relatively shorter terminal seg- leucopterus. Consequently two long predominating, there are ment. The pronotum is a deep names are found in the literature long- and short-wing forms for velvety black, and has a promi- describing it: Blissus hirtus Mon- the hairy chinch bug. Short-wing nent silvery-gray pubescence tandon and Blissus leucopterus forms are the most common for (hairiness) on the anterior portion. hirtus Montd. hirtus. The overall hairiness (villosity) is Color characters which attempt "At one time," explains Pro- shorter and sparser than leucop- to distinguish hirtus (we shall call fessor J. B. Polivka of the Ohio terus. it simply hirtus because of the Agricultural Experiment Station The wings appear more whitish, doubt as to its status) come from at Wooster,' 'hirtus was considered and the dark portions of the wings Blatchley's of North a distinct species because 50% of are described as being strongly

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T.M.Res. Pat. Off. P. O. Box 111, Hempstead, N. Y. piceous (pitchy black with a red- termined species and subspecies grass blades to become yellow be- dish tinge). The femora are fre- are not sufficient to overcome this cause water is being withheld from quently castaneous (chestnutty) identity problem. At present, work the leaves above. in color. is being done at the Connecticut The grass dies and turns brown The lawn chinch bug is the most Agricultural Experiment Station and the nymphs move to adjacent damaging species in Florida and by David E. Leonard which may plants away from the central dead in the Gulf region, according to determine through genetic breed- area. Their outward movement Dr. S. H. Kerr of the University ing trials whether or not hirtus causes large dead circles in lawns of Florida at Gainesville. and insularis are distinct species, unless measures are taken to stop Again as with hirtus, the short or subspecies of leucopterus. them. Sometimes infestations are wing-form of insularis predomi- The criterion which Leonard blamed on grass diseases and other nates. This perhaps gives strength uses is the definition of a species, disorders, because the nymphs are to the argument that it, too, may an which will reproduce its so small they may not be noticed be a distinct species. own kind. Chinch bugs are being right away. An unknown author refuting bred to see if they will produce An easy test to detect the pres- the idea that insularis is a species fertile offspring. Sometimes inter- ence of chinch bugs uses a large has said, "Insularis is but a color breeding will produce offspring, tin can which has both ends re- form of leucopterus found in sandy but these offspring of two different moved. Push one end about half regions. Specimens of typical form species are sterile and will not way into the grass around edge of from sandy places in Indiana have reproduce themselves. an area of suspected infestation. the front half of the pronotum If, for instance, hirtus is only a Fill the can with water and wait more silvery-gray than those from subspecies of leucopterus, a mixed five minutes. nonsandy areas." pair will successfully breed and Young chinch bugs, if they are The lawn chinch bug is the only the offspring will be able to re- there, will soon float to the top of major enemy of St. Augustine produce. If hiitus is separate and the water. Positive identification grass, upon which insularis feeds. distinct, offspring may be pro- Many lawns in Florida and Gulf duced, but these will be sterile. can then be made. States where St. Augustine is a To understand this more clear- Hemiptera possess odor organs favorite grass have been laid to ly, consider the fact that the which cause vile smells when the waste by lawn chinch bug damage. domestic dog is Canis domesticus, bugs are crushed. An experienced In some areas of very dry land regardless of the variety on pedi- contract applicator can detect in- where St. Augustine adapts, its gree papers. Domestic dog varie- festations by simply walking cultivation as a lawn grass has ties will interbreed and the off- across lawns and keeping his nose been abandoned because of chinch spring can reproduce. alert for the odor. bug ravages. To demonstrate sterile offspring, Although the hairy chinch bug It appears as though the sub- we look to the cross between a may be found on many kinds of species or species hirtus and in- horse and an ass, two different grass, the most probable, and the sularis are the only nonagricul- species. The offspring in this case, one which receives the most dam- tural chinch bugs. Blissus leucop- a mule, has characters of each age, is bentgrass. terus is not, from our reports, a parent species, but will not re- The lawn chinch bug is found domestic pest. It is not reported produce mules because mules are usually on St. Augustine grass, as a pest of home lawns and golf sterile. but has been recorded feeding on courses. The status of chinch bugs awaits other grasses such as Bermuda and Professor Harold Gunderson, of results of these tests at Connecti- centipede. St. Augustine can grow Iowa States University at Ames, cut. on dry sandy areas where chinch told Weeds and Turf that it is Damage bug development is favored and apparently "the abundance of lush the grass resistance is lowered. pasture grasses, small grains, and Chinch bug damage, whether in corn (in Iowa) which is responsible the Northeast or South, will be Biological Control for the failure of the chinch bug to similar except for the species of grasses attacked. Greatest chinch bug infestations attack lawns." occur during hot dry spells. More Genetics May Solve Mystery When chinch bugs hatch, the nymphs begin feeding around the humid weather fosters develop- Apparently superficial colora- bases of the grasses on which eggs ment of a white fungus called tion studies which originally de- were laid. Their feeding causes the Beauveria globulifera which deci- mates populations during damp conditions. This fungus occurs Confusion among some entomologists and lawn spray- naturally and is not commercially produced as is the milky disease men over the classification of certain chinch bug variants fungus which controls the Japan- led the Weeds and Turf technical staff to prepare this ese beetle. comprehensive article on chinch bug control. Several A small wasp described as a "speck in one's hand" has been agricultural experiment stations cooperated in the com- credited with parasitizing 30 to pilation of this research data. 50% of chinch bug eggs in a single area which was tested. This wasp is called Eumicrosoma benefica will be used at about 12 oz. active If prewatering is not done, up Gahan. per 5,000 sq. ft. This is marketed to 30 gallons of water per 1000 sq. Other natural enemies of chinch by Stauffer. ft. may be desired for proper pene- bugs are the red-winged blackbird, Regarding the use of parathion, tration. Nozzles which produce bob white, catbird, brown thrasher, Dr. S. H. Kerr told Weeds and coarse sprays are generally pre- and meadowlark. Bird predation, Turfy "At one time it [parathion] ferred to reduce drift and aid however, is not dependable as a was about the only effective ma- penetration. means of biological control be- terial spraymen had in some If dusts or granules are ap- cause birds do not eat enough of places, but now there are so many plied, the lawn should be watered the bugs to be classed as a major other effective materials available thoroughly a day or so before, so control factor. that are far less toxic to warm- that the soil will be sufficiently Chemical Control blooded , we feel there is supplied with water. It should be little justification for continuing allowed to dry out on top, because Chemicals recommended vary its use." dry chemicals applied to wet grass from old standbys to the newest Oddly enough, Zytron, Dow's may cause a discoloration. weapons needed to combat resist- new pre-emergence herbicide for After application of dry ma- ance which shows up in some crabgrass control, appeared useful terial with a calibrated spreader or populations. in experimental trials both in dependable broadcaster, the lawn DDT, used on insularis in tests Florida and Alabama. It is not yet should be sprinkled lightly to wash conducted at Auburn, Alabama, registered for use against chinch the chemical down around the by Eden and Self in 1960, at 10 bugs, however. crown of the grasses where the in- lbs. active (equals technical) in It should be mentioned that sects feed. Dry applications should either spray or granular form, turf fertilization, specifically ap- be left unwatered also for several protected the grass for 4 months. plication of nitrogen, fosters days afterward. DDT has also given control of chinch bug development and in- Strive for even distribution of hirtus in Ohio. creases chances that there will be Chlordane can be used at 134 the chemical regardless of the form damage. used. Be certain to read all of the lbs. active material per 5000 sq. Often nitrogen is applied when label directions and precautions ft. against hirtus in some parts of grasses normally slow their growth. before application. New England. The purpose of the nitrogen is to Resistance of an insect to a Unlike chlordane and dieldrin, boost growth. This excess nitrogen which are available as emulsifiable chemical insecticide may crop up may work to the disadvantage of where that chemical is used suf- concentrates, powders, and dusts, the lawn if chinch bugs develop to diazinon has been used on lawns ficiently to cause selection pressure infestation levels. Moderate ferti- on the population. A few insects as an emulsifiable concentrate lization, if any, is advised; keep and wettable powder. may escape elimination and re- the nitrogen at a minimum during produce, passing on to their off- Recently Geigy developed a chinch bug seasons. granular diazinon called Spectra- spring the ability to tolerate cide 2 G, which is available this Application Techniques chemical treatment. The offspring year, for use against lawn in- Tests from Ohio Experiment too are "weeded" for the ones not sects, especially chinch bugs. It Station conducted by Professor fit to survive in an insecticidal will be applied at the same rate Polivka showed that a second environment, and those left build as mentioned below for diazinon. treatment of insecticide is neces- up populations of resistant insects Diazinon at ounces active sary to combat the second genera- quickly because they have a high per 5000 sq. ft.; dieldrin at lA lb. tion which may be in the egg stage rate of reproduction. active per 5000 sq. ft.; and Sevin when the first treatment is ap- Such has been the case in at 1 lb. active per 5000 sq. ft. are plied. Florida. DDT had been used in also recommended against hirtus in First treatment may be made the past to control chinch bugs the Northeast. These chemicals when damage becomes very evi- and other lawn insects. Chinch are used in the South also. dent. If the first treatment is made bugs are now, according to Dr. Florida, having applied chemi- to prevent early injury, Professor S. H. Kerr, "evidently resistant cals against chinch bugs for a Polivka advises, the second treat- to DDT in much of Florida." longer period of time and de- ment should be applied in August. In Connecticut, David E. veloped more resistance in them, In areas where chinch bug dam- Leonard reports, "spraying occurs recommends newer insecticides for age was evident the previous year, only when chinch bugs are a use against this most serious lawn it is advisable to apply control problem, but hirtus has become pest. materials early in the season, resistant in some places. This has V-C 13 is recommended at a preferably late May or early June, occurred because chinch bugs were maximum of 3 lbs. active per 5000 to control the developing first exposed to chemicals used for con- sq. ft. Trithion is used at 12 ounces generation. trol of grubs and other lawn in- active per 5000 sq. ft., and Ethion If a spray is to be applied, it is sects long enough to have de- is advised at 1 lb. active per 5000 wise to water the lawn thoroughly veloped resistance." sq. ft. These chemicals are also before treatment so that the water Professor Milton G. Savos told used in states other than Florida. carrier used for treatment will Weeds and Turf that resistance to Newest addition to the Florida penetrate better. After treatment, dieldrin, DDT and chlordane was recommendations is Aspon, which do not water for several days. (Continued on page W-25) Chinch Bugs Research Division, Agricultural covered by C. R. Kaupke, C. L. (from page W-22) Research Service, USDA, Belts- Foy, and A. S. Crafts all from the ville, Md., traveled to the Port- University of California, Davis. found in 1960 in Fairfield County land meeting to analyze surfactant At the conclusion of the con- (SW Connecticut), and in 1961 in enhancement of herbicide entry, ference, a number of delegates New Haven County (S. Central while T. J. Muzik, Washington attended a tour of the Oregon Conn.). State University, Pullman, re- State University campus and turf Localized resistance in Florida ported on experiments on the effect research facilities. to parathion, a highly toxic ma- of light and temperature on re- Officers elected for the 1965 terial, has been found "about sponse of plants to 2,4-D. Conference included J. M. Hodg- residential neighborhoods right on Application techniques for im- son, president; Millard Swingle, the ocean front, bays, salt water proving deposits and minimizing vice president; and Louis Jensen, waterways and canals in the drift, plant surfaces and herbicide secretary. Albuquerque, New southern third of Florida/' accord- penetration, and physiology of Mexico, will be site of the 1965 ing to Dr. Kerr. herbicide trasport in plants were Conference, W&T learned. Although resistance may thwart efforts of CAs in one area, other places are relatively free of resist- ance and control may be achieved with DDT as has been shown by tests in Ohio and Alabama. County agents and extension services should be consulted where there is doubt about the ability of insects in an area to resist a particular chemical treatment. FUNGICIDES In view of the confusion sur- rounding the use of the term "chinch bug" for three different insects, we suggest that the adjec- & HERBICIDES tives be added to the common names. Hairy chinch bug is the northeastern form; lawn chinch for bug is the southern form; and chinch bug remains the pest of wheat and corn. Regardless of the treatment uncertainty of scientific nomen- clature, it is helpful to mention and one of the scientific names when relating facts about any of the maintenance These specialty products, de- insects concerned. veloped specifically for golf course and park use, are now of available for the treatment and con- trol of fine turf grasses. VICHEM Western Weed Conclave Views research in agricultural chemicals Turf Maintenance March 20-22 fine turf has produced such outstanding devel- opments as DSMA—DiSodium Methyl Increased interest in turf man- Arsonate; AMA—Ammonium Methyl Ar- agement in the western states was sonate; CPA—Calcium Propyl Arsonate; demonstrated by all-time high at- CALAR— Calcium Acid Methyl Arsonate. tendance of more than 230 con- ... the finest chemicals tract applicators and other pro- to protect your finest turf. fessionals at the Western Weed FUNGICIDES HERBICIDES Control Conference, held this year LIQUIPHENE 10% & • for Crabgrass and weed control 33Vb% (PMA) CRAB-E-RAD (Powder) DSMA in Portland, Ore., March 20-22. THIURAM 75 (Thiram 75%) SUPER CRAB-E-RAD (Liquid) AMA Representatives of academic, VI-CAD (Cadmium Chloride) SUPER CRAB-E-RAD + 2 THIURAM M (Thiram-Mercury) (Liquid) AMA + 2,4,D extension, regulatory, and com- SUPER CRAB-E-RAD (Calar) mercial fields heard a wide variety CRAB-E RAD 30 (Liquid) DSMA of papers, highlighted by a sym- • for Dallis grass control posium on the deposit and entry Distributor Inquiries Invited DAL-E-RAD 100 (Powder) DSMA SUPER DAL-E-RAD (Liquid) AMA of sprayed herbicides into foliage. SUPER DAL-E-RAD + 2 Herbert M. Hull, of the Agricul- (Liquid) AMA + 2,4,D tural Research Service, U.S. De- DAL-E-RAD 30 (Liquid) DSMA partment of Agriculture, Tucson, VINELAND, NEW JERSEY Ariz., was chairman of the research section of this year's program. VINELAND CHEMICAL SALES CORPORATION L. L. Jansen, from the Crops Manufacturing Plants: Vineland, New Jersey • Palmer, Puerto Rico