The real significance of much insect damage is not fully appreciated, since it is often concealed. Much injury by insects is laid to other factors. The severity of damage by insects may be influenced greatly by temperature and moisture. Crops, the growth of which is retarded primarily because of lack of moisture will suffer more injury when attacked by insects than other crops not so retarded. Other conditions being equal, insect damage is more severe on the crop handicapped by reason of deficient moisture. Various types of soils in turn affect the severity of insect damage because of differences in their water holding capacity.