Philaenus lineatus (Linnaeus).
The grass frog-hopper is very similar to the preceding but seems to restrict itself to grasses and consequently it is only found in open land, possibly more frequently in the more moist habitats. Observations in Maine showed this species to be closely restricted to various species of grasses and while we have not bred out adults for this region the immature forms examined hear out the con clusion that the species is essentially a grass-feeder here. The froth masses have been very plentiful on timothy (introduced) on the camp grounds and on native grasses of the vicinity. Its distribution is apparently determined by that of host plants, but wherever such plants arc available along trails of " tote roads " they may be found penetrating well into the woodlands and on hill sides or ridges of all parts of the region. Wherever grasses are of value the species may be counted of distinct economic import ance. Cranberry Lake, July 18, 1917 ; Aug. 1-7, 1917 ; July 3-5, 1920; Wanakena, Aug. 1-7, 1917, and July 29, 1920; Grasse River, July 22, 1920; Plains, Aug. 3, 1920.
Clastoptera obtusa Say (Fig. 12, b and c).
This is a very common species on birch, alder and other trees and shrubs and may be considered of distinct economic importance in the forest as on some occasions a large number will be found on a single branch and the sap drawn from the plant for the forma tion of the froth masses must Mean a very considerable loss to the plant. While apparently protected very well by the froth mass, in one instance a species of mirid, Deraeocoris (Campo brochys) borealis, was found with its beak inserted in the nymph within the froth mass. This species has been particularly con
spicuous during the season, its froth masses occurring in abun dance on several trees and shrubs, but in especial abundance on the yellow birch, often several froth masses with at least one nymph in each mass hanging from a single twig. The froth masses on birch frequently show a large quantity of liquid with very few bubbles so that they appear watery or quite transparent and the nymph is very easily seen within the mass of fluid. Midges have been found adhering to the fluid mass, their legs entangled in the glairy substance much as a fly is entrapped in tanglefoot. Froth masses on birch, noted about July 10 and enclosed in twig cage, produced adult the 23d of July, 1920.
Yellow birch is apparently the most infested of any of the trees of the vicinity. The general distribution is emphasized by their occurrence on birch in dense forest and it is quite probable they may be occasionally abundant in the tree tops that are out of reach of observation and constitute a distinct drain on the growth of the trees. Cranberry Lake, July 30-31, 1917; July 2-31, 1920. Wanakena, Aug. 1-7, 1917. Plains, Aug. 3, 1920.
Clastoptera proteus Fitch.
Also a very common species but apparently restricted more to the lower or very moist locations and occurring on heath plants, especially blue berries and cranberries. Cranberry Lake, July 28, 1917; Aug. 1, 1917; (Nymphs) July 3-6, 1920; (Adult) Aug. 10-11, 1920. Wanakena, Aug. 1-7, 1917.