Vice, Virtue, and the Vedalia

Although the biological control method has a history antedating the introduction of Rodolia (Vedalia) cardinalis (Mulsant) into California in 1888, it is everywhere agreed that this project against the cottony-cushion scale, Icerya purchasi (Maskell), established the procedure as a valid method of pest control. It was not unlike some of the other brilliant, spectacular achievements in science that have marked a sudden and general recognition of a new concept. The time and the setting formed ideal conditions in which the catalytic genius or the men involved could set off this magnificent demonstration of applied ecology. The event has been noted many times, but it bears repeating not merely because of its importance to economic entomology but primarily because it is one of the most fascinating tales in entomological history. It contains much of human interest, and includes such surprisingly non-entomological items as an unhappy love affair, political intrigue, and a pair of diamond earrings.