REPORT ON

INJURIOUS INSECTS

COLLINQE

1903

UNIV. OF CAL.
EXPT. STA. LIB,

AGRIC. DEPT.

ENTOMOLOGY

REPORT

OX THE

INJURIOUS INSECTS

AND OTHER

Animals

OBSERVED IX THE MIDLAND COUNTIES

DURING 1903.

WALTER E. COLLINGE, M.Sc.,

LECTURER AND DEMONSTRATOR IN ZOOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

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V

REPORT

OX THE

INJURIOUS INSECTS

AND OTHER

Animals

OBSERVED IX THE MIDLAND COUNTIES
DURING 1903.

BY

WALTER E. COLLINGE, M.Sc.,

LECTURER AND DEMONSTRATOR IN ZOOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM :

CORNISH BROS., LTD.
1904.

Ub.
gric. Dept

preface.

The present Report deals with those Injurious
Insects and other animals, which have been forwarded to
me by various correspondents in the Midland counties of
England during 1903 ; these counties are : — Stafford,

Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Worcester, Warwick,
Northampton, Oxford and Buckingham.

To the many correspondents who have from
time to time forwarded material and specimens, I here
wish to express my best thanks, and also for the kind
courtesy which my applications for specimens, etc. have
at all times received.

My thanks are also due to Mr. C. Mosley for
the loan of the figures illustrating the various species.

I hope to continue the issue of these Reports
year by year, and I shall always be pleased to receive
information or specimens from anyone practically ac-
quainted with the subject or in any way interested.

WALTER E. COLLINGE.

THE UNIVERSITY,

BIRMINGHAM.

January, l'J<>4-

Contents.

PAGE

The Red "Spider" or Spinning Mite. Tetranychus tetanus, L. .. i

The Black-Currant Gall-Mite. Eriophyes ribis (Nalepa). ... ... 2

The Birch Gall-Mite. Eriopliy.'* mdis (Canest.) 2

Notes on Two Millipedes.

Julus piUchellus, Koch, and Pulydesmiis complanatu*, L. ... 2

The Woolly Aphis. Schizonvura faniyvra, Hausm. (Illustrated ) ... 4

The Turnip Aphis. Rhopalosiplium dianfhi (Schrank.). ... .. 5

The Plum Aphis. Hyal>i>t<jr>i.< pruni (Fabr.). ... .. ... 5

The Bean Aphis. Aplii* rinni<-i*. Linn. (Illustrated.) ... ... 6

The Green Rose Chafer. Cdonia aurata, Linn. ... ... ... 6

The Turnip Flea-Beetle. Pkyllotreta neniorum, Linn. (Illustrated.)... 7

The Rust-Red Flour Beetle. TriboUuin, ferruijineum, Fabr. ... 7

The Ladybird Beetle. CuccineUa septempuncfata, Fabr. ... ... 8

The Celery Leaf Miner. Ariilia li<ra<i<'i. (Illustrated.) 9

The Celery Stem Fly. Propliila apii, Westwood. ... •-. ... 10

The Onion Fly. Anthomria ct-parum. Bouche. ... ... ... 10

The Beet or Mangold Fly. Pegomyia betae, Curtis. ... ... 10

The Carrot Rust Fly. P#ila rosae (Fabr.). 10

The Cabbage Root Fly. Phofbia brasgicae, (Bouche). ... ... n

The Pear Midge. Diploeis pyrivora^ Riley. ... ... ... n

The Diamond-back Moth. Plutella maculipenni*, Curtis. (Illustrated.) 12

The Raspberry Moth. Lampronia rulieUa, Bjerk. ... ... 13

The Magpie Moth. Abraxas grossulariata, Stephens. (Illustrated.) 13

The Gooseberry Sawfly. Nematus rilem, Curtis. ... ... 14

The Destruction of Bean and Pea Crops by the Common Field

Slug. Ayriolimax at/rest £gt Linn. ... ... ... ... 15

REPORT

ON THE

INJURIOUS INSECTS AND OTHER ANIMALS

OBSERVED IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES
DURING 1903.

I. ARACHNIDA.

The Red "Spider," OP Spinning Mite.
Tetranychus telarius, L.

Specimens of this mite have been received from various correspon-
dents who complain of the damage done to greenhouse plants,
tomatoes, etc.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

Where the attack is a bad one, fumigating with hydrocyanic
acid gas is always best. For every 1,000 cubic feet of space the
following quantities are required : 2 ozs. of 98% of cyanide of
potassium, 4 ozs. of sulphuric acid, and 7 ozs. of water. Proceed
as follows : Add the 4 ozs. of sulphuric acid to the 7 ozs. of
water in a jar ; then take the cyanide, which should be wrapped up
in blotting paper, and by means of a stick or piece of string, drop
it into the water from the outside of the greenhouse. The window
or door should then be shut, and the house should remain closed
for three-quarters of an hour at least ; after which time they can be
opened to ventilate, but it should be remembered that it is unsafe
to enter the house until an hour or more after the windows and
doors have been opened. The best results have been obtained-at
a temperature of 50° F., about one hour after sunset, when the
foliage is dry.

The Black Currant Gall-Mite.
Eriopliyes ribi* (Nalepa).

As in previous years this mite has done considerable damage and
is rapidly increasing. Specimens from all parts of the Midlands
have reached me during the past year.

2 RFPORT ox INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

I hope to publish shortly the results of an investigation on
this mite, which has now extended over some years, and has pro-
duced some very encouraging results.

Mr. Cecil Warburton in his Annual Report for 1902 <J) writes
" It has occurred to me that great benefit would accrue both to
sellers and buyers of black-currant cuttings, if those who supply
them would have their crops examined by an expert to determine
whether the mite is present or not. A certificate of freedom from
the disease would be of considerable value to the possessor of
a fine crop, and buyers would be only too glad to be sure that the
cuttings supplied to them come from a pure stock. I would suggest,
in the first instance, that any . . who believe that the disease
is not present in their plants, and who are willing to supply cuttings,
should have their fruit gardens visited by an expert, and reported
on, and that those . . who require cuttings, should insist on
some attestation of the purity of the plants from which they are
taken. In this manner much would be done to gradually stamp
out the disease." I most heartily endorse this very wise and valuable
suggestion, as the importance of obtaining pure stock cannot be
over estimated.

The Birch Gall-Mite.

Eriopliyes rudis (Canest.).

Like the former species this seems to be rapidly increasing, especially
in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, but fortunately it seldom re-
sults in killing the tree.

II. MYRIAPODA.
Notes on Two Millipedes.

Julus pulchellus, Koch, and Polydesmus complanatus, L.

The two millipedes here dealt with are common species, widely
distributed, and occur in plenty throughout the British Isles.

It has long been uncertain whether or not these millipedes
really do any appreciable amount of damage to crops, and especially
to beans and peas. Mr. Cecil Warburton w who has examined
infested beans, writes "The Spotted Millipede (Julus gnltatus) has
been accused of injuring various kitchen-garden plants. There is
often a doubt as to whether this creature is the original cause of
injury, or whether it only attacks something already partially decayed.
In the present instance, beans alleged to be infested by it were sent,
and they were found to have been previously badly injured by the
Bean Beetle, Brnchns. In any case, the millipedes certainly aggra-
vate the injury."

1. Journ, R. Agr. Soc., 1902, vol. 63, p. 305.

2. Journ. R. Agr. Soc., 1899, p. Ixv.

NOTES ON Two MILLIPEDES. 3

Mr. F. V. Theobald '3 more recently records damage to potato
crops, by J. pulchellus, and another species, and a species of
Polydesinns.

During 1903 I received potatoes very badly infested from
Stafford. In this case both species of millipede were present,
Polydesinus being, perhaps, the more numerous.

In September a correspondent sent me some seedlings of the
wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri), the roots of which were covered
with young and medium sized specimens of J. pulchellus and very
small examples of P. complanatns. Of the former there were
60—80 on each plant, and 12 — 20 of the latter. The whole of the
secondary roots had been bitten away, and the epidermis almost
entirely denuded from the tap-root. Further there were small
irregular shaped holes eaten out of the root.

In discussing the matter with him he mentioned that he had
found beans (Viciafaba) eaten, and in the holes numerous specimens
of Jnlus, but was doubtful as to whether or not they were the real
culprits. Various writers have stated that the millipedes are not
the culprits, and this opinion, I find, is largely held by horticulturists
and others. This being so, it seemed desirable to place the matter
beyond all doubt, the following experiments were therefore under-
taken.

A plentiful supply of both species was obtained from the wall-
flower roots, and these were placed in soil, which had been very
carefully, but unsuccessfully examined for traces of any other
animal life. The soil was then placed in nine glass vessels,
with about 50 specimens of each millipede in each. Into these the
seeds of Phaseolus uiultifloris were sown on October 6th and the
vessels were covered with glass lids. On the second day all the
beans were found to have a few of the millipedes upon them, and
these became more numerous later. On October 22nd, very small
holes were observed, which rapidily increased in size until the 28th,
when all the beans were removed and washed in 90% alcohol.
The soil, etc., thus removed from the seeds was then dried and
very carefully examined, but excepting the two species of millipedes
no other animals were found. The soil from the glass vessels was
then dried, and carefully worked through, with a like result.

The broad beans Viciafaba were sown in six similar vessels
with the following results. On the sesond day they were noticed
to have numerous specimens of Polydesuins running about them,
but it was not until the sixth day that Jiilus was noticed. On
October 26th three or four specimens were taken up and all were
found to be infested with both Julus and Polvdesiiius, while the
cotyledons were riddled with holes, more so than those of Phaseolus.

3. First Rpt. on Economic Zool., 1903, Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), pp 84 & 86.

REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

The soil was in each case treated as described above, but nothing
beyond the millipedes was found.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

The only treatment of any practical value on a large scale is liming
the soil, but for gardens, nothing is better than pieces of mangold
or potato which have been dipped in a strong solution of Paris
green (Slut id ell's). These should be put down at night and covered
with a cabbage leaf.

III. INSECTA.

The Woolly Aphis (American Blight).

Schizoneura lanigera, Hausm.

Although but few complaints have reached me of the presence of
this aphid during 1903, I have learnt from many sources of, and
personally seen, its ravages on apple trees throughout the Midland
Counties, and particularly so in Warwickshire and Worcestershire,
especially the latter county.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 3.

THE WOOLLY APHIS (Schizoncnra lanigem, Hausm.).

Fig. I. — Queen Aphis, Fig. 2. — Apterous viviparous female. Fig. 3. — Pupa.

Fig. 4.— Winged female. Fig. 5.— Winter form.

(All greatly enlarged, after Buckton.)

The damage has been most serious where the roots of young
trees have bfen attacked.

As is well-known the insect attacks the roots as well as the
trunk and branches of apple trees and other plants. The root form
is by far the more injurious, especially to young trees. Infested
roots develope at about a depth of a foot or more, peculiar clubbed,
knotted growths, consisting of hard fibrous enlargements, in the
crevices of which the aphids live. After a time these gall-like
bodies commence to seriously interfere with the root functions
and in addition set up centres of decomposition.

THE WOOLLY AND TURNIP APHIS. 5

The form which lives upon the trunk and branches feeds upon
the sap thus weakening the tree, and often causing the bark to split.

A very bad case of infection recently inspected was a conser-
vator}', where both the root and branch forms were present attack-
ing palms and ferns only. Applications of soft-soap and hot water
as a sprayfluid, and hot water to the roots, entirely cleared the
plants.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

It cannot be too often emphasised that in adopting any remedial
measures, such must be taken immediately any appearance of the
characteristic white cottony fluff is observed. A strong solution of
soft-soap with a little paraffin in, dabbed on with a paint brush is
very effective in the case of trees. Almost every sprayfluid and
wash known, has at one time or another been recommended, but I
have found noth ng better for the branch form than soft-soap and
hot water, in the following proportions : i Ib. of soap to every 7
gallons of water.

For the root form, hot water, nearly boiling, should be applied
about the roots of young trees. Strong soap and tobacco washes,
or finely ground tobacco dust buried about the roots have also been
very successful.

Old trees, which have not borne fruit for many years, are
often found to be badly infested, and are a continual source of
clanger. Wherever possible these should be taken up and burnt.

In addition to the remedial measures suggested above, there
are a number of natural enemies, such as tits amongst birds, lady-
bird beetles and their larvae, lace-wing flies, etc.

The Turnip Aphis.

Rhopalosiplium dianthi (Schrank.).

Specimens of turnip leaves, badly infested with this well-known
pest, have been received from the Counties of Derby, Nottingham,
Worcester and Oxford.

A sprayfluid consisting of 5 Ibs. of soft-soap, 5 gallons of water,
and J Ib. of tobacco, the whole to be well boiled together, and when
applied, add three gallons of water to every gallon of the mixture,
effected an almost complete cure.

The Plum Aphis.

Hyaloptei-us pruni (Fabr.).

Examples of thisexceedingly destructive aphid madetheir appearance
on plum trees, in a garden near to Birmingham. The soft-soap and
tobacco sprayfluid recommended for the turnip aphid was applied,
but only partially reduced their numbers ; various other sprayfluids
were experimented with, but none succeeded in killing it. I hope
to deal with this aphid again, when the results of further experiments
will be recorded,

REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

The Bean Aphis.

Aphis rumicis, Linn.

Few cases have been reported during 1903, and generally speaking
cutting off the infested tops has proved efficacious. The soft-soap
sprayfluid has also been found of service, but for bad attacks ;i
mixture consisting of

Soft-soap .... 2j Ibs.

Hot water .... 3± gallons.

Paraffin 3 gills.

has been used with much success. The paraffin should be added
whilst the soft-soap and water are still boiling. Before using add
12 J gallons of soft water.

Fig. 9.

Tig. 8.

Fig.17.

THE BKAN APHIS ( Aphis rnmicis, Linn.).

Figs. 6 and 7. — Winged female. Fig. 8.— Apterous viviparous female. Fig. 9.— Pupa.

(All enlarged.)

All Dock weeds and Thistles in the vicinity of the beans should
be burnt, as the aphids are usually found in large numbers on these
plants.

The Green Rose Chafer.

Cetonia aurata, Linn.

The larvae have been reported from the Counties of Worcester and
Stafford, and the beetle from Warwick.

In addition to attacking the rose in the adult condition, it has
been found especially injurious to strawberry plants during the
larval condition,

THE RUST-RED FLOUR BEETLE.

Usually the beetles appear about the middle of May, and lay
their eggs in cracks or crevices in the ground. The grub hatches
out and feeds for two or three years, attaining a length of an inch
and a half ; when full fed it forms a large cocoon of earth pellets,
in which it passes its pupal stage.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

Picking the beetles off the plant by hand on dull days, and
digging up the ground round rose trees, at the same time allowing
poultry to pick up the larvae, are the only effectual remedies I
know of.

The Turnip Flea-Beetle.

Phyllotreta nemonim, Linn.

The turnip "fly" or flea-beetle has been reported from all the
Midland counties during the past year, but, owing probably to the
wet season, it does not seem to have done much damage.

Fig. 10. The Beetle, natural size and enlarged. Fig. u. Larva, natural size and enlarged
PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

A one per cent solution of potato-spraying mixture (copper sulphate
and lime) has been used by Irish Agriculturists, with very favouable
results. On a small patch of turnips, two applications of a mixture
of equal parts of sulphur and soot scattered with the hand in the
early morning when the dew was on the leaf, succeeded in entirely
arresting these troublesome pests.

The Rust-Red Flour Beetle.

TriboliiLin ferrugineum, Fabr.

Specimens of this species were sent in October from a local brewery,
having been found in crushed malt.

The life-history of a closely allied species, T. confiisum, Duv.,
has been briefly described by Mr. F. H. Chittenden^as follows :
"The tiny, clear white eggs are attached to some convenient surface
in the cracks or on the sides of the bag, barrel, or other receptacle
in which the infested substance is contained. These hatch into

T U, S. Dept, of Agr. Div. of Entomol., Bull, No, 4, n.s., 1902, p, 114,

8 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

minute larvae, which feed for a period, depending upon the temper-
ature, and then transform to naked, white pupae, which in due
time change to beetles, which copulate soon after transformation,
and another generation enters upon its life round. In this manner
several broods are generated in the course of a year. From
observations conducted by the writer it has been learned that this
insect is capable, in an exceptionally high temperature, of under-
going its entire round of existance from egg to imago in thirty-
six days. The minimum period of incubation was not ascertained,
but it may be assumed as about six days. This with six days for
the pupal period, gives twenty-four days as the shortest develop-
mental period of the larva. In cooler weather these periods
last two or three times as long. In well-heated buildings in a
latitude like that of Washington we thus have the possibility of
at least four generations in a year."

Fumigating with bisulphide of carbon is the best remedy, but
as the vapour is deadly to all animal life, and also highly inflamm-
able, it must be used with care.

The Ladybird Beetle.

Coccinella septempunctata, L.

Very fortunately there is a widespread belief in the Midlands, that
it is unlucky to kill ladybirds, for these beetles and their larvae are
distinctly friends of the agriculturist and gardener.

The larvae are the enemies of the Aphidae (Green-fly) and the
Coccidae (Scale insects), and in a lesser degree the beetles also.

The U.S. Agricultural Department have now for some years
imported exotic species ; from Australia, Vedalia cardinal is,
was introduced to combat the destructive orange scale, I eery a
purchasi, from the same country. A European and Asiatic species,
Chilocorus similis, has been brought from China and Japan to deal
with the San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosns. From Hungary,
Coccinella sepUmpunctata,has been imported, and from Italy another
species, Leis conformis, both of which feed upon plant lice.

Mr. Cecil Warburton/T> reported in 1899 *ne introduction into
England of a South African species, Chilomenes hmata, which it is
to be hoped will flourish in this country.

More recently Mr. F. V. Theobald <2) has imported three
well-known beneficial Tasmanian species, viz., Leis conform is, Boisd,
Orcus australasiae, Boisd, and Orcus bilnnatus, Boisd. The first
mentioned species feeds only on Plant Lice, while both species of
Orcus feed on Scale Insects and Aphides. Some 800 specimens
of each of the latter species were sent, but unfortunately none arrived
alive. About 170, however, of the Leis came to hand alive, and as

1. Journ. R. Agr. Soc., 1899, P- 67°-

2. Journ. S. E. Agr. Coll. Wye, 1902, p. 49.

THE CELERY LEAF MINER. 9

soon as the box containing them was opened many flew out of the
window. Mr. Theobald remarks that we have no indigenous
species with such a ravenous appetite, and if it succeeds in adapt-
ing itself to this country, it will form a substantial aid in checking
the Hop Aphis.

The Celery Leaf Miner.

Acidia hemc/ei.

This destructive enemy of celery plants was recorded in numerous
instances during May and June, and again towards the latter end
of the year. In most cases it was found on the celery plant, and
not unfrequently where the same kind of crop had been grown
year after year.

THE CELERY LEAF MINER (Acidia lieraclei).
Figs. 12 and 13.— The fly and larva. (Both greatly enlarged.)

The fly which is one eighth of an inch long, makes its
appearance towards the latter end of April, and the female deposits
her eggs, which are numerous, on the upper side of the leaves.
These hatch out in about six days time and the larvae at once com-
mence to bury themselves in the tissues of the leaf, tunneling them
and forming mines. In about a fortnight's time the larva changes
to a pupa, inside a pupa case, and sometimes this remains on the
leaf, but usually it falls to the ground. After a few days the fly
hatches out and the life-cycle is again repeated. The last brood
remains in the pupal stage in the earth throughout the winter.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

To keep the flies from laying their eggs upon the leaves, dusting
the leaves with a mixture of finely powdered soot and lime (3 parts
of soot to one of lime), has proved beneficial. It should be used
when the leaves are damp.

When the celery has been dug up, the surrounding soil should
be deeply buried, so as to prevent the pupae developing into flies ;
while all waste leaves, stems, etc., should be burnt.

The following sprayflnids have been used with success,
especially upon young plants, (i) i quart of paraffin and ^lb. of
soft-soap to 10 gallons of water ; (ii) i pint of carbolic acid and

of soft-soap to 10 gallons of water.

io REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

The Celery Stem Fly.

Propliila apii, Westwood.

Numerous specimens of celery plants have been sent me very
badly damaged by this fly. As yet its life-history is not fully known.
The fly makes its appearance in May, and in all probability there
are a series of broods during the year. The larvae eat their way
into the solid part of the stem, and into the leaf stalks. The worm
eaten passages are clearly discernable, and turn a rusty-red colour.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.
As in the case of the Celery Leaf Miner.

The Onion Fly.

Anthomyia ceparum, Bouche.

A very badly infested crop of onions in Staffordshire was reported
in July. Practically the whole of the crop was destroyed. The
ground has since been deeply trenched and treated with gas-lime.
Planting the onions in shallow trenches, and,'as the plants grow,
gradually earthing them up, in order to prevent the fly from deposit-
ing her eggs near the base of the leaf, has been recommended as
a good plan.

The Beet OP Mangold Fly.

Pegomyia betae, Curtis.

The larvae of this destructive fly were received from a correspondent
near Banbury, Oxford, in June, also leaves with the eggs in groups
of twos and threes on the under surface.

In the case of those plants badly attacked and exhibiting
blisters, they were pulled up and burnt, also many leaves. The
crop was then sprayed with i gallon of parafin and -J Ib. of soft-
soap, well mixed in io gallons of water.

Top-dressing with nitrate of soda and common salt is also
recommended as forcing on the plants. The quantities per acre
are from i to i£ cwt. of nitrate of soda and 2 to 3 cwt, of salt.

The Carrot Rust-Fly.

Psila rosa (Fabr.).

As in 1899, the carrot rust-fly, has been very much in evidence in
the Midlands during the past year, and this in spite of the very wet
season.

It makes its appearance in the early spring and lays its eggs
upon the carrot roots just below the ground, upon hatching out
the larva, which is nearly a quarter of an inch long, without legs and
yellowish in colour, with the anterior end pointed, makes its way
into the lower part of the carrot, and then commences working
upwards making passages in all directions. Leaving the carrot it
goes into the earth and pupates. The last generation remains
in the pupal stage in the earth until the following spring.

THE CARROT AND CABBAGE ROOT FLIES. n

From the different accounts which have been given of the
life-history, it is evident that there is much variation and great
irregularity in the development.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

When the plants are singled the soil should be closely pressed
around the root, so as to prevent the flies depositing their eggs there.
Heavy watering has also been recommended for the same purpose.

Sand or ashes saturated with paraffin, scattered over the young
plants tends to keep the flies off them. Watering with paraffin and
water, i gill of the former to i gallon of the latter, after thinning
has also proved most successful.

A good dressing of gas-lime dug into the soil before sowing
has answered in many localities, as also strong liquid manure
when the flies are first noticed.

The Cabbage Root FJy.

PJiorUa Imsticae (Bouche).

The larvae of this fly have been received from the counties of Stafford,
Warwick, Worcester and Derby.

In 1894 Professor Slingerford, of the Cornell University
Agricultural Experiment Station, published a very valuable paper
on this fly, and amongst the various remedies suggested, the only
effective ones were the application of a tarred disc of card around
each plant, and the injection of bisulphide of carbon into the ground.
The next best remedy was treating the roots of the plants with a
mixture of i Ib. of hard soap, i qt. soap dissolved in a gallon of
boiling water, and i pint of crude carbolic. Sprinkling soot and
lime around the base of the plants has in some cases proved effective
in preventing the fly laying her eggs in the plants.

Farmyard manure and organic manures generally, are said to
attract the flies, and should therefore be avoided.

Cease to grow cabbages, and cruciferous plants generally, if
the infestation continues, on the same land for at least two years,
and plough deeply.

The Pear Midge.
Diplosis pyricora, Riley.

This fly, first determined as occuring in England in 1893, is rapidly
increasing. Its presence may be detected by the small stunted
fruit, which if opened will be found to contain numerous tiny
jumping maggots. Briefly the life-history is as follows. The fly,
which is black and gnat-like makes its appearance in April. The
female introduces her eggs into the unopened flower-buds, which
hatch out into tiny white maggots, tapering at each end of the body.
These eat their way into the core of the young fruit, causing it to

12 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1903.

shrivel and drop, and towards the end of May, or in the beginning
of June they leave ii ; they then burrow into the ground and re-
main there in the pupal condition through the winter.
PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

As soon as noticed it is best to strip off and burn the whole of the
fruit ; this of course must be done before the maggots have left the
fruit and burrowed into the ground. Where the pest has not been
noticed early enough for such treatment, a heavy dressing of the
soil around the trees with kainit has been found to kill those in
the pupal condition.

The Diamond-back Moth.
Plutella maculipenniS) Curtis.

Leaves of cabbage with the caterpillars of this moth were sent me
from north Stafford. It is exceedingly destructive and in some
years it has caused serious injury to swedes, turnips, cabbage, etc.
In 1891 it was especially numerous in the eastern counties of
England and Scotland, and it then formed the subject of an ex-
haustive inquiry by the Board of Agriculture.

THE DIAMOND-BACK MOTH (Plutella macnlipcnnis, Curtis ;.
Fig. 14. — The moth, greatly enlarged.

The caterpillar is about half an inch long, spindle-shaped
and of a pale green colour, the head is grey and the first segment
is minutely spotted with black. The moth appears at first sight
not unlike a Clothes-moth, but when looked at carefully, or with
a pocket-lens, it will be seen that the fore wings are marked at their
hinder portions with a light wavy stripe. When at rest the two
wings are brought together and the two light wavy stripes form a
a row of diamond-shaped markings.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

As a result of the 1891 inquiry and experiments, a dressing of one
part of lime to three parts of soot mixed together, seemed to be the
best remedy. Sprayfluids consisting of soft-soap and paraffin,
carbolic acid and paraffin, solutions of quassia and soft-soap, etc.,
have proved only partly effectual.

Fortunately the caterpillars are attacked by an Ichneumonid
parasite, Limneria gmcilis, Gravenh., the female of which lays an
egg in the caterpillar's body, upon which the larva when hatched
fceds,

THE RASPBERRY AND MAGPIE MOTHS. 13

The Raspberry Moth.

Lampronia ruliella, Bjerk.

The small pinkish-red caterpillars of this beautiful little moth, have
proved very destructive to raspberry canes in Buckinghamshire and
elsewhere.

The eggs are laid upon the raspberry flowers towa'rds the end
of May, and hatch out in about five or six days, when the larva maybe
found in the small white receptacle upon which the fruits develope.
It next makes its way out of the receptacle, and either crawls or
lowers itself by means of silken cords, to the earth ; here it forms
a small, flat, white, silky cocoon, in wrhich it remains for the winter.
Up to this period it has not fed upon the fruits. Hibernation
continues until early in the spring, March or April. The caterpillar
is about a quarter of an inch long and of a pinkish-red colour.
The head is black, and on the first segment there are two fused
patches of black. It now commences to crawl up the canes, and
makes its way into the base of the buds. Later it eats its way into
the pith of the canes, just below the base of a bud, where it remains
as a pupa for about three weeks.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

The ground around the canes and poles should be deeply buried,
in order to kill the hibernating caterpillars. The lower parts of the
canes should also be painted with a mixture of soft-soap and paraffin
early in March, so as to prevent the caterpillars from crawling up
to the buds. Badly infested canes should be cut and burnt as soon
as the caterpillars are noticed.

The Magpie Moth.

Abra.cas yrossulariata, Stephens.

The attacks upon currant bushes of the caterpillars of this moth have
not been particularly injurious. In connection with another much
more injurious pest, the black-currant gall-mite, I have had to
examine large numbers of currant bushes, and excepting where the
bushes were growing against walls, all were particularly free from
either the caterpillars or pupae of this moth ; the former were found
to have numerous caterpillars and pupae on them.

THL-; MAGPIE MOTH (Abraxas grossttlariata, Steph.y.
Figs. 15 and 16. — The moth and larva.

14 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS IN 1903.

The moth makes its appearance towards the end of the summer,
and lays its eggs in groups of three or four, near to the mid-ribs of
the currant leaves. After about eleven days they hatch out, and the
caterpillars feed for a short time upon the currant leaves. They then
spin leaves together enclosing themselves, and fall to the ground.
When, however, the bushes are grown against walls, the larvae
hibernate in the cracks, etc., between the bricks, or in the accumu-
lations of dead leaves between the branches and the wall. In the
early spring they commence to feed upon the young leaves and
become full fed usually about June, when they change to the pupae.
The pupae may be found in the earth, fastened to the leaves or stems,
or hidden away in crevices in the wall.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

Early in the spring and again in the autumn the bushes should be
sprayed with Paris green (Blundell's) in the proportion of i Ib. to
250 gallons of water, and 2 Ibs of lime, the whole to be well mixed.
This must not be used on ripe or ripening fruit, it may, however,
be safely used four or five weeks before the fruit is gathered, if
necessary.

Hand-picking, especially in the case of wall bushes, should be
adopted in the spring, and the ground around the bushes hoed and
dressed with quicklime.

Where, in the autumn, there are evidences of a bad attack,
the bushes should be pruned and the cuttings burnt. The ground
beneath should be treated with quicklime and early in the winter
dug in deeply.

The Gooseberry Sawfly.

Nematus ribe^ii, Curtis.

Considerable damage has been done to Gooseberry bushes in
Worcestershire by the larvae of this species.

The eggs are laid on the underside of the leaves, and the lar-
vae hatch out in from six to eight days. At first they are very
small, almost white with a few black spots anteriorly and a black
head. There are four moults, and after the first one the caterpillars
are greener in colour, and the black spots more numerous. They
continue active for about twenty-eight days. On becoming full-fed
they usually fall to the ground, enter the earth, and there spin
brownish-coloured, oval cocoons. Sometimes the cocoons are
found upon the bushes themselves. From these cocoons the flies
appear in about twenty-one days. Usually there are three broods
during the summer ; the cocoons of the last brood remain in the
earth until the spring, and the flies appear early in April.

/ * ,% ! I • !*•** •*£•*. • **•

THE GOOSEBERRY SAWFLY AND CointoliJFifeiD •8l,uo." ' ••"*

PREYENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

Early in the spring the surface soil from beneath the bushes should
be removed to the depth of a few inches, and buried in a deep hole ;
in this way the pupae are destroyed ; the soil from the hole may be
used to replace the surface soil removed.

Handpicking the leaves which have eggs or young caterpillars
on, soon reduces the number.

Amongst the various sprayfluids Hellebore powder and water
is largely used and with considerable success ; many growers, how-
ever, object to it on account of its poisonous nature. Flour of
sulphur dusted on the plants when the dew is on the leaves is said
to be quite as efficacious. Dusting with fresh lime has also proved
valuable.

A mixture of 6 Ibs. of soft-soap and 4 gallons of paraffin
added to 100 gallons of water, has been used with fair success by
some growers.

IV. MOLLUSCA.

The Destruction of Bean and Fea Crops by the Common Field Slug-.
Afjriolimax agrestic, L.

During the past year I have received from all parts of the British
Isles, and particularly from the Midland and Eastern counties of
England, numerous examples of the common field slug (A^i ioliinnx
agrestis, L.J, which have been found injuring Bean and Pea crops.

Agriolimax agresfis, L., is the commonest and most destruc-
tive slug in the British Isles. It was first recognised in this country
by Dr. Martin Lister in 1674.. It is almost world-wide in distribution
and owing largely to its wonderful powers of adaptation, it has
established itself wherever the white man has made his home, very
often at the cost of less destructive species.

After a mild winter, and the occurrence of warm weather in
the early part of the year, these slugs are exceptionally numerous
and exceedingly destructive to young vegetables, seedlings, beans,
peas, clover and oats, and in view of the loss occasioned by their
depredations, some account of the life-history and suggestions for
preventative and remedial measures may be useful.

The full grown slug measures from one to one and a half
inches in length, the body is slender, usually yellowish in colour,
mottled with darker speckling, but the colour is subject to much
variation, the slime is thick and milky-white. The mantle, which
is one-third the total length of the body, is large and round in front,
more broadly so behind and concentrically striated ; near the tail
the back exhibits a slight keel. The sole of the foot is pale grey
or cream colour.

1 6 ' RrrcnT Ott INJURIOUS INSECTS IN 1903.

The shell, which is internal, being situated below the mantle
is small, nearly .oval, concave beneath, nearly flat above and
thin, the margins being membraneous, the nucleus is small and
slightly eccentric.

The eggs are globular and quite transparent, measuring 2
millim. in diameter. The slugs commence to deposit the eggs
in clusters of from 20 to 30 towards the end of March and continue
to do so until the end of November. The young are exactly like
the parents only smaller.

Generally speaking they attack the developing plant imme-
diately it makes it appearance above the level of the soil, feeding
upon the young leaves from dark until daybreak ; on the approach
of light they make their way beneath the surface, lying concealed
amongst the loose earth which the germinating plant has dislodged,
in the burrows of earthworms or underneath stones, etc.

PREVENTATIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES.

Where the extent of ground is limited, such as a garden, the
young plants should be covered at night with plant pots, in which
the drain hole has been filled up with a bit cf clay, .when the pots
are removed in the morning, the sings will be found on the plants
and sides of the pots, and' may be picked off and killed. Starlings,
however, will clear more specimens in an early morning than any
amount of picking. Toads are also very fond of them.

Until the plants are four or five inches in height, I have seen
excellent results from the use of very fine ashes sprinkled over the
ground to a thickness of about half an inch, but this is of no use
in wet weather, and to be any service the ashes must be renewed
each evening. Soot may be used in a similar manner.

Infields the use of sand saturated with paraffin scattered
amongst the beans, has proved a very effectual remedy.

BLUNDELL'S

PARIS GREEN
INSECTICIDE

Is the cheapest and most effective preparation

for the destruction of the CODLIN MOTH

CATERPILLAR, and all leaf-eating insects.

Sold per Ib. in a DRY POWDER ; or finely ground
in a DAMP PASTE and packed in glass jars of 4 and 7
Ibs. each.

PARIS GREEN when finely levigated in water,
is much better for Spraying purposes ; it is also safe to
handle and more effective in use.

QUOTATIONS AND FULL PARTICULARS FORWARDED ON APPLICATION.

Manufactured only by . .

BLUNDELL, SPENCE 6 CO,, Ltd
-** HULL, *e~

AND

9, UPPER THAMES ST., LONDON.

ESTABLISHED 1811.

MOLASSINE MEAL

Is an absolute necessity for

CATTLE, HORSES, SHEEP, PIGS & POULTRY.

It is the only food that has proved successful in destroying
worms and all parasites. This is effected naturally in conse-
quence of its antiseptic properties It is free from arsenic or
drugs of any kind.

The regular use of - -

MOLASSINE MEAL

creates such healthy internal conditions, that stock enjoy the
full nurtitive value of their entire food.

Consumption during 19O3

Over 100,000 TONS.

Beware of other foods with similar names and
be sure you obtain the genuine MOLASSINE MEAL
prepared only by ...

Messrs. HENRY TATE & SONS,

LONDON & LIVERPOOL.

Further particulars from any Corn Dealer or direct from—

THE JVIOiiRSSWE COMPANY, Ltd.,

36, Mark Lane, LONDON, E.G.

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