■IP '^w- m^ 111.: iM^; :w. is^'^ 1 t^rm^m ^ 4L C CT-J f Xfi^j ^1 THE REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY. SERIES A: AGRICULTURAL. VOL. IX. / ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. LONDON: THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY, 41, QUEEN'S GATE, LONDON, S.W.7. 1921. All Rights Reserved. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. HONORARY COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. THE EARL BUXTON, G.C.M.G., Chairman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. \V. Alcock, C.I.E., F.R.S.-, London School of Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, l^.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., C.B., C.B.E., F.R.S., Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. JNlajor-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural Histor}'^). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart JNIacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh Universit}-. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Ro3'al Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.^I.G., Late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S., Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall. F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Pr.ain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S. Sir H. J. Read, K.C.M.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C. Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, ]Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C. Sperling, C.M.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, ISIinistry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C. Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. GENERAL SECRETARY. Mr. A. C. C. Parkinson (Colonial t fhce;. DIRECTOR AND EDITOR. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, C.M.G. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W.7. Publication Office. — 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W.7. 111. ERRATA Page 4 line 34 for " perniciosus" 6 9 16 23 31 39 52 52 61 75 88 88 92 92 92 92 100 117 119 122 139 145 148 152 153 161 162 168 172 174 176 183 190 193 196 207 210 219 221 222 223 223 234 235 27 8 46 38 35 11 24 41 23 36 25 35 16 18 Apechtis " " beckii " " vulgivagelliis " C ephalonomyia " " no. 4 " " cephalanti ■' " maitretanicits " " florid enis " " Peletieria " " Spalgius " " schiipeli " read " filamentosns, Ckll. {perniciosus, N. & W.)" ,, " Apechthis " ,, " iilmi " " vulvivagelhis " Cephalonomia " ,, " no. 5 " ,, " cephalanthi " ,, " viaiiritanicus " ,, " floridensis" ,, " Peleteria " ,, " Spalgis " " schiippeli " delete " ; Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit-fl}-) ' for " Phalanoina " read " Phalangium " " Pholeitsoptioneides" lines line 19 ,, " Micromata " 21 ,, " Saltiscussceniscus" 39 ,, " L. novimundi " 20 „ ^' /?.vl.£.,A.vii,288; 24 ,, " lineola " 38 ,, " H. fornicatiis" 13 ,, " lacteUa " 14 ,, " Cocits " 30 ,, " Merrit Hawkes " 27 „ "F." 35 ,, " stictictalis " 37 ,, " Harmaloga " 48 „ " C" 27 ,, " Lvgus " 28 „ " Ixxvi " 39 „ " Propilea " 26 ,, " Pycnoscelis " 19 ,, " Cercocephala " 29 & 34 for " krauhniae " 40 for " micans " 4 ,, " coeca " 15 ,, " Lasiaptera " 27 ,, " P. corymbatus" 15 ,, " Illixgworth (F. J.).' 18 ,, " Tramia " 38 ,, " opalesens " 19 ,, " Grapholita " 29 „ "hetalae" 5 ,, " B." 35 ,, " Ipomaea " " P/iolcits opilion- oides " " Micrommata " " Salticiis scenicits " " C. noi'imiindi " '' R.A.E.,A,\ni,228;" " lineolata " " X. fornicattis " " I act e ell a " Cocos " " Merritt Hawkes " " Payk." " siicticalis " Harmologa " ColeopJiora " " Ligynrs " " Ixxv " " Propylaea " " Pycnoscelns " Cerocephala " " krannhiae " " micacea " " caeca " Lasioptera " " Pseiidococcns corymbatus " 'Tllingworth(J.F.).'' " Trama " " 0 pale seen s " Grapholitha " " betidae " Bacillus " Ipomoea " Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshavve, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Board of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S. , Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.C.M.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C Sperling, CM.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C. Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. 6eneral Secretarp. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and €ditor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, CM.G. ilssistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.Vl^. 7. Publication Offict. — 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY. Series A. Vol. IX.] [192L MoLz (E.). Weitere Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Gartenhaarmiicke {Bibio hortnlaniis, L.). [Further Contributions to the Knowledge of B. hortidanus.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 92-96, 3 figs. It is only of recent years that the economic importance of Bibio hortidanus, L., has been recognised. An attempt is here made to complete to some extent the observations previously made by the present author and Pietsch when sugar-beet, barley and oats were recorded as attacked [R.A.E., A, ii, 377]. In September 1918 potatoes in a field near Halle were found damaged beneath their skins, and the larvae of B. hortulanus were found to be the cause. In uprooted potatoes only a few larvae were found and then only in concealed portions, thus confirming the view that dry con- ditions are unfavourable to them [loc. cit.]. Most of the larvae had apparently left the uprooted potatoes and gone underground. They were seen in numbers on roots when the latter were being dug. Only those parts of the field that had received stable manure were infested. In November the field was ploughed up, manured, and sown with winter wheat. Soon afterwards the presence of the larvae was noticed along the drills, and it was found that they were feeding on the seed. Laboratory experiments showed that when the seeds begin to swell they are attacked at the point of germination. Potatoes are preferred to the wheat grains, but experiment showed that infestation occurs only in potatoes that have suffered some previous injury. Potato-skins steeped in a 1 per cent, solution of arsenious acid are an attractive and effective poison-bait. Nagel (W.). Beitrag zur Biologie der Kleidermotte {Tineoki biselliella) und ihrer Bekampfung mittels Cyanwasserstoffs. | A Contribution to the Biology of Tineola biselliella and its Control by Means of Hydrocyanic Acid Gas.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 164-171. The eggs of Tineola biselliella, Humm., are laid in sheltered situations, preferably near food, without being attached to their support. One female lays from 50 to 90 eggs. Oviposition begins a day after mating (7467— A) Wt.P1850/163 1/21 1500 D.St. (Gp. 75) B and lasts for owr 2 weeks. TIr- niaxinuiin ck'i)Osition occurs bctwvcn the 7tli and 11th days. Both in August and in January (at room temperature) incubation lasts 8-10 days. Parthenogenetic reproduction does not take place. The young larvae at once begin feeding and prepare tube-like webs from the fibres or hairs of the material at their disposal. When the larvae moult they construct oval-shaped cocoons, somewhat pointed towards the ends. The larvae are not confined to their food-substances for the material for their cocoons ; paper, glass- wool, their own excreta, etc., may be used. The number of moults varies, with an observed maximum of 11. On an average the first moult occurs 9-10 days after hatching, the second after an interval of 12-13 days, the third after an interval of 15-20 days. An average interval of 25 days separates the further moults. The larval stage varies in duration according to the number of moults. Feeding tests confirm Frickhinger's observations that cotton, linen and silk are either rejected or unwilUngly accepted, and the resultant moths were only half the size of those from larvae fed on wool. Larvae that are kept from feeding withdraw into their cocoons, pass through a resting stage, pupate and yield adults able to deposit fertile eggs. Food was withheld from 3-wec^k-old larvae for 8i months ; some died, but the others, on being fed, developed in a normal manner. Pupation takes place in the above-mentioned cocoons, tins stage usually lasting 18 or 19 daj^s. The adults mate on emerging, and have an average life of 30 days. There are two chief flight periods, in spring and in autumn, but they are not sharply differentiated owing to the prolonged larval stage. In general it may be said that the period from egg to egg extends from 5| to 8| months. For this reason all stages are present throughout the year. Most preparations used against this moth hitherto have been repellents such as camphor, naphthahne, etc., designed for impregnating the various cloths, but as they cannot entirely prevent oviposition and do not kill the larvae already present, they are useless to check the pest. Neither repellents nor substances effective against onl}^ one of the stages are satisfactory. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas solves the problem. A number of experiments were made to ascertain the requisite strengths, and the results are given in tabular form. As Andres had previously observed, the larvae are the most resistant, but they succumb in 2 hours to 1 volume of gas per cent., in 4 hours to 0-5 volume per cent., or in 16 hours to 0-2 volume per cent. These figures also apply to the pupae. The eggs are destroyed by an exposure of 1 hour to 0-25 volume per cent., and the same lack of resistance is shown by the adults, the figures representing actual and not calculated strengths. In practice either the strength or the time must be doubled, as it will not be possible to maintain unimpaired a strength of 1 per cent, during a period of 2 hours. Stellwaag (F.). Arsenmittel gegen Wein — und Obstbauschadlinge. [Arsenic Preparations against Pests of \'ines and Fruit Tiees.J — Zcitschr. angeio. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 172-180. Paris green and Urania green are the two best-known arsenical insecticides. Though manufactured in Germany, it is only of quite recent years that tlieir use has been permitted there. In 1917 the supplies of nicotine were just sufficient to spray against the first generation of the vine motlis [Clysia amhiguel'la and Polychrosis botrana] ; and vine-growers resorted to arsenicals against the second generation with great success and without untoward consequences. This last point is emphasised, attention being drawn to the enormous quantities used throughout the world, to the arsenic content of various food-stuffs and of the water of various medicinal springs. In the instructions for spraying the second generation of vine moths it was laid down that spraying should not be carried out less than 5 weeks before the vintage, thus precluding any possible danger. Since 1917, arsenicals have proved invaluable both to vine-growers and orchardists, and it is very necessary that stringent legislation should not deprive them of their crops. In a supplementary note Dr. Eschcrich sharply criticises a circular issued by the Imperial Biological Institute in conjunction with the Imperial Health Ministry in which the use of arsenicals against the second generation of vine moths is deprecated as dangerous. Zacher (F.). Neue und wenig bekannte Spinnmilben. [New and Httle-known Spinning Mites.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 181-187, 16 figs. A few preUminary descriptive notes are given on a number of spinning mites, some being new species, including Paratetranychns gossypii, sp. n., from cotton leaves in Togo, this being the first definite record of a spinning mite on cotton in Africa ; Paratetranychus sp., from leaves of Terminalia catappa in East Africa ; P. pilosus, C. & P., the food- plants of which in Germany include grape-vine, Ribes sanguineum, pears, apples, Rosa sp., plums and other species of Pninus ; Parate- tranychus iinunguis, Jac, on young oaks forming an undergrowth in a pine forest near Berhn, and probably an accidental infestation, the oak spinning-mite being Tetranychus carpini, Oud. ; Schizotetranychus schizopus, Zacher, from various willows {Salix spp.) in Germany ; Tetranychus carpini, Oud., from oak and hazel {Corylus avellana and C. maxima) in Germany; Tetranychus telarius, L., on hme, maple and horse-chestnut in Germany ; T. salicicola, sp. n., from Salix daphnoides, S. viminalis, S. alba, and Populus candicans in Germany ; T. {Epite- tranychus) viennensis, sp. n., from pear, Prunus acida, and P. avium var. Juliana, in Austria and Germany ; T. [E.) ludeni, Zacher, on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Abutilon spp., Acalypha spp., Solanum melongena, Phvsalis peruviana. Salvia splendens, Dolichos lablab and other plants in France and Germany, into which latter country it must have been introduced, as it does not occur on native wild plants. Ein deutscher Reichskommissar fur Schadlingsbekampfung. [A German Imperial Commissioner for Pest Control.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 188-189. Commenting on the recent appointment of a German Imperial Commissioner for Pest Control who will deal with all injurious insects, a viticultural journal points out that viticulture will greatly benefit, but only if this official is provided with all needful Resources and is not subject to hindrance by other departments. (7467— A) B 2 StellwaaCx (F.). Bericht iiber das Auftreten und die Bekampfung tierischer Weinbergsschadlinge fiir die Jahre 1918 und 1919. [Reports on the Occurrence and Control of Insect Pests of Vine- yards in 1918 and 1919.]— Zeitscher. angew. Entont., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 192-196. In 1918 the chief pests in the Rhine Palatinate were the vine-motlis [Clysia amhiguella and Polychrosis hotrana], in the second generation of which there was, however, a great decrease in numbers owing to th(^ previous dry weather. This generation was combated with arsenicals, nicotine having been used against the first generation. Other pests were the mites, Phyllocoptes and Epitrimerus vitis, Nal., the area of distribution of which was larger than in the preceding year. Owing to pre\'aihng circumstances, preventive treatment was impossible, except tliat a few growers used nicotine-soap in the spring with satisfactory results. Bydisciis heiulae again appeared in considerable abundance, and SparganofJiis (Tortrix) pilleriana seemed to be increasing. In 1919 vine-moth injury was more considerable. Arsenicals were used against these pests and saved from two-thirds to four-fifths of the vintage. Mites seemed to have increased, Eriophyes {Phytoptus) vitis being noticed in many localities. Zur Verwendung von Arsenmitteln im Weinbau. [The Use of Arsenic Preparations in Viticulture.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 197-198. The German Viticultural Association asks that the use of arsenicals be freely permitted instead of hindered by such recommendations as that issued by the Imperial Biological Institute for Agriculture and Forestry. MoRSTATT (H.). Weitere Beobaehtungen iiber das Auftreten der WoUaus in Aegypten. [Further Observations on the Occurrence of Pseitdococcits perniciosits in Egypt.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 197-198. This is a record of the author's observations on Pseiidococcus {Dactylopius) perniciostis, Newst. & Willcocks, on Alhizzia [lebbek] in Cairo [R.A.E., A, i, 121 ; ii, 146]. Where the trees are near water, there is every reason for expecting success from measures consisting in lopping off infested branches, cutting back the trees, and washing them once a week with a fire hose until the winter. The authorities are, however, gradually replacing the trees with immune species. LiNDiNGER (L.). Die Belastigung der Obsteinfuhr durch die San- Jos^-Schildlaus-Gesetzgebung vom wissenschaftlichen Standpunkt aus. [A Scientific View of the Hindrance to Fruit Importation by the San Jose Scale Legislation.] — Zeitschr. angeia. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 205-207. The author, who is chief of the Zoological Division for Plant Pro- tection in Hamburg, criticises the San Jose Scale Law. Its operation will not prevent the importation of fruit infested with Aspidiotiis Perniciosus into Germany, the introduction of which by means of fruit has never led to an infestation of fruit or other trees. The entire procedure is useless, illogical and a hindrance to trade. Those whose interests arc affected by the Law should have it repealed. Meckbach (E.). Zur Bekampfung der Kleidermotte. [Measures against the Clothes Moth.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vii, no. 1, September 1920, pp. 207-208. The author, who is on the staff of the Bayer Dye Works, states that after several years' work a substance has been discovered that can be used for impregnating white or coloured woollen clothes and confers a lasting protection against the clothes moth [Tineola biseUiella]. QuAiNTANCE (A. L.) & Baker (A. C). Control of Aphids injurious to Orchard Fruits, Currant, Gooseberry and Grape. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., Farmers' Bull. 1128, June 1920, 48 pp., 4 plates, 34 figs. [Received 28th October 1920.] This bulletin deals with 41 species of Aphids injurious to the foliage and fruit of apple, quince, pear, plum, cherry, peach, currant, gdoseberry and grape. Much of the information given has been noticed elsewhere [R.A.E., A, vi, 212]. The rosy aphis then recorded as Aphis malifoliae, Fitch, is now called Amtr aphis roseus. Baker. Rand (F. V.) & Enlows (E. M. A.). Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits.— U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., Bull. 828, 10th May 1920, 43 pp., 10 figs., 4 plates. [Received 28th October 1920.] Further experiments on the transmission of bacterial wilt of cucurbits confirm the results noticed in previous papers [R.A.E., A, iv, 38, 385]. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture 4-5-50 with 2 lb. of lead arsenate paste as soon as the first leaves develop is advocated for the treatment of this disease. Other remedial measures include the control of the beetles concerned, viz., Biabrotica vittata, F., and B. dtiodecimpunctata, 01. [loc. cit. vii, 521.] SiLVESTRi (F.). A new Termite from Mesopotamia. — Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., London, vi, no. 35, November 1920, pp. 477-479, 1 plate. Microcerotermes diversits, sp. n., here described, makes colonies under the bark of dead trees, especially apricot trees. It is very common at iVmara in lower Mesopotamia. Cobb (N. A.). A New Nema, Tylenchus musicola, n. sp., said to cause a serious Affection of the Bluggoe Banana in Grenada, British West Indies. — West Indian Bull., Barbados, xvii, no. 4, 1919, pp. 179-182, 2 figs. A description is given of the Nematode, Tylenchus musicola, sp. n., which is said to cause a serious disease of bananas in Grenada. A comparison is drawn between it and the closely related species T. similis, T. penetrans and T. pratensis. 6 TragArdh (I). Undersokningar over Nimnans Upptradande i Gualov 1915-1917. 1 Investigations on the Occurn'uce of the Nun Moth near Gualov in 1915-1917.] — Medd. Statens Skogsforsoksanstalt, Stockholm, Haft 17, no. 4, 1920, pp. 301-328, 6 figs. [With a Summaiy in German.] In the last century there were periodical outbreaks of the nun moth, Liparis monacha, in Sweden near Gualov. In the summer of 191vS isolated caterpillars appeared and in August the moths were on the wing in large numbers. During 1916 and 1917 a count of the eggs was taken with the result that the infestation was classed as slight. As the position of the eggs on the trunk is important in connection with banding, careful observations were made. It was found that on stems of 3|- inches diameter a band at breast height would afford protection against 50 per cent, of the newly hatched caterpillars, but that on stems of 6 J inches diameter the band must be 10 feet from the ground to have the same effect. During the 1916 count careful note was taken of the dead eggs and empty shells of 1915. The figures obtained are not reliable as wind and weather must have carried away many eggs, and in proportion, more empty shells than dead eggs must have been lost. It is, however, interestifig that a certain percentage of eggs remained undeveloped, In 1917, 36-3 per cent, of the eggs were dead; of these 21-8 were unfertilised and 14-5 contained dead larvae. No egg-parasites were observed, but of other parasites Diptera pre- dominated in the larvae and Hymenoptera in the pupae. The Hymenoptera included Pi^npla arciica, Zett., P. instigator, F., Theronia aialantae, Poda, Apcditis riifata, Hgn., A. dentata, Thoms., and Amhly- teles quadripunctoriits, Mlill. The last three have not been noticed before as nun moth parasites. The parasitic flies included Sarcophaga (Agria) affinis, Fall., a large Tachinid larva, and Parasetigena segregata, Rond., which last, though one of the most important parasites in Germany, has not been recorded hitherto in Sweden. In the autumn of 1916, .S. affinis predominated ; some authors think this species to be unimportant as they believe it to be saprophagous. The egg-count in 1916 pointed to a reduction in infestation in the following years, and this proved to be the case. The observations in question confirm previous experience as to the great resistance of pines to nun moth attack. Okuni (T.). Keshi no Gaichu Yoho. [Insects injurious to the Poppy in Formosa ; Preliminary Report.] — Formosa Agric. Expt. Sta., Bull. 139, July 1920, pp. 1-30, 1 plate. This report deals with the morphology and economic relations to the plants of the following pests of the poppy : — Thrips sp., which injures the stamens and pods ; Gryllotalpa africana, Pall., attacking the roots ; Heliothis obsoleta, F., injuring the young leaves and flower buds ; Agrotis ypsilon, Rott., injuring the leaves ; Prodenia litiira, F., which attacks the stems and leaves ; and Phytometra ni, Hb. Harukavva (T.). Nikwa-Meichu Shinsui Kujoho. [A Method of Con- trolling the Two-brooded Paddy Borer {Chilo simplex, Butl.) by Submergence.] — Nogaku Kivai Ho [J I. Scientific Agric. Soc.'\, Tokyo, no. 213, 5th May 1920, pp. 335-372. Experiments as to whether the paddy borer may be controlled by submergence in water have been conducted by various Japanese entomologists since 1895, and the results in the main show that this is not an effective measure. In 1912, however, the Prefectural Agri- cultural Experiment Station at Ehime reported that Chilo simplex may be entirely destroyed by immersing infested rice-stalks in water for a minimum of 28 hours. In the course of laboratory experiments to determine this point the author first examined the question as to how long the borer can survive without air. For this purpose he placed the insects in the vapour of carbon bisulphide, assuming, as many authors have done, that this gas does no harm to the insects. Though there is some variation according to the stage of the insects and the temperature, after 24 hours in the gas 82 per cent, of the insects exposed were dead at ordinary temperatures. In investigations as to the resistance of the borer to heat, no deaths occurred in any of the instars exposed to a temperature of 35-6° C (96° F.) for 24 hours; in the case of the second and third instars exposed to 41-8°— 43-1° C. (108°— 110° F.) for 6 hours, of the former 27-7 per cent, were dead, while of the latter none died ; in the fourth and fifth instars at 38°-41° C. (101°— 106° F.) for 24 hours, only 4-4 per cent, were dead ; 45° C. (113° F.) killed all of the first instar larvae within an hour, of the second instar 74 • 7 per cent, and of the fourth and fifth 35-7 per cent. ; 45° C. (113° F.) killed all instars within 2 hours, as did 50° C. (122° F.) within 5 minutes. In warm water death is caused by the combined effect of heat and suffocation. All of the first instar are killed in water at 45° C. (1 13° F.) after 5 hours ; of the second instar after 1 hour ; the third, fourth and fifth instars in water at 40° C. (104° F.) after 5 hours, and in water at 45° C. (113° F.) after 1 hour. In water at 50° C. (122° F.) all instars can be killed in 5 minutes. In this experiment the temperature of the water was constant. Warm water, the temperature of which gradually decreases, is not effective. When rice-stalks infested with the borers were submerged, the great majority escaped, and 50 per cent, of the remainder were^ only killed in water at 23°— 33° C. (73°— 91° F.) after 24 hours' submergence. In field experiments the ratio of borers killed is still less. As some entomologists are of opinion that petroleum might be effective for killing the escaping borers, tests of this were made, but it was not found effective at a strength tliat does not injure the rice-plant. Lambert (F.) & Peronne (P.). Le Tche {Ciuirania triloba, Hance). — Ann. d'Ecole Nat. Agric, Montpellier, xvii, no. 2, July 1918- July 1919, pp. 86-104, 10 figs. [Received 2nd November 1920.J In the course of this paper dealing with the cultivation and uses of Cndrania triloba, it is suggested that silkworms {Bombyx mori) fed on these leaves are less susceptible to disease. B. pernyi also thrives on them. ZoATTi (— ). La Cocciniglia o Pidocchio del Fico. [The Fig Scale, Ceroplastes nisei.]— Riv. Agrie., Parma, xxvi, no. 44, 29t]i October 1920, p. 549. The fig scale, Ceroplastes nisei, is common in Italy. From May to June, or even later, the female lays from 800 to 1.500 eggs. After an incubation period of 15 days the very mobile larvae spread over the plant and are carried by the wind to neighbouring ones. They attach 8 themselves to the upper surface of the leaves. Mating takes place in August or September. About the end of October the scales migrate to the branches, on which they remain until death follows oviposition in the following year. The tig branches should be cleaned in winter, and sprays used of powerful insecticides, such as petroleum-soap emulsion, tar-oil, and calcium polysulphide, two applications being made not less than 15 days after the larvae appear. Farrell (J.). Apple Culture in Victoria. — Jl. Dept. Agric. Victoria, Melbourne, xvi, no. 11, November 1918, pp. 648-657 ; xvii, no. 1, January 1919, pp. 29-37 ; no. 3, March 1919, pp. 145-157 ; no. 5, May 1919, pp. 287-295 : 20 figs. Among the insect pests here dealt with are : — Cydia {Carpocapsa) pomonella (codling moth) ; Tortrix {Cacoecia) postvittana (light-brown apple moth), which can be controlled by the same sprays as C. pomonella ; Teia anartoides (painted apple moth), for which 1 lb. lead arsenate to 30 gals, water, applied when the caterpillars are young, is an effective remedy ; Pinara nana, the larvae of which eat the leaves and buds at night and can be controlled by the sprays used for codling moth ; and Leptops hopei (apple root borer). The last-named weevil is indigenous to Australia, and is one of the most destructive pests of apples. Eggs are laid in the leaves in early spring, and the young larvae fall to the ground and find their way to the roots, into which they tunnel, causing the branches to die off. Lead arsenate sprays on the foliage have given good results, and great numbers of beetles have been caught by means of traps. An effective one consists of an inverted funnel of zinc fitting closely to the bark on the upper rim, with an aperture near the top, over which is a canister about 5 inches long and 1^ inch in diameter, made of perforated zinc with a light trap-door at the bottom. The beetles, impeded in their upward movement by the funnel, find the aperture and enter the trap. A simpler trap consists of a collar of zinc about 5 inches wide fitting closely to the bark, the beetles being unable to surmount the smooth surface, which, however, should be occasionally rubbed with fine emery paper or painted to maintain its smoothness. The beetles are collected by hand from below the traps and destroyed. Land that has been infested and cleared should be left for at least two years before re-planting, and it should be cropped in the meantime to ensure the eradication of the pest. Further studies should be made of the possibility of control by a parasite, Perilitus leptopsi, Vier. Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphis) is one of the most widely spread apple pests, and one of the most difficult to deal with. The best sprays have proved to be tobacco wash (using 1 lb. old tobacco leaf or stems to 3 gals, of water, with soap at the rate of 1 lb. to 20 gals, of the solution) during the period of growth, and red oil emulsion during the dormant season. Red oil should not be used after the leaves appear. When the attack is conlined to a few definite positions these parts may be painted with kerosene or eucalyptus oil, which are quicker in action and more deadly in effect. Teirany chits telarius (red spider) does much damage to apple trees if the leaves are not sprayed. The mite should be attacked in the egg-stage, and as this occurs during the dormant period, red oil emulsion may be used with success. Tobacco and soap solution also make an effective spray, which should be directed upwards, as the mites are generally most numerous under the leaves. 9 The importance of drastic measures against Aspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale) is emphasised. Oil emulsion (1 : 15) is a good spray to use when the leaves have fallen, with a second application later if necessary. Spraying should be begun in the autumn, when the scales are young. Crude petroleum emulsion is cheaper than red oil but is less effective. The method of fumigating trees with hydrocyanic acid gas is described. The same treatments may be used to control Lepidosaphes beckii {Mytilaspis pomonim) (apple-bark scale). The abundance of Thrips tabaci depends almost entirely on weather condi- tions. When it is present in great numbers, tobacco water, benzole emulsion, coal-tar water and other sprays have given good results on limited areas, but to cope satisfactorily with this pest on large areas is a difficult matter. In discussing the fungous diseases of apple, some hints are given on combining insecticide and fungicide mixtures. Illingworth (J. F.). Cane Grub Investigation. — Queensland Agric. Jl., Brisbane, xiv, nos. 3 & 4, September & October 1920, pp. 148-152 and 198-199. Among the pests of sugar-cane dealt with is a Lygaeid, Phaenacantha atistralica, Kirk., which is commonly found on native grasses, and has lately turned its attention to sugar-cane. It only increases rapidly during the dry part of the year, and is consequently at its maximum during the cutting season, when the growth of the cane is not materially interfered with. When, however, the bugs are very numerous and suck the under-surfaces of the leaves, they must materially reduce the sugar content, and if at any time they should attack young cane, they will become a serious menace. The habits of this bug greatly resemble those of the chinch bug [Blissus leucopterus]. Hibernation occurs in bunches of grass and rubbish, and the newly hatched nymphs may be found there in April, but they soon chmb into the cane leaves, where they are numerous from June to September. The punctured areas on the leaves become light coloured, then yellow, and finally brown, probably owing to the development of a fungus. When the spots are abundant the whole leaf dries up. In wet seasons the bugs are largely destroyed by a fungous disease. Egg-parasites have not as yet been studied, but several predaceous insects, chiefly Reduviids and the ant, Pheidole megacephala, feed upon the later stages. As this pest breeds freely in grassy fields, clean cultivation is recommended, and the burning of rubbish should materially reduce its numbers, as in the case of the chinch bug. Oil-Spraying Tests on Apple-Trees. — New Zealand J I. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 2, 20th August 1920, p. 78. Oil sprays may be safely used on apple trees in the dormant season. Even when used at a strength of 1-4 no damage was caused to the trees. In cases of growth being retarded owing to stronger sprays, the trees invariably made up the deficiency by the end of the season. Unsprayed trees were badly infested with San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus] . Stratford (G.). Woolly Aphis Control Tests at Papanui. — New Zealand Jl. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 2. 20th August 1920, pp. 85-86. The results of these tests show that red oil used as a spray at a strength of 1-10 and heated to 120° F. is the most satisfactory insecticide for 10 the winter control of woolly aphis [Eriosoma lanigerum]. Black-leaf 40 is recommended for a sunnner spray, but it exercises only a temporary check. There is apparently no ad\'antage in adding lime-sulphur to it. HuTsoN (J. C). Thvi Paddy Swarming Caterpillar {Spodoplcra maun/ia, Boisd.). — Trop. Agric, Peradeniva, Iv, no. [^, St'i)tembt'r 1920, pp. 133-140, 1 plate. An outbreak of Spodoptera mauritia, Boisd., occurred during November and December 1919 in some districts in Ceylon. The eggs of this moth hatch in from 7 to 10 days, and the caterpillars become full grown about a month after emergence. They then migrate to the edge of the fields and pupate in the soft earth, pupation lasting about two weeks and the total life-cycle from egg to the emergence of adults varying from 7 to 10 weeks according to chmatic conditions, food- supply, etc. Infestation may be prevented by early sowing, good cultivation, and collection of egg-masses. Remedial measures vary according to the particular local conditions, their essential aim being the destruction of the caterpillars and the prevention of their spread to neighbouring fields [R.A.E., A, v, 500]. The natural enemies include parasitic Hymenoptera, fungous and bacterial diseases, predatory bugs and a beetle, Cicindela sexpunctata, F. HuTSON (J. C). Crop Pests in Ceylon. — Trop. Agric, Peradeniya, Iv, no. 3, September 1920, p. 160. The pests reported between 1st January and 30th June 1920 include the cockchafer grubs, Lepidiota pinguis and Anomala superflua, attacking roots of tea bushes ; red slug, Heterusia cingala, on tea ; Spodoptera mauritia (swarming caterpillar) and Leptocorisa varicornis (paddy bug) on rice ; Corcyra cephalonica (rice moth) in stored rice and dried ; cacao beans ; Agrotis spp. in vegetable gardens, against which collec- tion of the cutworms and protection of young plants by means of tin circles or paper bands is apparently the best measure. A consignment of Coccinellid beetles, Novius cardinalis, has been received from South Africa [R.A.E., A, viii, 519]. Newstkal) (R.) & MoKKis (H. M.). Bionomic, Morphological and Economic Report on the Acarids of Stored Grain and Flour : Part ii. — Repts. Grain Pests {War) Committee, Royal Society, London, 1920, no. 8, pp. 1-15, 5 plates. [Received 4th November 1920.] This report deals with the species of Acarids discovered in flour since the publication of the eariier results [R.A.E., A, vii, 91], and records experimental work in connection with preventive and remedial measures against them. TyroglypJms longior, Gerv., which is a flour pest of primary import- ance, is so remarkably similar to T. siro, L., that its separation from that species is an extremely difficult matter. The chief points of contrast between the two are enumerated. Histiogaster entomophagus, Lab., of which all stages except the hypopial nymph are described, lives in flour in much the same way as T. {Aleurobius) Jarinae [loc. cit.], and though multiplying less rapidly 11 than that species, it is capable of doing considerable damage and render- ing flour unfit for use. It apparently occurs most commonly in flour that has been kept for some time. A sample of flour, said to have been packed in hermetically sealed tins and examined four years later, was found to be heavily infested by this mite. Excessive moisture seems to favour the propagation of H. entoniophagus, and individuals in all stages of development were able to live for eight weeks floating on the surface of water, and for about two weeks when entirely submerged in it. Glyciphag'us fuscus, Oud., was found in only one sample of flour, and occurred very sparingly in association with T. farinae. Botli male and female are described. Experiments have been carried out with T. farinae only, as it is by far the most important species, and any treatment that would be effective against it would probably prove successful against the others. In previous experiments [loc. cit.'\ it was found that the minimum amount of moisture necessary to the existence of mites in flour was between 11-5 and 12-5 per cent. Further results were obtained by drying about 5 grams of flour in a steam oven for 24 hours. It was found that in flour with a moisture content of 13 per cent, the mites increased rapidly in numbers ; with a moisture content of 12-4 per cent, the increase was relatively very slow; with 12-2 per cent, moisture they were gradually exterminated in two or three weeks. Below this moisture content the mites perished quickly. The minimum moisture content necessary for existence of the mites is therefore about 12-3 per cent., so that if 11 per cent, be taken as the maximum per- centage of moisture permissible in stored flour there is a small margin of safety. The previous finding, namely, that a temperature of 120° F. for about 12 hours is the minimum temperature required for the destruction of all mites and eggs, was confirmed by further experiment. With regard to hermetical sealing, it was found that even after two months a few mites reappeared in jars so sealed, though care had been taken to avoid re-infestation. A series of experiments was carried out to test the effect of passing infested flour through sieves of bolting-silk. Some eggs were able to pass through the finest silk used, which had 200 meshes per lineal inch, and this sieve was quite ineffectual in removing the faecal pellets which conduce to rapid decomposition of the flour, while much of the flour itself would not pass through such a sieve. In flour stored in an atmosphere of almost pure carbon dioxide for periods up to 50 hours the mites remained inert while the gas was present, but quickly became active again when the treatment was discontinued. It is obvious that preventive measures are more desirable than remedies, owing to the production of large quantities of faecal matter, which it is impossible to eliminate from the flour. The most satisfactory method of preventing infestation is only to store flour the moisture content of which is below 11 per cent, in the temperate zone, and much lower in tropical countries. The usual amount of moisture present in commercial samples is between 12-5 per cent, and 14 per cent. ; it would therefore be necessary to submit to a drying process an}^ flour that it was intended to store for any length of time. Such a method as that of the Hess Drier and Cooler previously described [loc. cit.'] has given success with wheat and should be more easily applied to flour ; it has the additional advantage of preventing re-infestation, which very easily occurs in flour that has merely been heated in order to kill the mites. 12 GouGH (G. C). Insect and Fungus Pests during the Winter : the Importance of Plant Hygiene. //. Minis/. A^yic, London, xxvii, no. 8, November 1920, pp. 772-775. With few exceptions, such as the winter moth [Cheimatobia bntmata], insect pests are in a dormant or semi-dormant condition during the winter, and many are to be found among the refuse of crops. Measures against them while in this condition are more economical in the end than any action that can be taken later. Pests in the soil are most effectively controlled by working the land frequently so as to give birds every opportunity of discovering them. It has been noted that grease bands on trees on arable land have caught fewer moths than those on trees growing on grass. Ridging up land to allow access to frost has little effect on insect pests. Soil fumigants containing a basis of naphthaline are far from being generally successful, though they may enable a crop to become established and so to withstand injury. Winter spraying is effective. A caustic soda spray will remove lichen, moss, etc., which shelter insect pests on the bark. Lime- sulphur is a cleansing agent as well as a fungicide and, unlike caustic soda, can be used every year if necessary without injuring the trees. Spraying should be done after pruning, and it is best to wait till the buds have swollen, or even just commenced to open. Eggs are not nearly so vulnerable as the young larvae, which have usually hatched about February. Lime spraying done late not only cleans the trees, but when properly carried out, encases insect eggs and prevents hatching. Even when hatching takes place, the insects have difficulty in moving about in the particles of lime. MuNRo (J. W.). CryphaUts {Ernoponts) fagi, Nordm., in Surrey, etc. — Entom. Mthly. Mag., London, Third Ser., no. 71, November 1920, p. 257. Cryphalus fagi , Nordm., is recorded from the New Forest, and was also found on a dead branch of beech near Kew. The egg and larval tunnels were in the sapwood, the pupal chambers being cut deep in the sapwood and occasionally penetrating the pith. MuNRO (J. W.). Hylastes attenuatus, Er., in Britain. — Entom. Mthly. Mag., London, Third Ser., no. 71, November 1920, p. 257. Hylastes attenuatus, Er., is recorded as occurring in various localities in England on Scots pine and Corsican pine. In Central Europe it occurs indifferently on spruce and Scots pine. Braid (K, W.). Note on Typhlocyba donglasi, Edw. — Entom. Mthly. Mag., London, Third Ser., no. 72, December 1920, p. 279. It is now established that Typhlocyba donglasi, Edw., is one of the causes of the blotched appearance of the leaves of beech trees {Fagus sylvatica) in the south-east of England. Similar damage is caused by other Typhlocybids on elm, hornbeam, birch, ash and sycamore. White (S. A.). The Economic Value of our native Biids.~S cience and Lndustry, Melbourne, ii, no. 8, August 1920, pp. 494-500. [Received 4th November 1920.] The food habits of native birds in Australia are of the greatest importance, owing to the steady increase of the worst insect pests of 13 agriculture ; and the great bene lit that may be obtained by extending protection to them is here emphasised. Some of the most important birds economically are crows, particularly as enemies of the blow-fly, screech owls, plovers and quails, while almost all birds live on insect food during their nestling stages. Evans (H. H.). Reports on Experiments for the Control of Green Aphis and Codling Moth. — 14th Ann. Rept. Dept. Agric. 1919, Victoria, B.C., 1920, pp. Q 27-31. In attempts to find an efficient and cheap spray for the green apple aphis [Aphis pomi], various combinations of insecticides were tested. Of these Blackleaf 40 (1 to 2,000) and slaked hme (2 lb. to 100 gals, water) is advocated as efficient and cheap. Work in connection with codling moth [Cydia pomonella] was continued, and although an increased area has been brought under treatment, there is a decrease in the percentages of captures made. Lyne (W. H.). Report of Chief Inspector of Imported Fruit and Nursery Stock. — 14th Ann. Rept. Dept. Agric. 1919, Victoria, B.C., 1920, pp. Q 45-49. The pests intercepted include : Aspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale); A. ostreaeformis ; Aulacaspis rosae (rose scale); Lepidosaphes iilmi (oyster-shell scale) ; Pulvinaria innumerabilis ; Icerya sp. ; Saissetia [Lecanium) hemisphaerica ; Coccus {L.) hesperidum ; Diaspis sp. ; Chionaspis sp. ; Aegeria (Sanninoidea) exitiosa (peach root borer ; Pennisetia [Benibecia] marginata (blackberry crown borer) ; Phylloxera ; Eriosoma lanigenim ; E. pyri ; and the eggs of the gipsy moth [Porthetria dispar]. The recent occurrence of codling moth [Cydia pomonella] in Californian walnuts has necessitated extra precautionary measures against the entry of infested material. Considerable damage is caused to stored peanuts by Plodia inter punctella. Whitehouse (F. C). Entomological Report, 1919, of the Alberta Natural History Society. — Ann. Rept. Dept. Agric. Prov. Alberta, 1919, Edmonton, 1920, pp. 127-129. [Received 5th November 1920.] Weather conditions in Alberta during 1919 were very favourable to insect pests, and in consequence, the most serious losses occurred to crops that have been recorded for some years past. Cutworms, especially Eiixoa ochrogaster (red-backed cutworm), were particularly troublesome in both fields and gardens ; it is suggested that in dry seasons favourable to their increase, sowing should be delayed in gardens until the ground has been treated with poison-bait. Other injurious cutworms were Porosagrotis orthogonia, Morr., Agrotis (Noctiia) fennica, Tausch., and Euxoa tristiada, Morr. Loxostege sticticalis (beet webworm) and Psylliodcs punctulata (hop flea-beetle) were both injurious to beets. When the latter is troublesome on hops, it is usual to place tarred paper beneath the vines and then brush them with a feather duster. Malacosoma disstria (forest tent caterpillar) continued to be as troublesome as in the previous year [R.A.E., A, vii, 544], and an attempt is being made to introduce a Tachinid parasite of it [Blepharipeza] from \ 14 British Coliinibiii. llic spruce mito uu'iitioiicd in the ])r(>\i()us rL'i)<)rt {loc. cit.] was apparently much less abundant on transplanted spruce, but is well established on the large native trees The bark-beetles, Ips hudsonicus and I. perturbalus, arc commonly found throughout northern and western Alberta, and are estimated to cause more damage than forest fires. Cantharis nuttalli, Say (western blister beetle) is injurious to various kinds of beans. Locusts were particularly troublesome in the south. Camnula pelhicida, Scud., and Melanopliis ailaniis, Riley (lesser migratory locust) were a serious menace to crops, while M. bivittaUis, Say, M. packardi, Scud., and Circotettix carlinianus, Thom., were present in unusual numbers. Plutella maculipennis. Curt, (diamond-back moth) injured cabbages and cauliflowers. Tortrix [Cacoecia) conflictana, Walk, (aspen leaf-roller) was so abundant that in some districts maples were entirely defoliated, and the caterpillars then attacked elms and poplars, Cyrnatophora rihearia, Fitch (currant span-worm) defoliated all varieties of cultivated and native currants in certain districts. McLaine (L. S.). Two new and important Insect Pests recently found in Canada. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottawa, vii, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 793-794. In August 1920 the presence of Pyraiista nuhilalis, Hb. (European corn borer) was discovered in Canada. From July 1917 onwards, this moth has been recorded from various parts of the United States, and after its appearance in the west of New York State, attempts were made to determine whether it had invaded Canada. It was finally located in two districts, namely, along part of the shore of Lake Erie, stretching about 20 miles inland, and also in St. Thomas, Ontario. No borers were found by scouts working between these two localities. Stilpnotia salicis, L. (satin moth) has recently been found feeding on poplars in New Westminster, B.C. This moth is found in Europe and Asia, attacking poplars and willows. It was first recorded from America in the spring of 1919, when it was found near Boston, Mass. Attempts will be made to eradicate it before it spreads further, in view of the danger to poplars and willows, which are abundant in southern British Columbia. White (G. F.). American Foulbrood. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 809, 10th March 1920, 46 pp., 8 plates, 9 figs. [Received 2nd November 1920.] American foulbrood is an infectious disease of the brood of bees caused by Bacillus larvae [R.A.E., A, ii, 530]. It is characterised by a decided ropiness of the decaying brood and a peculiar foul odour. It is widely distributed, and if not treated its effects are severe, the rule being that the colony infected sooner or later dies out as a result. The studies on B. larvae here described were carried out on the same lines and with the same objects in view as those on B. pluton already noticed R.A.E., A, viii, 414]. Russell (H. L.) cS: Morrison (F. B.). Experiments in Farming. .!««. Kept. Wisconsin Agric. Expt. Sta., 1918 1919, Madison, Bull. 319, September 1920, 76 pp., 29 figs. [Received 3rd November 1920.] The cultivation of peas has been greatly curtailed in Wisconsin owing to the ravages of the pea moth [Cydia? nigricana]. This pest was 15 ovidciitly iiiticKhiced sonio 10 or 15 years ago from Canada, and is at present conlined to certain deiinite localities in the State, whence it is gradually extending. The losses in Door county in 1918 were estimated at 40 per cent. Hibernation occurs in the soil, where a small cocoon of soil particles is constructed, the moth emerging about mid- July. The larvae penetrate through the pea-pod and feed on the developing peas. Under the present system of cultivation, spraying is impossible. Peas that mature before 20th July, such as the early canning varieties, will probably escape injury, but as yet nothing has been done to protect the later kinds. About one-third of the potato crop was lost owing to the presence of the potato leafhopper [Empoasca maW] and the condition known as " tipburn " produced by its attacks. This appears first as a slight yellowing, usually at the tip of the leaf, which spreads into a browning or curhng upward of the edge. Bordeaux mixture (4:4: 50) alone, or preferably with nicotine sulphate (1 : 1,200), will protect the plants from bad infestation. A fungus disease attacks both adults and nymphs, and a small Hymenopterous parasite has been bred from the eggs. The strawberry crown miner [Arisiotelia sp.] is apparently well estabUshed in the State. The moth oviposits on strawberry plants in the spring, and the larvae burrow into the crown or along the root, pupation occurring in the tunnels, where the winter is spent. Older beds seem to be more severely attacked than young ones. In cases of bad infestation the best plan is to plough the bed in early autumn so that the roots will dry up before the larvae mature. Spraying the plants with an arsenical solution in early spring while the young larvae are hatching might prevent their entrance to the crown of the plant, but this has not yet been tested. LovETT (A. L.) cS: Fulton (B. B.). Fruit Grower's Handbook of Apple and Pear Insects. — Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, Circ. 22, April 1920, 71 pp., 41 figs. [Received 8th November 1920.] The purpose of this small handbook is to enable the fruit-grower to distinguish the insect pests of fruit and to assist him in controlhng them. The insects are classified as injuring fruit, buds and leaves, or roots, trunks, branches and twigs, and a key for identifying them is given at the head of each group. The life-history and habits of each pest is briefly dealt with, and simple practical remedies are suggested. A chart indicates the best times for remedial, measures, and directions are given for the preparation of the commoner insecticides, including a simplified lime-sulphur dilution table. The value of this handbook is considerably enhanced by both the scientific and popular names of each pest being given. Herrick (G. W.). The Apple Maggot in New York. — Cornell Univ. Agric. Expt. Sta., Ithaca, N.Y., Bull. 402, I\larch 1920, pp. 89- 101, 7 figs. [Received 8th November 1920.] . Rhagoletis pomonella, Walsh (apple maggot or railroad worm) is one of the more serious pests of apple in parts of New York State. Its Hfe-history [R.A.E., A, iv, 370] and distribution in the State are recorded. In New York the flies are on the wing from the middle of June to the end of July or a httle later. Experiments in its control have confirmed the results obtained by previous workers [R.A.E., A, vii, 212], the spray formula recommended being 5 lb. lead arsenate paste to 100 U.S. gals, water. 16 Spraying slioukl Ix' done lallKT thoroughly, thougli there is no need to coat tlic tree completely, as in spra3nng for codling moth [Cydia pomonella]. It seems probable that after this fly has once been brought under control, the ordinary sprays for codling moth given after the petals fall and again three weeks later may be all that are required. Herrick (G. W.). Some Orchard Pests of the Past Season. — Proc. 2nd Ann. Meeting N.Y. Hortic. Soc, 1919, pp. 15-24, 4 figs. [Received 8th November 1920.] The insects generally prevalent and destructive during 1919 included : — Melanoplus femur-ruhntm (red-legged grasshopper), M. ailantis (lesser migratory grasshopper), Pomphopoea sayi (blister beetle) on peach trees, a bug, Cosmopepla carnifex, on potatoes and other plants, Contarinia tritici (wheat midge), Plathypena scabra (green clover worm), Lema trilineata, Empoasca mali (potato leaf hopper), Eriocampoides Umacina (pear slug), Hadena fractilinea (lined corn borer) and Hyper a punctata (clover-leaf weevil). The apple maggot [Rhagoletis pomonella] is becoming increasingly important as an apple pest, and recent experience with regard to its destruction is discussed [see preceding paper]. From the latter part of June until September the red-humped caterpillar [Schiztira concinna] and the yellow-necked caterpillar [Datana ministra] were rather more abundant than usual. The trees were badly defoliated, and branches thus injured often fail to survive the winter. A spray of 6 lb. of lead arsenate paste to 100 U.S. gals, of water is advocated against them, and should be applied as soon as the caterpillars are noticed, followed by a second application about two weeks later. In the case of a light infestation the caterpillars may be cut out or shaken to the ground and killed. A poison-bait consisting of 5 lb. of lead arsenate, 1 U.S. gal. of molasses and 100 U.S. gals, of water should be used as soon as the first flies of the cherry maggot [Rhagoletis cingtdata] are seen, which is usually about the beginning of June. The second application should be made 10 days later. For the control of apple red bugs. Meter ocordylus malinus and Lygidea mendax, the addition of nicotine sulphate to the first codling moth spray just after the petals fall has given good results. In severe infestations one pint of nicotine sulphate may also be added to the spray before the blossoms open. The false tarnished plant bug, Lygits communis, is recorded as occurring on apples. On pears this pest has been successfully con- trolled by the application of nicotine sulphate spray after the petals have fallen. The necessity for co-operation among the various communities in regular spraying each year is emphasised. Felt (E. P.). Com Borers and Grass Insects. — N.Y. State Mus., Albany, [n.d.], 7 pp., 6 figs. The pests dealt with include Craiiibiis Ititcoldlns, Clem., C. vulgiva- gellus, Clem., C. trisectits, Wlk., Hadena fractilinea, Grote (lined corn borer), Papaipema nebris, Gn. [nitcla, Gn.) (stalk borer), Heliothis obsoleta, F. (corn ear worm), and Pyransta nubilalis, Hb. (European corn borer). A key is given to facilitate the recognition of these moths, with particulars of the damage they do and general remedial measures for them. 17 Takahashi (R.). On some Species of the Genus Nipponaphis, Pergande (Aphididae, Hemiptera). — Bull. Brooklyn Entom. Soc, Brooklyn, N.Y., XV, no. 4, October 1920, pp. 115-116. The second generation (migrant) of Nipponaphis distyfoliae, sp. n., from Japan is here described. This Aphid produces very prominent galls on the leaves of its winter host, Distylium racemosnm, which start about April and reach full development in May. The stem-mother is wingless, but the females of the second generation are winged, and migrate to Quercus glandulifera or some closely allied tree in June. The succeeding generations are wingless and non-migrato;y, the winged sexnparae appearing in October and November. The genus Nipponaphis, of which ScJiizoneiiraphis is regarded as a synonym, has been recorded only from Japan and Java. From the former country three other species are known, A'^. yanonis, Mats., N. distylii, Perg., and N. cuspidatae, Essig & Kuw., the latter being the only one with a single food-plant and not producing galls. Pink Bollworm Act of Texas. Approved 19th June 1920. — Texas State Dept. Agric, Aiisiin, 16 pp. [Received 10th November 1920.] The text of the Pink Bollworm Act of Texas is given. The object of this legislation, as shown in the caption, is as follows : — An Act to prevent the introduction into the State of Texas of the destructive cotton pest Platyedra {Pectinophora) gossypicUa, Saund., known as and hereinafter referred to as the pink bollworm, and to control and eradicate such insect pest when and where discovered in this State ; creating a zone along the boundary between Texas and Mexico, and providing for the inspection of fields of cotton and for general control of products in such zones ; providing for emergency quarantine of cotton or cotton products contaminated or infested with such pest and for the adequate disinfection of such cotton products ; providing for supervision of areas contaminated or infested, but in which it is not deemed necessary to destroy the cotton or fields of cotton ; pro- viding for the condemnation, destruction and compensation of fields of cotton infested or cotton or products found to be infested ; providing for the creation, by proclamation of the Governor, of zones in which cotton may be grown under regulations, and for zones in which the growing of cotton may be declared a public menace and its production prohibited ; providing for the appointment of a Pink Bollworm Connnission and prescribing it duties ; providing in the event of the establishment of non-cotton zone for the appointment of a Compensation Claim Board and describing its duties ; providing for the payment of compensation to persons who may sustain loss or damage through the operation of the Act ; defining the pink bollworm and defining " cotton " or " cotton products " ; and making an appropriation (equivalent to {20,000 at par) for the administration of the' Act. ScHOLL (E. E.). Report of the Pink Bollworm of Cotton {Pectinophora gossvpiclla, S.) — Texas State Dept. A^ric., Austin, Bull. i:>5, March- Apnl 1919, 459 pp., 74 figs. [Received 10th November 1920.] The prevention of a general invasion of the cotton bc>lt of the United States by Platyedra {Pectinophora) gossypiella (pink bollworm of cotton) and the extermination of k)cal outbreaks is probably the greatest entomological problem of the southern United States. (7467— A) c 18 The present report has been compiled with the object of informing the public of the status of this pest and of tlic work that has been done in Texas towards its eradication since its first discovery there in 1917. The life-history and habits of this moth are described, with illustrations of its work, tables showing the damage done to cotton, and maps showing the cotton growing comitrics of the world as well as the distri- bution of the insect. A short account is given of other cotton pests, and a brief notice of some insects that might be confused with P. gossypiella. The parasites of the pink bollworm are also discussed. The legislation passed to prevent the importation of the pest into the United States, and the quarantine and other regulations that have been passed since its appearance, are recorded in full. The conclusion drawn from the work and its results is that although P. gossypiella has actually existed in Texas for the past few years, it seems to be entirely under control at the time of writing. Attention has been drawn in the course of the work to other pests of cotton and cotton seed that require the immediate attention of entomologists. It is believed that no method other than strict quarantine measures will entirely eradicate a thoroughly established infestation of P. gossypiella. The study of alternative food-plants has not yet been completed, but there are indications that if successive generations of the bollworm are able to develop on other plants than cotton, such plants are few in number. The Federal Government has helped very considerably in Texas towards the eradication of P. gossypiella with a large force of com- petent men and the expenditure of a considerable sum of money. The author suggests that it would be well for the State Legislature to make a sufficiently large appropriation so that the burden will not all fall upon the Federal officials. A grant made at the present time for eradication of the pest and for preventing the introduction of new infested material would obviously be much better than the expenditure of large sums for remedial measures should the insect become established in the United States. In an appendix, the pink bollworm situation during 1919-1920 is discussed, and the latest resolutions for quarantine measures and the recommendations of the Pink Bollworm Commission are given [see also preceding paper]. DuTTON (W. C.) . Dusting and Spraying Experiments of 1918 and 1919.— Michigan Agric. Expt. Sta., East Lansing, Spec. Bull. 102, March 1920, 50 pp., 20 figs. [Received 11th November 1920.] An account is given of the results of a series of dusting and spraying experiments conducted during two seasons, including comparisons of dusting materials, hme-sulphur solution, Bordeaux, dry hme-sulphur, and lead, calcium, and magnesium arsenates. These materials were used on apples, cherries, plums, peaches, currants and potatoes, for the control of both insects and fungi. Apple scab and chewing insects on apple were satisfactorily controlled by the use of dusting materials. The results were equal to or better than those obtained with dilute lime-sulphur and lead arsenate. The dusting method, however, is recommended as supplementaiy to spraying, not as a substitute for it, as no dusting material has been developed that will completely control scale-insects. Dusting mixtures composed of sulphur, lead arsenate and tobacco dust caused no injury to plum foliage including Japanese varieties. 19 On potatoes, calcium arsenate dust gave excellent results against the Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata]. The application can be made with an orchard duster, without any special outlet for distributing the material to each row ; but for extensive work it is probably better to secure a special attachment. Calcium arsenate, however, did not always give satisfactory results when used on fruit trees. Lead arsenate is recommended for general use on all kinds of fruits ; it gave uniformly better results than any other arsenate. With magnesium arsenate there is a danger of severe foliage injurj^ to peaches and apples, and a satisfactory control of codling moth [Cydia poynonella] was not obtained with it. Dusting may be done when the foliage is either wet or dry. Some growers prefer to dust at night, as atmospheric conditions are usually more favourable. There should not be much wind. The material should be applied from two directions for each application. A satis- factory method is to dust down wind on two different days when the wind is in different directions. There is usually a definite air current at night. In ordinary circumstances it is not necessary to stop at each tree. The cost of material is higher for dusting than for spraying, but the cost of application is less. Dusting can be done much more rapidly than spraying, and consequently it is possible to cover an orchard quickly at critical times and to make extra applications when desirable. No recommendations can be made as to dilute dusting mixtures at present. Ordinary commercial sulphur is not suitable for dusting ; only special dusting sulphur should be used. Foliage injury, which has sometimes been observed when spray guns are used, can be avoided if proper care is taken. The driving spray should be used as little as possible, the trees should not be drenched, and the fine spray should always be used when covering parts of the tree close to the operator. Pettit (R. H.) & McDaniel (E.). The Lecania of Michigan.— Michigan Agric. Expt. Sta., East Lansing, Tech. Bull. 48, March 1920, 35 pp., 7 plates, 16 figs. [Received 11th November 1920.] Of the genus Lecanium {sens, lat.) thirteen species and one variety are described, including Tourney ella corrugatum. Thro., on Scotch and Austrian pine and T. corrugatum var. neglectum, n., on pitch pine in New York, and T. numismaticum, sp. n., on Scotch pine in Wisconsin. Jack (R. W.). The Bean Stem Weevil. A Minor Pest of Beans.— Rhodesia Agric. Jl., Salisbury, xvii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 452-455, 2 plates. [Also published as Rhodesia Dept. Agric, Salisbury, Bull. 369, October 1920, 4 pp., 2 plates.] The bean-stem weevil, Alcides leiicogrammus, Erich., here described, occurs in various parts of Mashonaland. Its attack is apparently limited to beans of the genera Phaseolus and Vigna (French beans and cowpeas). The beetles feed on the stems and branches of the i)lants, and lay their eggs in cavities that they have made at the base of the stems. The larvae feed on the tissues at the base of the stem, and tliough a single individual may be completely enclosed in the swollen stem, when several are present considerable swelling and callus (7467-A) c 2 20 formation result. The pupa is formed in a tough cocoon, attached to or enclosed in the stem. The beetle seems at times to remain in the cocoon for an indefinite period before emerging, particularly in the case of the later broods towards the end of the breeding season. In the height of summer the period of development up to the emergence of the adult may be as short as fifty days, but is very variable even in a given brood. Breeding appears to be restricted to a short period of the year. The insect hibernates as an adult, buried in the ground. Egg-laying has not been observed earlier than late November. Adults from these eggs appear from the middle of January onwards and begin laying in a few days. There are probably only two generations a year, while some of the beetles appearing in January live on till ' next spring before ovipositing. A plant may apparently carry one grub without actually dying, but its growth and production are seriously interfered with. Many plants are killed outright, and others become yellow and drop their leaves, dying more slowly. Damage is sometimes overwhelming in a few rows in gardens, but the weevil's capacit}^ for increase does not seem sufficient to make it a serious field pest. As a remedial measure all beans attacked should, be pulled up and burnt as soon as their period of usefulness is over, especially during the earlier part of the season. No parasites have been bred from the grubs, but observations in the .field have indicated considerable destruction by predaceous enemies, which eat into the cocoons and devour the pupae and resting adults, and probably also the larvae. The driver ant, Dorylits helvohis, appears to be the chief enemy in this respect. SwEZEY (0, H.). Termites or White Ants in Sugar Cane. — Hawaiian Planters' Record, Honolulu, xxiii, no. 4, October 1920, p. 218. An instance of Coptotermes intrudens, Oshima, attacking sugar-cane is here recorded. In a single stool of cane growing in a garden, a few of the stalks were hollowed out by the termites, which had worked into the stool from below ground and on up into the stalks. They had apparently come from a badly infested fence near by. Only once before has a similar attack by termites been recorded in Hawaii, five stools in a field having been attacked by C. intrudens in 1917. In both cases the attacks took place in July. An instance is also given of sugar-cane that has never been attacked though situated within a few feet of a heavily infested fence. In March 1920 this same termite was found in maize, well grown stalks of which had been entirely eaten out. Conner (S. D.). Aphids and Ants on Fruit Trees. — Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci., Indianapolis, 1918, pp. 245-246. Trees treated with sticky bands for the prevention of infestation by ants were found to be equally free from Aphids, Although Aphids can fly, they apparently depend chiefly on ants for transmission as well as protection from natural enemies. The efficacy of this treatment, tested in 1917, was proved by a subsequent trial the following year. .21 McDaniel (E.). Spruce Budworm {Tortrix fumiferana, Clem.). — Michigan Agric. Expt. Sta. Qtrly. Bull., East Lansing, iii, no. 1, August 1920, pp. 13-14, 2 figs. The discovery of larvae of Tortrix fumiferana (spruce bud moth) in Michigan is a serious matter in view of the fact that this insect has caused the destruction of large coniferous forests both in New England and Canada. The larvae feed on the buds and shoots of conifers, spinning them together into shelters in which they pass the winter. They pupate in nests on the terminal twigs about the end of June. The moth has a wide range, and infestation spreads rapidly. The trees attacked are fir, spruce, larch, hemlock, balsam and white pine. Infested trees, if valuable enough, should be sprayed with lead arsenate (2A lb. powder to 50 U.S.. gals, water) soon after the young shoots open, and again a week or ten days later. CooLEY (R. k). Seventeenth Annual Report o£ the State Entomologist of Montana. — Montana Agric. Expt. Sta., Bozeman, Bull. 133, December 1919, 15 pp., 1 fig. [Received 16th November 1920.] A list is given of the commoner insect pests of 1919. Porosagrotis orthogonia (pale western cutworm) is now recognised as being quite as serious as Chorizagrotis auxiliaris (army cutworm), and destroyed over £200,000 worth of grain in 1919. It has a long period of larval feeding for about two months from the middle of April, and the damage it does is so prolonged that it makes it too late to put in a second crop of spring grain if necessary. This cutworm is not heavily attacked by parasites, and as it feeds underground, it is not affected by poison- baits or other methods of control at present known. Grasshoppers were more than usually numerous, particularly Eritettix tricarinata, Camniila pellucida and Aulocara elliotti, the last- named being one of the worst insect enemies to range grass. Grass- hoppers of the type of Melanoplus atlantis, on the other hand, were not abundant anywhere, probably because of the activities of parasitic flies [Sarcophaga spp.]. No parasites were observed in connection with the three species first mentioned, and it seems probable that grasshoppers will be a serious problem for several years. Loxostege sticticalis (sugar-beet webworm) occurred in large numbers on Russian thistle in wheat fields, where it did no damage, as it does not attack wheat, but it caused real injury in gardens to beets, spinach, and a few other plants. It is capable of doing extensive damage in sugar-beet fields. Hypera variabilis {Phytonomus posticus) (alfalfa weevil) will probably reach Montana in the normal course of its spread in a year or two, and become a serious pest a few years later. Meanwhile a quarantine against the whole of Idaho will be essential. Legislative measures against American foulbrood, which has caused great loss in the State, are proposed. Cydia [Carpocapsa) pomonella (codling moth) attracted attention, the early summer enabhng a destructive second brood to develop. It will probably not be so serious in future years, but a consistent spraying programme against it and other pests and diseases should be adopted by all fruit-growers. A leaf-roller, either Tortrix (Archips) argyrospila or T. {A.) rosaccana, which appeared in injurious numbers on apple trees, may be satisfac- \/ 22. torily controlled by the use of miscible oils applied as a spray as early as possible in the spring. This pest usually occurs intermittently. Flea-beetles were numerous, and caused rather extensive damage early in the season to tomato and potato plants and sugar-beets. Several species were noticed, the most injurious being Epitrix subcrinila. Paillot (A.). L'lmmunit^ chez les Insectes. — C.R. hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxi, no. 16, 18th October 1920, pp. 757-759, 1 fig. Immunity in msects is not considered to be essentially the result of a change of activity in the phagocytes, but is probably due to a series of varied reactions, in more or less close relation to each other, the intensity of which varies according to the individual, the organism inoculated, temperature, etc. These reactions jointly constitute a biological table characterised by its great complexity and variability. As a result of experiments with Nygmia phacoryhoea {Eiiproclis chrysor- rhoea) , Porthctria {Lymantria) dispiir and Vanessa polychlorus, inoculated with Bacillus melolonihac non-liqitcfaciens, B. pieris non-liquefaciens and B. bomhycis non-liqiiefaciens, it is thought that the variations in the intensity of phagocytosis is due less to a change in the sensibility of the phagocyte than to a physico-chemical modification of the substance of the microbe, and that phagocytes play no part either directly or indirectly in the granular transformation of the organism. The extracellular destruction of microbes in the blood of insects is not necessarily preceded by their granular transformation. Certain bacteria are able to resist the action of the blood and multiply actively, causing death of the host as a result of septicaemia. HouLBERT (C). Les Insectes. Anatomie. et Physiologic g^u^rales : Introduction a I'Etude de TEntomologie biologique. — Paris, Librairie Octave Doin, 1920, 2nd Edn., 374 pp., 207 ligs. Price 8 fr. paper, 10 fr. boards. This httle handbook, M'hich forms a volume of the " Encyclopedic Scientifique," is written for those who desire a general and elementary knowledge of entomology. The history of the science up to the present day is briefly reviewed, and the anatomy, physiology and biology of insects is discussed. A section of the book deals with economic entomology, remedial measures against pests, the geographical dis- tribution of insects and their relation to agriculture. Insect parasitism of man, animals and other insects is briefiy touched upon. Under the heading of applied entomology the classification of insects is briefly explained and a table for determining the natural orders of insects is given. A bibliographic and a general index are appended. Marchal (P.) & FoEx (E.). Rapport Phytopathologique pour PAnn6e 1918.— ^ww. Service des Epiphxtics, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pp. 5-33. [Received 12th November 1920.] The general lines of work of the Service des Epiphytics are outlined. The distribution of Novitis cardinalis lor the control of Aiilacaspis {Diaspis) pcnlagona was continued. The following pests were intercepted in material for export to the United States : — Nygmia phaeorrhoea {Euproctis cIirysorrhQea), Porthetria {Eiparis) dispar, Aporia crataegi, Acronycta rumicis, and Anthonomiis rectirostris {druparum), the last-named being found in seeds of Ccrasus avium. 23 Among the insects reported during 1918 Pegomyia hyoscyami (beet- fly) was unusually prevalent in Brittany and also in the Paris district, and was a serious danger to the beet industry ; ' this fly, however, seldom does much damage after the first generation, and therefore the crop is able to recover. Vegetables were damaged by cutworms {Agrofis), and it was found that dipping the young plants in Bordeaux mixture as well as spraying them has given good results ; Pionca forficalis injured cabbages and cauliflowers ; the Tortricid, Cydia {Grapholitha) leplastriana, Curt., which is very injurious in Italy, has been recorded from Niort, but does not seem to be very widespread in France ; Agromyza abiens (artichoke fly) was much less abundant than in previous years. Beans were severely attacked by Lixus algirus and Sitones lineatus. Larvae of Hyponomeuta were very numerous on apple-trees in many regions, and plums were much injured by H. padella. Besides Anthono- mus pomorum, which was prevalent as usual on apple-trees, pear-trees have been severely attacked by A. pomorum on the flower buds, A. pyri on the flower clusters and A. spilotus on the leaves. Pears were also heavily infested in the Paris district by the Cecidomyid, Contarinia (Diplosis) pyrivora. The infested fruit should be gathered directly after the blossoming period. OHves were attacked by Daciis oleac (ohve fly), Euphyllura oleae (oHve psylla) and in the Drome region b\' Prays oleellus (ohve moth). Forest-trees were attacked by processionary caterpillars [Cnethocampa processionea], elms by Galerucella liUeola, and pines by Hylesinus piniperda and Rhyacionia {Evetria) biioliana (pine-shoot moth). Among ornamental plants, rhododendrons were heavily infested with Stephanitis rhododendri, Horv., and violets with Perrisia affinis. PiCARD (F.). La Faune entomologique du Figuier. — Ann. Service des Epiphyties, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pp. 34-174, 36 figs. [Received 12th November 1920.] This work is a review of the insect pests of fig-trees in Herault. Those dealt with include the Curculionids, Choerorrhinus squalidus, Frm., and Rhyncolus pimctatitlus, Boh. The Scolytid, Hypoborus ficus, Er., is of primary importance, and a description of it and its life-history are given. Parasites and other enemies of this beetle include Sycosoter lavagnei Pic. & Licht., Nemosoma elongatum, L., Brontes planatus, L., Laeinophlociis hypobori, Perris, L. ater, 01., Cephalonomyia hypobori, Kieff., various Chalcids, a mite Pediculoides ventricosus, Newp., and Cecidomyia spp. Bostrychid and Anobiid pests include Sinoxylon sexdentatum, 01., parasitised by Monolexis lavagnei, Pic. ; Scobicia chevrieri, ViUa, parasitised by Dendrosoter ferrugineus, Marsh., Spathius nibidus, Rossi, and Parascleroderma scobiciae, Kieff. ; Xylonites praciistus, Germ., and A\ retusus, 01. ; Anobiiim striatum, 01., parasitised by Spathius pedestris, Wesm. ; Gastrallus laevigatas, 01., parasitised by Ceroccphala cornigera, Westw. ; Ptinus lichenum. Marsh., and P. bidcns. Cerambycid pests include Hcsperophanes griscus, F., an important pest of which . the description and biology are given, the parasites being Xylonomus propinquus, Tschk., Sycophriirus hesperophanis. Pic, and Iphiaiilax flavator, F. ; H. fasciculatus, Fald., H. cinereus, Vill., and H. sericeiis, F. ; Clytus pilosus, Forst., with its parasites Doryctes leucogaster, Nees, Pristaulacus chlapowskii, Kieff., and Opilo domesticns, Strm. ; C. arietis, L., C. arvicola, 01., C. rhamni, Germ., and C. sartor, Miill. ; Gracilia 24 miniita, F., Leptidea bycvipcnnh. Mills., and Necydalis ulmi, Chev. ; Pogonochaertis dentatus. Four., Ilnphcncmia curailionoides, L., Niphona picticornis, Muls., and Dofcnfypiis iyisfis, L. Otlicr wood-inliabiting insects include Caloicnncs JlnvicolUs, F., ants, Vespids, etc. ; those attacking the leaves include the Lepidoptera, Arctia ccija, L., Simacthis nemorana, Hb., with its parasites Pimpla ciy/lifonoia, Kriechb., Apanlclca sicarius. Marsh., and Sienomesius riifcscens, Rossi; the Rhynchota :^//omo/owa /c»s, Guer., with its enemy Rhopalum clavipes, L. ; the Jassids, Typhlocyba rosae, L., and Etnpoasca {Chlorita) fiavcscens, F.; the Fulgorid, Ilysteropterongrylloides, F. ; the scales, Lepidosaphes ulmi, L. {conchifoniiis, Gmel.), Saisse/ia olcac, Bern., Coccus {Lccaniinii) hcsperidiim, L., and Ccroplasics rtisci, L., the enemies of which are Enhlciuma [Thalpochares) scitiila, Ramb., Scutellista cyanea, Mot., and Spilomcna Iroglodytrs, Lind. Insects found in the figs themselves include BlastopJiaga psenes, L., Philotn'pcsis caricae, Hass., and certain Diptera and Orthoptera. It is noticeable that it is generally specihc pests that are most in- jurious to fig-trees, which is contrary to the case of the vine. Fig-trees are ubiquitous, but occur singly, and cultivation is generally non- existent where they are grown. While most of the pests occur both on " cai)rifico " and cultivated figs, Blaslophaga psenes and Philo- trypesis caricae are not adapted to cultivated figs, on which they are replaced by the Diptera connnon to all puljiy fruit, notably by Ceratitis. Parasites are an important consideration with regard fo fig pests, and 4t is obvious that many of them have a very lengthy larval period and frequently develop at the expense of hosts that are in the second year of their life-cycle. The conclusion is reached that, though parasites constitute periodically an obstacle to the multiplication of certain species, they do not as a whole ever multiply to such an extent as to overwhelm their hosts. Arnaud (G.), Maladies nouvelles oii peu conniies en France. Serie ii.^ Ann. Service dcs Epiphv/ies, Paris. \i. (U)1S) 1919, pp. 214-227, 11 figs. [Received 12th November 1920.] In the course of this discussion of plant diseases in France it is mentioned that the disease known as " silver leaf " of the laurel. Viburnum tinus, is caused by the punctures of a thrips, probably Ihiiothrips haeniorrhoidalis. This disease greatl}^ lowers the vitality of the plant and may even cause its death ; it has occurred in Mont- pellier for the past 10 years, but its cause was not previously understood. Lesne (P.). Un Chalcidide nuisible a I'Amandier dans la Region Syrienne. -.1;/;/. Service des Epiphvties, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pp. 228-241, 14 ligs. [Received 12th November 1920.] The Chalcid, Eurylorna amygdali, is a serious pest of almonds in certain parts of Syria. A description of the insect is given that com- pletes and rectifies in certain points the original one by Endcrlein in 1907, and includes a description of a mature larva. The habits of and injury caused by the pest are described, largely from Aharoni's account [R.A.E., A, V, 374]. A Chalcid has been reared in Paris from almonds sent from Palestine that is believed to be a parasite of E. amygdali. The only indi^•idual obtained is imperfect and cannot tlierefore be identified, but a description of it is given. Another enemy is a spider that enters the almond before E. amygdali has emerged and devours it. 25 In spring, during the period of ovipositiun, repellent mixtures should be sprayed on the trees, followed by insecticide sprays when necessary during the hatching period. In summer and autumn the fallen almonds and the infested ones remaining on the tree should be collected and put into receptacles screened with a 1 mm. mesh to allow the emergence of parasites. ]\1akchal (P.). Les Traitements Arsenicaux et les Traitements mixtes des Arbres Fruitiers. — Ann. Service dcs Epiphvtics, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pji. 242-280. [Received 12th November 1920.] In continuation of the work of previous years [R.A.E., A, vii, pp. 462-464), various treatments have been given against pests of fruit- trees. The substances and manner of application in use in America are described and contrasted with the French methods, and many formulae are given for simple insecticide and combined mixtures. The conclusions reached by the work achieved up to the present are discussed. It is agreed that the earliest measure against Cydia {Carpocapsa) pomonella (codling moth) should be given at the moment of the fall of the petals, or immediately after, care being taken to fill the calyx with the spray, as this is the most usual point of entry of the larva into the fruit. In 1917, moths of the second generation emerged on 16th August from infested apples gathered in July ; it is probable that in northern France the second generation is only a partial one, and less important than the first. Accurate information on this point is desirable, but it is probable that the second generation influences only the quahty and not the quantity of the fruit, and therefore is not of much importance in cider districts. This generation is controlled in America by later sprays, which, however, are forbidden in France by legislation. Some growers prefer to spray apple-trees when in full bloom. For pears, in which the calyx cup frequently remains open, the first treatment may be made comparatively late. Lead arsenate has pro\'ed the most successful of all insecticides, 'and is used sometimes at as much as double the strength of the American formula, owing to the fewer treatments that can be applied. A com- mercial preparation, equivalent to 3 lb. sodium arsenate plus 9 lb. lead acetate per 100 gals, water, used in Gironde in 1917, produced more than double the quantity of apples compared with untreated trees when a single application was given at the time the blossoms fell, and nearly three times the quantity when a second application was given a fort- night after the first. Lead arsenate is not only efficacious against C. pomonella and C. fitncbrana (on plums), but also against foliage pests, such as Cheimatobia brumata, Hyponomeuta spp., the larvae of which die in 8 to 15 days after spraying, and Malacosoma nensfria, which also dies within a few days. The action of various mixtures on the plants is discussed. It is said that lead arsenate mixtures are not only harmless to the plant, but even stimulate its growth. The advantage to be gained by arsenical treatments is considered ; in the case of table fruit the profit to be derived in consequence of better quality fruit has already been proved ; it remains to be determined exactly which treatments will give the maximum results that are obtained normally in the United States and in Canada. 26 Vayssffre (P.). Les Sauterelles dans le Sud-est de la France en 1918. - Ann. Service des lipiphv/irs, Pans, vi (19KS) 1919, pp. 2S9 298, 3 figs. [Received 12lli Nuvnnb.M 1920. J 111 \ icw of Ihe serious losses from various Orthoptera in the south- east of i'lance during 1918, a study lias Ijeen made of the conditions in those regions and of metliods for comlxating the invasions in future years. The principal species olistn'ved was nocios/aiirns {Stauronotits) niaroccauiis, Thuiib., wliieh l)t'gan fo npjK'ai- from Isf to ISth May. The crops that sntfenKl most wen- hic(M-ne and spring cereals (oats .iiid barlev), of which more tlian ha,lf the cro]) w.is damaged. Callip- /(iiiiits i/(ilicits, L., Ocdipoda coenilescens, ].., and 0. niiniala, Pall., ajipcaiiHl in almost i^qual numlxM's wherever they were prevalent, occiiiiiiii; from I Ik- iiid of Jmie or vm\\ July. V^egetable crops and pastur.ige were both severt^ly a.(t.ick('d. Iip/iippi\c;ey provincialis, Ycrs., and /■'. viliiini, Serv., are essenlially pests of xines and vegetable crops, and reach tlieir maximum numbeis in July. Oviposition occurs in loose soil in exposed ]:)laces. Hdrbi/is/es fisc/irn, ^'ers. [bcrengHieri, May.) breeds in the forests of the Chaine des IVlaures, and becomes adult in sunnncr. In certain years it is unusually abundant, and descends to 1 he lieKls, severely damaging tlu' crops, including vines, cvreals, fruit and oriKuuental trees, as well as wlu-at. Declicus alhifyons, F., is chiefly predaceous on other ()rthopt(-ra, vegetable food being a secondary consideration. In oik' locality, however, it compk;tely devoured the first crop of figs. In studying the methods of control of locusts it must be remembered til, it IIk' xarious species have difftMcnt habits. It is useless at present to iittt'inpl to protect the forest trees. While these Orthoptera bn^ed in large masses, the Tettigoniids oviposit in isolated places, frequently depositing a singl(> egg wherever suitable ground occurs. The Moroccan locust alone lia.s Ikh-u successfulK' controlled by the use of tents, but this method is imiiracti cable in the lorest regions in question. An outstanding feature of the remetlial measures advocated in different countries is the importance assigned to insecticide treatments, m(>cJianical methods being a secondary consideration. It is not known what value should be attached to the biological method of control by Coccohcicillns acridioriiin, trilerelle, as it lias not been tried on the nalive s])ecies, except })erliaps /). maroccaniis ; it would be interesting to have further information on this jioint. Some succi'ss has bet'u obtained in the districts liable to invasion by si)raying the young locusts with a mixture of \5 to 20 lb. tiude oil of coal-tar, 1 gal. spirits of wine, 5 lb. soilium carbonate and sullicient water to maki' 25 gals. .Arsenical salts and arsenious acid are recom- mended as producing the best results, and it is considered unnecessary to enter into a discussion of other well-known but less efficacious treatments. In dealing with locusts, the breeding-places should be searched for at the beginning of spring, and the young stages and the jilauts on which they U'Vi\ should be s|>rayed with an arsenical solution. As sc>on as the first hopptM"s ai)pea!' in the undi'rgrowth near plantations, poison- bait should be spnatl around the cultixated areas, especially those bordering on woods, and insecticides should be spra^^cd over the grasses and bushes at the edge of the fields. The formulae for various pre- parations of this nature are given I R.A.H., \. \\\ (->, etc.]. The poison- baits can be used on any kind of plants oi" iiasture-land, and are efl'icacious against all stages of locusts. 27 It is suggested that a syndicate! slioukl be formed on the hnes of that inaugnrated in 1911 [R.A.It., A, vii, 466] to deal in a co-operative manner with locust invasions. ]\k)Ki;Au (I .) ^' ViNi'T (!<:.). Les Pi6ges-Appats dans la Lutte centre la Cochylis. [Bait-traps in liie (amp.iigu against Clysia amhii^iiclla.l.—AnH. Service des Epiphy/ies, Paris, vi (1918), 1919, pp. 299 312, 2 plat(>s. [Received 12th Noveml:)er 1920. J Recent experiments with bait-traps for Clysia amhigueUa in French vineyards have only served to coufirm the authors' o])inion expressed in 1913, that while they hav(^ undoubtedly some value in protecting vines against this moth, they cannot b(> regarded as anything more than a com]->lementary measure \R.AJi., A,-ii, 16J. The experi- ments hen^ described have led to the conclusion that tlie liquid used in a liait-trap must have some odour if it is to have any attraction for the moths. The addition of a roof-shelter to the traps is not necessary. The maxinuun uuml)er of moths is caught shortly after sunset, and there is a gradual decrease after 10 p.m. The number of females caught is on an average 65-1 per cent, of the total. Atmospheric conditions have an important influence on the numbers captured. The traps arc not luiiform in their captiues, and it is necessary to take various factors into consideration in determining their value. The degree of protection conferred upon vines by bait-traps is estimated, judging by the authors' own experiments, at 37-8 per cent, reduction in the number of larvae in the spring and 24-8 per cent, in the number of infested grapes in the summer. This latter figure is practically the same as that calculated in 1913, viz., 26 per cent. These observations exphiin, in a great measure, the contradictory results that have been obtained by various experimenters, and demonstrate tlK> necessity of detailing the technique employed in any tests, the climatic conditions imder which they were carried out, and also the method employed in calculating their efficacy. Fe\ lAUD (J.). Essais de Traitements Arsenicaux tardifs centre I'Eud^mis. |lLX])eriments in late Arsi'uical Treatments against Polvchrosis bolrana.] — Ann. Service des Epiphytics, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pp. 313-319. [Received 12tli November 1920.] Experiments in the control of Polychrosis hotrana indicate that arsenical applications made after blossoming, for the control of the first generation, cannot replace preventive treatments, which give the best results. These late applications, although almost useless against the first infestation of larvae, exercise considerable control against the second generation, which damages the vines towards the end of July and beginning of August. Their elficacy against the second generation is, however, very inferior to that of a preventive nicotine treatment made towards the end of July. It is pointed out that the measures adopted in France differ essentially from those made against P. viteana in America, where the biology and conditions are both different. In view of the legislation restricting the use of arsenicals in France ^R.A.E., A, V, 47, etc. I it is suggested that an arsenical or nicotine jireventive treatment should be given before the blossoming to destroy the eggs and larvae of the first generation, this being followed by a l)reventive nicotine treatment against the eggs and larvae of the second generation. A comi)lementary treatment of nicotine, pyridine or ])yrethrum, in the form of a liquid pressure spray, might be given during the blossoming period to destroy the larvae while infesting the flowers. 28 Rapports sommaires sur les Travaux accomplis dans les Laboratoires et Comptes Rendus des Missions d'Etudes. — A)in. Service dcs Epiphvties, Paris, vi, (1918) 1919, pp. 336-351. [Received 12th No\ember 1920.] The \voik oi the entomological and j)athological stations at Paris, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Saint-Gcnis-Laval and Cadillac during 1918 is reviewed. Cryplolaemns montrouzieri, the Coccinellid that has been found so efficacious in the control of scale-insects in California [R.A.E., A, vii, 61], has been introduced into France, and is being reared in considerable numbers, chiefly as a check on scales of the genus Psciidococciis {Dacfylopiits). Attempts are also being made to accli- matise a Braconid parasite of the potato moth {Phthorirnaea opi*rculdla) introduced. from California ; this parasite cannot as yet be considered to be established, but conditions appear favourable to it. Experiments in fumigation for the control of Stcphanitis rhododendri, which is a serious pest to the horticulturists around Paris, indicate that adult and larval stages of this bug can be completely destroyed, without any injury to rhododendron bushes, by the following procedure. Bushes of approximately 8 cubic metres were covered by a tent measuring 6 square metres and exposed for one hour to hydrocyanic acid gas produced by placing in 22 c.c. of water 11 grammes of sulphuric acid and 7 grammes of cyanide of potassium. The treat- ment was given in the evening at a temperature of about 65° F. Any weaker fumigation than this only gave rise to a comatose condition from which the insects quickly recovered. In the course of measures against the oblong scale {Eulecanium pcrsicae), and against Chionaspis citonymi and Pulvinaria floccifera, which are frequently found associated with it, the destructive influence of heat and dryness on scales and certain other insects, particularly Clysia ambigncUa, was apparent. Scolytits rugulosiis, Ratz., which is generally known as a pest of apples and has not apparently been previously recorded as occurring in the Rhone valley, has been the cause of the death of a number of apricots. The work of this beetle is frequently mistaken for that of Xyleborus dispar, which, however, was not observed in the region. A Hymenopterous parasite of the larvae has been noticed, and a study of both is being made. Observations are recorded on the effect of gases from a powder factor\^ (chiefly nitrogenous) on the neighbouring vegetation. In places where the gases were borne by the wind there was no noxious effect on the crops. On vines, however, that had been sprayed with copper solution, wherever the copper had touched them the vines were scorched and dried. Both flowers and fruit were completely withered in consequence. FuLMEK (L.) & Sriii (A.). Ueber im Jahre 1918 erschienene bemerkens- werte Mitteilungen auf dem Gebiete der tierischen und pflanzlichen Feinde der Kartoffelpflanze. jConnuunications of \'alue published in 1918 concerning the Animal and Vegetable Enemies of the Potato.] — Centralbl. Bakt. Parasii. u. Infektionskr., Jena, lite Abt., hi, no. 4-8, 21st October 1920, pp. 81-100. This is a comprehensive review of the literature on the subject for 1918. 29 Eckstein (K.). Beitrage zur Kenntnis des Hausbocks, Hylotrupes bajulns, L. [Contributions to the Knowledge of H. bajulus.] — Zeitschr. f. Forst -u. Jagdwes., lii, 1920, pp. 65-89. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. n. Infcktionskr., Jena, lite Abt., Hi, no. 4-8, 21st October 1920, pp. 136-137.) Hylotrupes bajulns, L., infests the timber of conifers ; its presence in that of deciduous trees is not yet proved. It is usually found in beams, less often in furniture. The larvae destroy the wood so thoroughly as to threaten the very existence of the buildings involved. The flight period of the beetles extends from mid-June to the end of August. The eggs are deposited singly in cracks. The mines extend in the sapwood up to just beneath the surface, a skin about | mm. thick being left, and the interior of the beam being rendered spongy in appearance. Pupation takes place in a larval mine. The larvae are long-lived, the adults appearing from 3 to 11 years after oviposition. The adults remain for 5-7 months in the wood before their flight period, death occurring about 14 days later. Painting with carbohneum is a useful protective measure. Burke (H. E.). U.S. Bur. Entom. The Pacific Oak Twig-girdler.— //. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 379- 384. The Buprestid, Agrilus angelicas, Horn, causes serious damage to oaks {Querciis agrifolia) in California. It also attacks interior live oak {Q. wislizeni), leather oak (Q. durata), canyon hve oak {Q. chrysolepis), mesa oak {Q. engelmanni), Cahfornia black oak {Q. californica) and tan oak {Q. densiflora). It is found from a few feet above sea-level to an altitude of 6,000 ft. The eggs are generally laid singly on the smooth bark of the twig near the end of the last year's growth at the end of June or beginning of July. They hatch in from two to three weeks, and the larvae begin boring under the bark. The complete life-cycle requires about two years. By the middle of the first winter the mine extends down the small twigs for about one to three inches. Some of the larvae may reach the wood, whilst others still remain in the bark. Mining is continued in the following spring and summer, the length of the burrow being increased to from 6 to 12 inches. The winter is parsed in the centre of the branch. In the succeeding spring the burrow is lengthened by an inch or two, after which the larva turns and retreats for several inches before entering the wood to form the pupal cell, usually about the middle of May. The adults remain for several days in the pupal cell before emerging in Maj' and June. The natural enemies of this beetle include the following Hymeno- pterous parasites: — Cryptohelcostizus rufigaster, Cushm., Cryptoidens fasciatiis, Ashm., Doryctes macuUpennis, Rohw., Callihormiiis sp., Ptinobins agrili, Rohw., reared from the larvae, Metapelma spectabilis, Westw., which may be a hyperparasite, TetrasticJnis anthracimts, Ashm., of which as many as 17 larvae have been found in one larval host, and Dinotus agrili, Rohw. The remedial measures advocated include pruning about April before the beetles emerge. These prunings should be placed in a box or barrel covered with a 16 mesh wire screen to permit the escape of the parasites. Poison and contact sprays exercise a certain amount of check by poisoning the beetles as they feed, but not sufiicient to warrant their use against this beetle only. 30 Herrick (G. W.). Field Experiments for the Control of the Apple Maggot. — ■//. Econ. Ii)i/iiiii., Coiiconi, N.IL, xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 384-388. The ap])lo maggot [Rhagoletis pomonella] is very destructive in the Hudson Ki\'er N'alley and in Cohmibia county, New York, wlierc it is one of the major apple pests. Spraying wi t h 3 lb. jxnvdered lead arsenate to 100 U.S. gals, water about tlu' 3()tli June and again about the 17th July has proved a successful remedial measure. The results of experi- ments show that all apple trees liable to infestation should be sprayed to prevent any migration of the flies from untreated varieties. All derelict trees should be thoroughl}^ sprayed, or cut down and burned. Wellhouse (W. H). Wild Hawthorns as Hosts of Apple, Pear and Quince Pests. — Jl. Econ. Entom., Concunl, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 388-391. The necessity for treating or destroying wild hawthorns {Crataegus) in the vicinity of orchards is emphasised. Owing to the almost identical habitat and botanical relationship between hawthorn and the cultivated apple, pear and quince, many insects infesting it migrate to the cultivated hosts. The most important species in this respect include Anihgnomns nebulosus, Lee. (hawthorn blossom weevil), the habits and life-history of which are identical with those of the apple blossom weevil of Europe [A. pomontm] ; the Cosmopterygid, Blastodacna airvilineclla, Chamb. (hawthorn fruit-miner) ; the leaf bug, Lygus univittatus, Knight ; MacrosipJnim crataegi, Mon. ; Argyresthia oreasella, Clem. ; and the leafhoppers, Empoa qiterci, Lamenia vulgaris, Erythroneura ohliqua and Idiocerus provanchcri. The popular belief that the round-headed apple-tree borer, Saperda Candida, and the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, are common feeders on Crataegus has not been confirmed. Peterson (A). Some Studies on the Effect of Arsenical and other Insecticides on the Larvae of the Oriental Peach Moth. //. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 391-398. A series of experiments has been conducted under laboratory conditions to ascertain the effect of arsenicals on the larvae of Cydia {Laspeyresia) molesta, Busck. The technique employed is described, and the results show that dusts are superior to sprays for combating this moth, though in no case was there a complete control. Siuall larvae were killed by applying to the fruit a dust consisting of 1 part lead arsenate, and 5 parts hydrated lime or 1 part of finely ground sulphur. The latter mixture is the more effective of the two. Calcium and magnesium arsenates alone or in combinaticm with hydrated lime killed almost the same percentage of larvae as the lead arsenate. Dust of hellebore, tobacco and pyrethrum did not keep the larvae out of even thoroughly coated fruit, although pyrethrum ai)parently has a shghtly repellent effect. It was thought that spraying the twigs might poison the larvae as they eat their way out, but the results of these tests were not promising. Owing to lack of material the effect of sprays on newly- hatched larvae could not be ascertained, but they are probably more susceptible than the larger ones ; in this case it may be possible to kill them all as they enter the fruit or twigs by thoroughly dusting them. 31 Metcalf (Z. p.). Dipping Tobacco Plants at Transplanting Time for the Control of the Tobacco Flea Beetle [Epitrix parvula, Fabr.).— Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 398-400. The losses caused by Epitrix parvula, F. (tobacco flea-beetle) may be greatly reduced by dipping the leaves, before transplanting, into a solution of 1 lb. of powdered lead arsenate to 10 U.S. gals, of water. The moisture should be shaken from the leaves, leaving them covered with white powder when dry. Fenton (F. a.) & Hartzell (A.). The Life History of the Potato Leafhopper {Empoasca mali, Le Baron). — //. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 400-408, 1 fig. Owing to the connection of Empoasca mali, Le B., with hopper-burn, extensive observations on its life-history' have been made. Hibernation takes place in the adult stage. The leafhoppers become active again about April, and may be found on weeds — yellow dock {Riimex crispiis) being a favourite food-plant — until June. Early in that month these adults migrate to early planted potatoes, and begin ovipositing. The eggs hatch in from 10 to 15 days, but under laboratory conditions an average of 7 days only was required. A general migration from early to late potatoes was noticed in July, and by August the majority of nymphs had become adult. In July the nymphs rnay mature in about a week, but in cooler weather this stage may last as much as 26 days. The adults of this summer generation are most abundant about 10th July. The eggs laid by them hatch towards the end of August and beginning of September, giving rise to the second generation. Many of the resulting adults live until the following August, a period of about 11 to 12 months. This generation does not oviposit until the spring. The total life-cycle is thus 10 weeks for the first generation, and over a year for the second generation. Attempts to produce a third generation failed under laboratory conditions. Dudley (J. E.). U.S. Bur. Entom. Control of the Potato Leafhopper {Empoasca mali, Le B.) and Prevention of " Hopperburn." — Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 4, October 1920, pp. 408-415, 1 plate. Observations show that one adult or nymph of Empoasca mali, Le B., is sufficient to produce decided symptoms of hopper-bum. Although this leafhopper appears on a variety of plants, it is apparently only capable of reproduction on potato, beans, hemp, apple, Dahlia and hollyhock. A disease similar to the hopper-burn of potatoes has been found on these plants and also on raspberry and box elder. Field observations show that, on potato at least, the extent of disease is in close relation to the number of leafhoppers present. Certain varieties of potatoes with tender fohage are apparently preferred, and these are more susceptible. The disease also affects the potato tuber, but in what way has not j-et been determined. Plants grown from seed from the diseased crop of the previous year are evidently more susceptible, as they were seriously damaged in spite of sprajang. The materials tested as sprays include kerosene emulsion, nicotine sulphate, Bordeaux mixture and a combination of the last two. 32 Bordeaux mixture alone or combined with nicotine sulphate (1-1200) appear to be of equal value in protecting the foliage from disease. At least thre'e applications should be made ; tlie first when the leaf- hoppers are abundant, the second about 10 to 14 days later, and the third about two weeks after the second, but depending on the amount of new growth infested. A fourth application should be made in hot dry seasons when there is heavy new growth in late summer, and a great abundance of leafhoppers and also other potato diseases. An arsenical may be combined with the spray for the control of leaf-eating insects. The natural enemies of Empoasca mali inchule a Hymenopterous parasite, probably a Dryinid, whicli attacks the eggs, and a fungus, EntomophtJiora spJiaerospenna, which attacks both nymphs and adults. This latter greatly ri'duced the infestation in tlie northern sections. Hawley (I. ]\I.). Injuries to Beans in the Pod by Hemipterous Insects. — Jl. Econ. Entoni., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 415-416, 1 plate. Observations show that the deformations found on beans, varying from circular depressed areas with a dark spot in the centre to ragged holes in which the bean coat is badly damaged, are chiefly due to injury caused by the bug, Adelphocoris rapidus. Say. Such deformations may also be caused by the Pentatomid, Enschistus variolarius, P. de B. (spined tobacco bug), and LygJis pratensis, L. (tarnished plant bug). The apple leaf hopper, Empoasca mali, Le B., was also present on beans in the field, but apparently is unable to do similar injury. Wadley (F. M.). U.S. Bur. Entom. The Squash Bug.—//. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920. pf>. 416-425. The squash bug, Anasa iristis, De G., is found practically everywhere on squashes and pumpkins in the United States, Mexico, Central America and Canada. The chief damage is done in late summer, when the weather is hot and dry and the nymphs are most numerous. Its feeding and the toxic effect of its bites cause withering of the leaf, and after the death of several leaves the whole plant may wilt. When the normal food-plants become overcrowded or exhausted, cucurbits may be attacked, although this bug is essentially a pest of squashes and pumpkins. Hibernation occurs in the adult stage, the mature bugs living from nine to twelve months. There are probably two generations through- out the maize belt, but in the south, three or more generations may be expected. In the extreme south it might be possible for the nymphs to withstand the winter, but in severer climates they succumb to the cold. General activity begins with the first warm summer weather early in June, and oviposition continues until the females die. An average of 10 eggs a day may be deposited by one individual. They are placed in clusters on the side of the leaves. The incubation period varies from 7 to 9 days, but in cool weather may extend to 1 7 days. The nymphs are gregarious, and are found on the under-surface of the leaves. The older nymphs may be seen on the stems. The different instars vary from 2 to 3, 4 to 8, 6 to 11, and 14 days respectively, making a total of 26 to 36 days. The instars may be longer in very cold weather. Adults of the first generation were first noticed in July and continued 33 unti] October ; those of the second generation appeared about 20th August. A few eggs are laid by these adults, but the resulting nymphs probabl}' perish before becoming mature. The last adults were seen in November. In Kansas lack of food and cold are the principal checks on this pest. Artificial remedial measures include cultural methods, hand-picking of adults and eggs early in the season, and spraying. Of various contact insecticides tested, fish-oil soap (| lb. per U.S. gal.) with sulphur (1 to 2 oz.) proved the most effective. Care must be taken to keep the sulphur in suspension. Spraying should be postponed until the nymphs are numerous. Under 1918 conditions the cost of spraying amounted to about £5 per acre. Smith (H. E.). U.S. Bur. Entom. Broom Corn, the probable Host in which Pyrausta nuhilalis, Hubn., reached America. — Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 425-430. The first record of the presence of Pyrausta nuhilalis, Hb., in America was from specimens reared from Dahlia stems in Massachusetts in 1916, the site of infestation being close to two broom factories. From the data collected with reference to the importation of broom corn [Andropogon sorghum technicus] this crop appears to be the vehicle, in which P. nuhilalis reached the continent. Hinds (W. E.). Bean Ladybird. — Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 430-431. The bean Coccinellid, Epilachna aorrupta, Muls., is recorded from Alabama, where cowpeas have proved to be an alternative food-plant. This beetle was probably introduced in either lucerne or beans grown in the infested territory in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. As it is able to withstand ordinary climatic conditions of both winter and summer, its spread throughout the south-eastern States is to be feared. Investigations into the life-history and remedial measures in the field have already been started. Davis (J. J.). The Green Japanese Beetle {Popillia japonica). — //. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, p. 432. Attention is drawn to the occurrence of Popillia japonica (green Japanese beetle) in Pennsylvania. The source of the infestation is not known. King (J. L.). Round-headed Apple Tree Borer injuring Apple Fruits. — //. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, pp. 432-433. Adults of Saperda Candida are recorded as injuring apple fruits in Pennsylvania. Under laboratory conditions, if conhned exclusively with apples, these beetles will also oviposit on the fruits. Stear (J. R.). Flea-beetle Injury to Apples. — Jl. Econ. Entom., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 5, October 1920, p. 433. The flea-beetle, Nodonota puncticollis, Sa3^ has caused considerable injury to apples in Pennsylvania by feeding on the fruit and occasionally also on the leaves. It was first noticed on 2nd June and was \'ery (7467— A) D 34 abundant by the 14th. Tlic infestation was serious enough to warrant the apphcation of Bordeaux mixture and lead arsenate. The beetles were also found in large numbers during June on man^• of the eommon weeds. GuYTON (T. L.). The Chrysanthemum Gall Midge, Diarthronomyia hvpogaea, F. Loew. —Ohio Ai^n'c. Exp/. S/u., Woosler, Bull. 341, May 1920, pp. 103-114, 7 figs. [Received 16th November 1920.] Diarthronomyia hvpogaea [R.A.E., A, v, 14] was first reported on chrysanthemums in ()hio in 1918. In greenhouses the length of its life-cycle is from 40 to 50 days. Experiments indicated that it can be successfull}' controlled at the time of the emergence of the adult by spraying with a solution made of 1 part nicotine-sulphate solution containing 40 per cent, nicotine to 500 parts of water, with 1 oz. of fish-oil soap added to each gallon of the solution. This must be repeated every four or five days as long as any living forms of the midge remain in the galls. An attempt must be made to cover every gall on the plant on both sides of the leaves. To prevent the introduction of infestation into a greenhouse, new stock should be carefully inspected, and if possible, kept in a separate room for some time, where developing galls should be carefully watched for. Where the infestation is confined to a few plants, the safest treatment is to burn them as soon as discovered. CooLEY (R. A.). Department of Entomology. — 26th Ann. Kept. (1918-19) Montana Agric. Expt. Sta., Bozeman, Februarv 1920, pp. 27-29. [Received ^1 6th November 1920.] Grasshoppers are the most persistently destructive of the farm insect pests in Montana. They are present in injurious numbers every year, and at times become so numerous that green vegetation over entire districts is liable to destruction. Attempts have been made to find a cheaper form of the usual poison bran mash, which is recognised as affording the most successful remedial measure. It was found that finely powdered crude white arsenic is as efficient as Paris green, which costs at least five times as much. One ounce of amyl acetate replaces eight oranges or lemons, and with the grasshopper tested during the experiments, is far more effective. It is also much easier to transport and prepare. There are also strong indications that molasses may be omitted from the formula without lessening its efficiency. Next to grasshoppers, cutworms are tlie worst pest in Montana. Porosagrotis orthogonia [K.A.E., A, ix, 21] has appeared, and threatens to be more destructive than any species yet encountered. It caused at least £200,000 damage in the year. In potato spraying experiments it was found that both zinc arsenite and calcium arsenate arc quite as efficient as Paris green, and are one- third cheaper. Limited experiments with crude white arsenic as a dust secured promising results. Treherne (R. C.) cS: Ruhmax (M. H.). The Onion Maggot.— Pror. Entom. Soc. Brit. Columbia, Victoria, B.C., luon. Srr. no. 11, April 1920, pp. 91-94. 35 RuHMAN (M. H.). Observations on the Control o! the Onion Maggot K {Hvlemyia antiqua) — /6;Vft';«, pp. 94-97. [Received 19th November 1920.] Owing to the success of the use of poison-baits as a means of con- trolUng the onion maggot [Hylemyia antiqua) in Eastern Canada and elsewhere, this method has been tried under varying conditions in British Columbia, but in 1919, in spite of favourable circumstances, it did not prove effective \R.A.E., A. viii, 323]. Baikd (A. B.). Some Notes on the Tent-Caterpillar. — Proc. Entom. Soc. Brit. Columbia, Victoria, B.C., Econ. Ser. no. 11, April 1920, pp. 97- 102. [Received 19th November 1920.] A very severe outbreak of tent-cateipillars, Malacosoma pluvialis and M. disstria var. erosa, occurred in British Columbia during 1919. This was probably partly due to the cold weather, which reduced the work of parasites and delayed the appearance of the caterpillars until after the foliage was all out. The life-history is briefly described. The remedial measures advocated include destruction of clusters of eggs and caterpillars, spraying and banding [R.A.E., A, i, 231]. During 1919 the parasites, Campoplex {Ameloctonus) validus and Rhogas sp., w^^re present in small numbers. In Victoria the natural enemies successfully reduced the outbreak, but control is far from complete, and the necessity for a co-ordinated campaign against these moths is emphasised. RuHMAN (M. H.). Observations on the Use of Poison Baits for the Control of Cutworms in 1918. — Proc. Entom. Soc. Brit. Columbia, Victoria, B.C., Econ. Ser. no. 11, April 1920, pp. 102-104. [Received 19th November 1920.] Poison-baits are a most effective means of controlling cutworms, provided they are properly mixed and care is taken to prevent contact with the plant when applying them. The formula advocated consists of 50 lb. of bran and 1 lb. of Paris green mixed in the dry state ; 2 qts. of molasses should be dissolved in 1 gal. of heated w^ater to which are added another 4 gals, of water and the juice and finely chopped pulp and peel of 6 lemons. The Paris green and bran is gradually added to this mixture. The bait should be freshly made, and distributed immediately after the ground has been prepared, but before planting or sowing takes place. In infested areas this bait should be apphed every spring to protect the crops. The probable cost is about 2s. 6d. per acre. Treherne (R. C). General Records of Work carried on in the United States and Canada in 1918. — Proc. Entom. Soc. Brit. Columbia, Victoria, B.C., Econ. Ser. no. 11, April 1920, pp. 104-107. [Received 19th November 1920.] This is a compilation of records of measures against insects most of which have been previously noticed in this Review. A terrivel "Escama Cliineza," Aspidiotus perniciosus, ja foi encontrada no Brasil? [Has the San Jose Scale been found in Brazil?] — Chacaras e Quintaes, S. Paulo, xxii, no. 4, 15th October 1920, pp. 290-291 , 1 fig. The presence of the San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus, is reported from the Brazihan State of S. Paulo, and the necessity for immediate measures against it is emphasised. 8(^ Os Insectos damiiiiihos, viii. A Lagarta da Couve, Picris monustc, L. [Injurious Insects. \iii. fho Cabbage Caterpillar. P. nioniistc] — C/hhiirtis t- Qninlius, 5. Paulo, xxii. no. 4, K^th October 1920, pp. '296 298. 1 tii:. The Pierine pests oi cabbage are represented in Brazil by Picris nioniisti-. The measure aihised is the collection of tlie eggs and caterpillai-s. The Braconid. Apiintclcs {Microi^aslcr) iilomctiitiis, is a useful parasite, and some notes on it are given in order to enable growers to recognise it. Habkkmkhl [- ). Beitrase zm* Kenntiiis der palaearktischeii Ichneumonideiifauna. Contributions to the Knowledge of the palaearctic Ichnoumonid l-'auna.l — Zcitschr. xtiss. Inst'ktitibioL, Berlin, w. no. 10 12. 1 August 1920. p\\ 24(>-24S. This is the final instalment of a paper spread over a period of four years. In the c;»^e of all the species emmierated locality records are given. In many instances notes on synonymy and systematic descriptiiMis are appended. SrimvAAc. (IV). Pilzkiaiikheiteu bei Iiisekteii. Sammelbericht iiber die iieuere Literatur. I'ungus Diseases of Insects. A Summary of the more recent Literature." — Zcitschr. iciss. Inscktcnbiol., Berlin, xiii, nos. vS-(r 7-S, 9-10 : 30th Iiuu\ 31st August, 3lst October, 1917 ; pp. 142-144. 211-216. 252 253. The title indicates the subject-matter oi this paivr. in which 45 references are briefly summarised. Schni:ipi;k-C^ki i.i.i (O.). Zui* Biologic imd Bekaiuphuig des Frost- spaimers, Opcrophthcra brinnata. L. /fhe Bionomics and Control of Chcinuitobiii (0.) brittnafii.' — Zcitschr. wiss. InscktcnbioL, Berlin, xiii. no. 7-8, 31st August 1917, pp. 192-197. Crijicism is levelled against the statements contained in two pa^x^rs on Chcimatobia brnnmiii by rfYeln. one of which has been previoush' noticed R.A.E., A. vi, 7]. As regards practical jx)ints, the application of banding as low down the trunk as p«.>ssible has no disadxantageous results, though on the other hand it entails no particular advantages. It is, however, a fact that application at breast-height is easier than lower down, and furthermore that placing of bands near the groimd is not {x^ssible in the case of many old fruit-trees ouing to tlu^ irregular shape of the trui\k. The further suggestion that tlie adhesive be applied direct to the bark of fruit-trees is objected to for general use, .IS \oung trees in particular would be injured by this mciisure. Kleinh (R.). Biologische Beobaclitmigen an Sitodrcpa panicca, L. _Biological Obserxations on .'^. piinicCii.'_ — Zcitschr. xciss. InscktcnbioL, Berlin, xiii. no. 11 12, 3lst januarv 1918. pp. 271- 278. riie obser\ations here recinded were made as a result of the infesta- tion b\- ^itodrcpif piinicca. \... of a" loaf that had ^een owrlooked for so long that it had Ixxhmuc quite hard. Oviposition is a gradual pnxvss : the female eats her way for a short distance, lavs an et^i: in a small niche, feeds a little farther and 37 deposits another egg, and so oil. Food therefore appears to be neces- sary to oviposition. The excavated material is used for food, as no trace of debris was seen. The eggs are thus distributed along the mother-gallery and hatch successively. The larva feeds at the place where it hatches, so that the pupa is found in a hollow chamber. The larva does not wander, and all the mines are made by the adults. It is only exceptionally that the young adult bores an exit from the pupal chamber ; as a rule it emerges through the mother-gallery. Nothing definite can be said regarding the sequence of generations. Young adults appeared continuously from November 191G to May 1917, and when the loaf was divided, all stages were found except eggs. This uninterrupted sequence was due not only to the presence of food, but to the warm indoor temperature. Although 5. panicea does not leave its feeding place except for mating, it is attacked by a number of parasites, of which a Pteromalid, Lariophagiis pimcticollis, Moll., which emerges from the pupa, is the most common. At the time of chief development the proportion between host and parasite was as 1 to 1 ; later on it was as 3 to 2. At the time of writing the parasites were twice as numerous as the hosts. Some pupae had been killed by a bacterial disease ; the original infection was probably communicated to the larvae or pupae by the adults. As regards food, a bread containing wheat flour was preferred, but black bread was eaten in its absence. Unbaked flour or bread were not touched. This also applies to wheat itself. Cork was rejected. Young adults lacking a suitable food did not feed or breed. Kleine (R.). Beschadigung der Hiilsenfruchte in Pommern durch Grapholitha dorsana, ¥., in den Jahren 1915 1917. [Injury to Peas and Beans in Pomerania by Cydia dorsana in 1915-1917.] — Zcitschr. wiss. Insektenbiol., Berlin, xiv, nos. 3-4 & 5-6, 30th June & 20th September 1918, pp. 80-85 & 123-129. The conclusions reached in this paper are that the extent of the infestation of leguminous crops by Cydia dorsana depends largely on accidental circumstances and on agricultural measures. No given species of bean appears to be either particularly susceptible or immune to attack ; infestation varies, not only in different years, but also in different districts. The author beUcves that the character of the soil exercises a very considerable ipfJuence, but nothing definite has been ascertained as regards thi^. At present only general measures of a preventive nature can be advised, as it is impossible to know whether infestation will be favoured or checked by the weather. Abler ( — ). Zur Biologie von Apanteles glomcratus, L. [Notes on the Biology of A. i^loiin'raliis.] — Zcitschr. wiss. InseklenbioL, Berlin, xiv, no. 7-8, 15th December 1918, i)p. 182-186, 3 figs. Many attempts ha\-e been made to ascertain the method of o\-i- position of Apanteles Stwloundlatitl hy Miiiiazine Vost. VOL. IX. Ser. A. Part 2.— pp. 41-96. FEBRUARY, 1921. The review OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AGRICULTURAL. ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. LONDON. THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY, 41, QUEEN'S GATE, S.W. 7. Price Is. 4d. net. All Rights Reserved. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. l>onorarp Committee or management. VISCOUNT HARCOUBT, Clmirman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Alcock, C.I.E., F.R.S., London School of Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A, G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-(jeneral Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Board of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S. , Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.C.M.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C. Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museiun of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C. Sperling, C.M.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C. Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. 6«fleral Secretarp. Mr. A. C. C. Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and €ditor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, C.M.G. ilssistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W. 7. Publication Office. — 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. 41 Kleine (R.). Einfluss der Wetterlage auf das Auftreten von Gm/)Ao- litha dorsana, F. [The Influence of Weather on the Occurrence of Cydia dorsana.'] — Zeitschr. iviss. Insektenbiol., Berlin, xv, no. 10-12. 1st August 1920, pp. 259-260. In the course of observations on Cydia dorsana in Pomerania [R.A.E., A, ix, 37], it was found that infestation is influenced by rain or atmospheric humidity. Mature peas that are able to harden quickly escape injury-, but heavy rain may cause hardened peas to swell and softens them sufficiently to permit injury by the young caterpillars. A humid atmosphere prevents hardening, with the same result. Once the caterpillars are half-grown the hardened condition of the peas is no deterrent to attack. \\'eather is therefore an important factor in districts where pea growing is menaced by C. dorsana, and such crops are risky in infested districts where the heaviest rain occurs in July. Coastal districts are likewise unsuitable on account of the damp atmosphere. KuRiSAKi (M.). A new Species and the Variations of the Wing Veins of Aphididae in Japan. — Insect World, Gifii, Japan, xxiv, no. 9, 15th September 1920, pp. 297-301, 1 plate. Trichosiphnm kashicola, sp. n., attacks the tender leaves of Quercus acuta and Q. myrinaefolia in Japan. The adult and nymph of the winged viviparous female are here described, an English translation being given. A note is also given on the importance in classification of variations in the wing veins of Aphids. KuRiSAKi (M.). On the Hosts of Aphididae in Japan. — Insect World, Gifu, Japan, xxiv, no. 10, 15th October 1920, pp. 340-341. The food-plants are given in Japanese of Brevicoryne {Aphis) brassicae, Myziis {Rhopalosiphiim) persicae, and two species of Lachnus. Le Pyrethre de Dalmatie. — Rev. Agric. Afr. Xord, Algiers, no. 63, 15th October 1920, pp. 306-307, 1 fig. An account is given of the methods of culti^•ation of Pyrethrum cinerariaefolium. The pyrethrum powder made from it is of great importance in the destruction of Clysia ambigiiella, and in Dalmatia its production is regarded from the commercial standpoint as second only to that of the vine itself. The flowers lose about f or f of their weight in drv'ing, and 4^ lb. of dry flowers make about 28 lb. of concentrated pyrethrum solution — enough to treat nearly 1,100 yards of vines. Malpeaux (N.). La Conservation des Grains. Les Ennemis des Grains emmagasin^s. The Preservation of stored Grain.] — La Vie Agric. ei Riir., Pans, xvii, no. 47, 20th November 1920, pp. 315- 317, 3 figs. A popular account is given of the more important pests of stored grain and the means of combating them. ScHRiBAux (E.). Disinfection des Graines de Coton par la Chaleur seche. [The Disinfection of Cotton Seed by dry Heat.] — L'Agron. Colon., Paris, vi, no. 34, October 1920, pp. 103-104. As wheat and beet seed resist high temperatures for a long time, experiments were made with cotton seed at the Seed Experiment (7734— A) VVt.P1850/163 2/21 1500 D.St. (Gp. 76) B 42 Station of the French Ministry of Agriculture. Up to a temperature of 70° C. [159° F.] 3 hours treatment does not impair the vitaUty of the seed. At 75° C. [168° F.] 2 hours exposure either kills the seed or makes the plants weakly. A temperature of 60° C. [140° F.] seems ample for the purpose of destroying all animal pests, and can safely be used. As onl}' a small quantity of seedjs required for planting, the author suggests that disinfection can be effected by mixing the seed with sand or sawdust that has been heated to 60° C. in a big pan. A few pre- liminary tests will show what quantity of sand or sawdust is needed for the purpose of maintaining the mass at 60° C. [140° F.] for at least 1-2 hours. CiMATTi (V.). I Nemici del Frumento. [Wheat Pests.] — Riv. Agric, Parma, xxvi, nos. 39, 43, 45, 46, 47 ; 2v3rd September, 22nd October, 5th, 12th, 19th November 1920 ; pp. 484-486, 536-537, 557-559, 571, 586-587; 9 figs. In view of the urgent need for increased agricultural production in Italy, losses due to animal pests, especially insects, are doubly severe. These popular articles are intended to make known the insect pests of wheat ; they contain no new information. Froggatt {W. W.). Insects found on Tobacco in New South Wales. — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxi, pt. 10, October 1920, pp. 714-716, 3 plates. The insects here described were obser\'ed on tobacco during an investigation of damage caused by thrips. Phthorimaea operculella, which is normally a potato pest, also attacks tomato and tobacco. It is consequently not advisable to grow and keep bagged potatoes in the vicinity of t(jbacco fields, and all rejected and waste tobacco plants, potato stalks and tomato vines should be regularly cleaned up and burnt. The moths emerging from the drying tobacco stalks w^ould then have little suitable food upon which to oviposit. Nysitis viniior (Rutherglen bug) might become dangerous to tobacco under favourable chmatic conditions. Any waste land or rubbish near the fields should be burnt over as soon as the insect is observed. The green leaf Jassid was numerous, as were two small green plant- bugs, Dicyphiis tabaci, sp. n., and another unidentified species of the same genus. Lewis (A. C.) & McLendox (C. A.). Cotton Variety Tests 1919.-— Georgia State Bd. Entom., Atlanta, Circ. 29, January 1920, 9 pp. [Received 25th November 1920.] The results of a series of cotton variety tests are here summarised, and from them are drawn recommendations as to the \'arieties of cotton that can be most successfully grown under present boll wee\'il and disease conditions in Georgia. The ideal cotton plant to grow when the cotton boll weevil \Antho- nomus grandis] is present should begin fruiting close to the ground early in the season, and have long fruiting branches at the base that continue to grow throughout the season. The fruiting spurs of the cluster and the short fruiting branches of the semi-cluster types of cotton do not continue to grow throughout the season. Under boll weevil conditions the more cotton that is produced on the lower half of the plant, the larger will be the yield per acre. 43 A. gmndis is now present in the greater part of Georgia, and it is important to grow a variety of cotton adapted to the soil and climate, and to keep to the best improved seed of that variety. If an individual does not improve his own cotton seed by careful selection, it will pay him to buy impro\'ed seed from someone who does. MACKINNON (E.). Beneficial versus Injurious Insects. — Science and Industry, Melbourne, ii, nos. 8 and 9, August and September 1920, pp. 473-483 and 549-559. The different groups of parasitic and predaceous entomophagous insects are described, and an account given of their employment in various parts of the world, and particularly in America, as a means of controlHng injurious insects. IMiLLER (D.). Leaf-stem Gall-aphis of the Poplar.— A^.Z. //. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 3, 20th September 1920, pp. 134-135, 2 figs. Pemphigus populitransversus, Riley (poplar gall aphis), is here recorded from Central Otago, forming galls on the leaf-stems of poplar trees. This insect is of some interest to agriculturists, as the winged females that appear in the autumn migrate to the leaves of cruciferous plants, such as rape, cabbage, mustard and turnip, and several allied weeds. Their apterous progeny move down and estabhsh a colony on the roots, a fact that might cause considerable loss if the infestation were severe, though normally little damage is done. Winged females from the root colonies in the spring return to poplars, where they give rise to the sexual forms, both of which are wingless. Eggs are laid in the bark, and the resulting Aphids form galls on the leaf-stems, in which parthenogenetic reproduction is continued through the summer. Fisher (W. S.). U.S. Bur. Entom. A New Genus and several New Species of ^Cerambycidae. (Col.) — Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C., xxh, no. 7, October 1920, pp. 153-159. The following new Cerambycids are described : — Anoplocurius canotiae, gen. et sp. n., from dead branches of Canotia holacantha in Arizona ; Callidium pseudotstigae from wood of Douglas fir {Pseudotsuga taxifolia) in Cahfornia and Oregon ; C. sequarium taken under bark on fallen branches of Sequoia washingtoniana in California : and C. jimiperi from under bark oi Jnniperiis sp. in New Mexico. Burke (H. E.). U.S. Bur. Entom. Some Notes on the Genus Trachykele with a Description of a New Species (Buprestidae, Coleoptera). — Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C , xxii, no. 7, October 1920, pp. 168-170. Trachykele hartmani, sp. n., is here described from adults and larvae taken in Sargent cvpress (Ciipresstts sargenti) in California. Pratt (O. A.). Mexican Army recognises Plant Quarantine.— Af/A/y. Bull. California Dept. Agric, Sacramento, ix, no. 9, September 1920, pp. 363-364. [Received 30th November 1920.] In view of a movement of troops from Mexico City to the Northern District of Lower California, considerable uneasiness was felt on the part of the cotton interests lest this might be the means of introducing the pink boll worm [Platyedra gossypiella] or the Mexican cotton boll weevil [Anthonomus grandis] into the cotton fields of Imperial Valley, as it was known that the troops were coming from areas in Mexico (7734— A) e2 44 infested with either one or the other or both of these cotton pests. Such troops are usually accompanied by their wives and children, and carry with them all sorts of luggage, including pillows and mattresses that are frequently stuffed with seed cotton, picked by the wayside. As a result of representations to the officer commanding these troops, and in view of the fact that a fresh issue of kit was to be made to them, it was arranged for the whole outfit that they had with them to be discarded and burnt. Maskew (I-.). Quarantine Division. Reports for the Months of July and August 1920.— M/hlv. Bull. California Dept. Agric, Sacm- mento, ix, no. 9, September 1920, pp. 388-392. ^Received 30th November 1920.] The following insect pests were intercepted during the months of July and August : — From Australia, Pseudococciis citri on vegetable pear. From Arizona, Ischnaspis longirostrts, Chrysomphahis aonidiim and Parlatoria sp. on sour limes. From Central America, Chrysompha- lus didyospermi on coconuts ; and Pseudococciis sp., Aspidiotus sp., A . cyanophylli, A . cydoniae, leery a purchasi, Chrysomphalus scutiformis and Ceramidia scintellocoUans on bananas. From China, Cylas formicariiis, Cathartus advena and an undetermined weevil in sweet potatoes ; Araeceriis fasciculatus, Cathartus sp., Silvanus sp. and undetermined Coleoptera in yams ; Rhizopertha dominica, Calandra oryzae, Cathartus sp. and Laemophlaeus sp. in paddy rice ; Lasio- derma serricorne in licorice root ; weevils and other Coleoptera in roots ; and Lepidopterous larvae on leaves and in dry fruit and birdseed. From Colorado, green Aphids on cyclamen plants. From Cuba, Calandra oryzae and Tribolium sp. in rice. From Florida, Lepidosaphes heckii on oranges. From Hawaii, Diaspis bromeliae and Pseudococcus bromeliae on pineapples ; Hemichionaspis minor, Pseudo- coccus sp., Prenolepis sp., Chrysomphalus aurantii, C. aonidiim, and Ripersia palmarum on coconuts ; Diaspis bromeliae, Pseudococciis sp.. P. bromeliae, caterpillars, beetles, spiders and ants on bananas ; Daciis {Bactrocera) cucurbitae in string beans and cucumbers ; Ceratitis capitata in mangos ; and Coccus longiilus and C. elongatus on betel leaves and plants. From Japan, Calandra oryzae and unidentified Coleopterous larvae in seed rice, and Lepidopterous larvae on walnut sacks. From Mexico, Saissetia oleae and Lepidosaphes beckii on oranges ; L. beckii on lemons ; and L. beckii, L. gloveri, Ischnaspis longirostris, Aspidiotus sp. and Parlatoria pergandei on limes. From New Jersey, Aleurodes sp. on strawberry plants. From Ohio, Aphis sp. on ferns. From Oregon, Cydia {Laspeyresia) pomonella in pears. From Papeete, Hemichionaspis minor on squash. From Pennsylvania, Lepidosaphes beckii on Florida grape-fruit. From Peru, Tribolium ferrugineum, Laemophlaeus sp. and an undetermined Ptinid in cotton seed. From Salvador, Chrysomphalus aurantii and L. beckii on oranges. From Tahiti, L. beckii on lemons, a Coccid on limes, and caterpillars in dry herbs. From the British West Indies, undetermined Lepidopterous larvae in cassia bean pods. FuLLAWAY (I). T.). New Species of Sierola with explanatory Notes. — Occasional Papers Bernice Paiiahi Bishop Miis. Polynes. Ethn. & Nat. Hist., Honolulu, vii, no. 7, 1920, pp. 57-159, 1 plate. Of the Dryinids here described 171 new species of Sierola are from Hawaii, one from Fiji and one from China. Among the Hawaiian 45 species, S. timberlakei was bred from larvae of Batrachedra sophroniella, S. pulchra from leaf-miners in Urera, S. capuana from larvae of Capua cassia and Torfrix {Archips) longiplicatiis, S. gracilariae from larvae of Gracilaria mabaella, S. cryptophlehiae from larvae of Cryptophlebia illepida, and 5. batrachedrae from larvae of a species of Batrachedra infesting a fern {Acrostic hum). Keilin (D.) & PicADo (C). Biologic et Morphologie Larvaires d'' Anastrepha striata, Schiner, Mouche des Fruits de I'Am^riaue centrale. — Bull. Sci. de la France et de la Belgique, Paris, xlviii, no. 4, 25th October 1920, pp. 423-441, 6 figs. Anastrepha striata, Schin., causes great damage to guava trees [Psidium spp.) in Costa Rica. Although orange trees, coffee, avocado and mangos are grown in the vicinity, their fruits are apparently not attacked by this fruit-fly. Oviposition occurs probably throughout the year, but always in guava fruits. Certain species of Psidium are more or less immune from attack, but the cause of immunit}^ has not been ascertained. The morphology of the larva is described. The remedial measures advocated include the harvesting of fruit before maturity and before the larvae have penetrated into them, removal and burning of windfalls, digging up the ground round the trees, thus exposing the pupae to be eaten by fowls, and the introduction of natural enemies. The Braconid parasite, Diachasma crawfordi, that attacks this pest may be easily bred. A spray that has proved successful against A. Indens, Lw., may also prove to be as valuable against this species. It is composed of 19 gals, of crude carbolic acid, 185 lb. of whale oil soap and 152 gals, of water. This carbolic emulsion should be diluted with water in the proportion of 1 to 20 before application. Additions to the Wild Fauna and Flora of the Royal Botanic Gardens^ Kew : XV. — Bull. Misc. Inform. R. Bot. Gdns., Kew, London, no. 6, 1920, pp. 212-217. The greater portion of this paper dealing with insect pests occurring at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been compiled by Mr. F. Laing. The list comprises 85 species, including many Aphids, Aleurodids, Psyllids and Coccids. According to Mr. H. A. Bayhs the Nematode, Mermis nigrescens, which is an insect parasite, was extremely abundant during June 1920. Boodle (L. A.) & Dallimore (W.). Bamboos and Boring Beetles. — Bull. Misc. Inform. R. Bot. Gdns., Kew, London, no. 8, 1920, pp. 282-285. Bamboos used in India for building purposes are ver^^ liable to attack by boring beetles, but if soaked in water before use, they generally remain untouched. As a result of experiments on Dinoderus minutus, F., undertaken at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to ascertain the reason for this, it seems probable that soaking in water results in the removal of most of the sugar-content, and this renders the bamboos unattractive to the beetles. Leefmans (S.). De Klappertor [Oryctes rhinoceros, L.) [The Coconut Beetle, 0. rhinoceros.] — Meded. Inst. Plantenziekten, Buitenzorg, no. 41, 1920, 156 pp., 19 plates. [With an Enghsh Summary.] The two most important pests of coconut are the coconut beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, and the coconut weevil [Rhynchophorus ferrugineus]. 46 owing to the fact that the damage they do is continuous and not seasonal. In the Dutch East Indies the coconut palm is a very- important economic factor in the life of the natives, but in spite of this very little original work has been done there as regards its enemies. The work here described was begun at Buitenzorg (Java) and continued at Padang, on the West Coast of Sumatra, where 0. rhinoceros (usually associated with Rhynchophorus) does considerable damage. Counts in various localities showed that 60 to 80 per cent, of all the coconut palms were injured, and over 10 per cent, were dead. The annual loss may be estimated at several million florins in the Dutch East Indies. Particulars are given of the recorded world distribution of O. rhinoceros. It is found throughout the Dutch East Indies, but does not often occur at altitudes above 2,300 ft. Two other species, 0. tritubercnlatits, Lansb., and 0. centaiirus, Stemb., are more locally distributed. A short description of 0. rhinoceros and 0. trituherculatus is given. Previous investigations are briefly reviewed. The life-histor}'' of O. rhinoceros was still imperfectly known, especially as regards the duration of the larval stage, and consequently of the whole develop- mental period, which latter has been variously estimated between 5 months (Friederichs) and 2 years (Banks). The whole subject was therefore worked out independently. In the low-h'ing coastal districts the egg-stage averages 12 days. In trap-heaps the eggs are usually found in the lower parts. Owing to their white colour they are easily seen. The newly hatched larva is entirely white, but later on its head becomes brown. The young larva is grey blue. In older or mature larvae this colour turns to white or yellowish white. As there is a risk of confusing the larvae of 0. rhinoceros with others that occur in the same breeding places, a table is given showing the nature of the breeding places and the differences distinguishing the larvae. The length of the larval stage varied roughly from 2 to 4 months, a result that differs materially from published ones ; the latter may be due to poor feeding or other abnormal conditions. It has been stated that the larvae can live in marshy ground, but there was no corroboration of this during these investigations. The larvae occur only in soils composed of substances on which they are able to feed, and they do not gnaw the roots of living plants. The larvae found attacking roots are those of Xylotrnpes and other species. The larvae of Oryctes do, however, use their powerful jaws for gnawing wood that is not rotten. The following list of breeding places, in order of decreasing import- ance, was compiled : — Communal refuse heaps of villages and towns, nipa-palm rubbish, dying and dead (erect or fallen) trunks of coconut and other palms {Oncosperma horrida, Corypha gebanga, Metroxylon sagus, Elaeis guineensis) , vegetable rubbish (coffee and cacao husks, leaves and fruit peel, etc.), decayed dung of cattle, buffalos and horses, rubbish from sugar-cane and rice-husking mills. The author has not found 0. rhinoceros in the rotten stems of trees other than palms, as stated by Friederichs, but Corporaal has done so, though this appears to be exceptional. Examination showed that vegetable rubbish that is one month old is suitable for oviposition and larval development. In small quantities of refuse, e.g. about a cubic yard, the attraction for the beetles reaches its maximum after 3 months and then rapidly decreases. In 8-9 months the refuse has turned to 47 humus and is no longer attractive. Young coconut stems rot, and are infested, more quickly than old ones. In order to pupate, the larvae burrow about 12 inches into the ground. When examining trap-heaps, especially if they are more than 2 months old, the ground beneath them must also be examined. Pupae were ^■ery seldom found in rotten stems, but in a few standing ones newh'-emerged adults have been noticed, showing that the larvae had been "unable to reach the ground. The inactive larval stage that occurs prior to pupation averages about 1 1 days. The pupa is described. In the laboratory the average length of the pupal stage was about 23 days. Many details about the adults are given. They emerge after an inactive period of about 20 to 24 days. The males predominated both in the crowns of dead or injured coconut palms and in trap- heaps, where they represented 60-6 per cent, of the total. There is no doubt that the beetles feed in the crowns of the palms, but mate in the future breeding places of the larvae, though mating may also occur in the crowns. The various forms of injury by the beetles are illustrated. The holes made by them only prove fatal in cases where water runs into them or the palm weevil {Rhynchophorus) is able to enter. The injury done by the larger 0. tritubercitlatus does not differ from that of 0. rhinoceros. Photographs show the different appearance of palms killed by lightning and by rhinoceros beetles. In the former case the outward leaves hang down, while serious injury by Oryctes or Rhynchophorus causes the central leaves to fall first. In addition to coconut, other palms that may be infested are : — -Corypha gebanga, Livistona, Latania, Sabal, Metroxylon sagus, Pinanga, Nipa fructicans, and oil palms. Agave sisalana is also attacked. The author agrees with Banks that the beetles do not eat fibre, but feed on the sap only. The principal time of flight is between 6 and 7 p.m., and the beetles usually seek palms near their breeding places. The limit of distance appears to be a few hundred yards from the edges of a coconut planta- tion ; for complete security it may be fixed at about 1 kilometre. In Samoa the adults and larvae are said to have been able to spread to distances up to about 6 miles. In 1919 Oryctes was found in the Strait of Sunda on the volcanic island of Krakatoa, on which all life was destroyed by the eruption of 1883. The nearest island is 12 miles away, and Java 24. As much drift-wood floats on the rapid current, it is suggested that this spread is due to larvae or pupae transported in coconut logs. Experiments showed that most of the larvae in a log submerged in water with a salt content of 2-8 per cent, survived after 24 hours. The Sunda current can carry a log across in 18 hours. It is possible that in Samoa the larvae have been distributed in a similar manner. In captivity the maximum life of the adults is 4-4J months. Oviposition begins 20-62 days after emergence from the cocoon. As many as 71 eggs have been obtained from a single female ; formerly 25 was believed to be the normal number. On the West Coast of Sumatra all stages of development occur throughout the year. In the eastern part of the Malay Archipelago, where there is a long dry monsoon, some periodicity is probable. Recorded natural enemies include birds, pigs, a fungus [Metarrhizium) and Scohid wasps. One of the last-named, Triscolia rubiginosa, parasitises Xylotrupes gideon, L., in the Dutch East Indies, but though it paralyses captive larvae of Oryctes, all attempts to rear its larvae on those of Orvctes have failed. 48 The only remedial measures suitable for natives seem to be preventive. Those generally advised are embodied in ordinances containing the following instructions : — The uprooting, burning or burying 3 feet deep of palm stumps ; the destroying of coconut trunks by cutting or burning, keeping under water or buiying at least 3 feet deep ; the burning of all vegetable refuse ; the regular searching of dung-heaps and the killing of the grubs, etc., found therein. These instructions are incomplete, as they omit the large refuse heaps of towns and bridges constructed of coconut stems. Furthermore, some of them are not feasible. Too much labour is needed to dig up the coconut stumps, and to bury stumps and trunks 3 feet deep or to burn them is too difficult a task in practice. Incompletely burnt refuse attracts the larvae of Oryctes, and it was therefore imperative to find a more efficient method. Whoever originally prescribed the burying at a depth of 3 feet evidently did not know what depth was actually required. In tests to find the actual thickness of the covering of sand or soil needed to prevent the beetles from detecting a breeding place, pits were filled with uninfes'ted vegetable rubbish, and every alternate pit was covered with a top dressing of sand varying between 19 and 4 inches in thickness. In 77 experiments not one beetle, larva or egg of 0. rhinoceros was ever found in the covered pits, whereas the open pits contained 222 eggs, 5,713 larvae, and 78 beetles. There is therefore no doubt that even a thin layer of sand prevents the beetles from locating an attractive breeding place. These experiments were followed by a practical test at Padang on an area of over \ acre which was covered with a layer of vegetable refuse over which a layer of sand from 2 to 7 inches thick was spread within a fortnight. After 4| months not a single beetle or larva was found, not even in places where only a few inches of sand had remained. A layer of 8 inches of sand, or other soil without humus, is therefore sufficient to prevent breeding. Communal refuse (where it cannot be incinerated) may be used to improve marshy land near towns, provided it is covered in this manner. Direct measures for combating 0. rhinoceros may be divided into those against the beetles and those against the larvae. For filling the hole after killing or removing the beetle with a piece of wire, the author used with success a mixture of 1 part coarse salt and 2 parts sea sand and then closed the hole with clay. Experiments with light-traps were negati\'e, as also were attempts at trapping by means of husks of young nuts suspended in the trees. The best measure against the larvae is to catch them in trap-heaps as already described. The heaps must be searched at intervals not exceeding 3 months, and it is better to examine them every 6 or 8 weeks. In damp chmates the placing of the heaps in cool positions is unnecessar}-, nor is a roof required. Fumigation with carbon bisulphide is possible, but as about 10 liuid oz. are required per 35 cu. ft., its advantages are rather doubtful. Ver^^ successful results were achieved by adding sodium arsenite and Paris green to the traps. It was found that \ per cent, of these substances did not affect the attractiveness of the bait for the beetles, and though normal oviposition occurred, no larvae developed. As, however, these poisons remain active even after nine months, the material cannot be used for manure during an even longer period. For this reason experiments were made with saltpetre and ammonium sulphate, but they pro\-ed inferior, as also did lead arsenate. In experiments in starving the larvae, full-grown examples remained alive for 16i days, and full-grown individuals that had been starved for 13 days became quite normal after feeding for a iew days. 49 Inundation as a means of killing the larvae failed experimentally ; they survived submersion for 24 hours, and one example revived after 48 hours. Old traps must be supplemented by fresh ones if the catches decrease, but the old ones must be continued for some time longer. Traps of vegetable refuse measuring about 2 cubic yards gave good results. Market refuse, leaf manure, refuse from the nipa industry, coffee and cacao husks are good baits. The captured grubs must be killed, and this is easily effected in boiling water. Three experiments were undertaken in clearing gardens of breeding places and keeping traps at the same time in a place surrounded by infested native plantations. One of these has terminated and gave fairly satisfactory results. The number of larvae, etc., caught, decreased in a single year by 74 per cent, and the injury to the trees by 37J per cent. The results of the other two experiments will be published after they have been carried on for 2|- years. As regards preventive measures, dead or dying palms must be cut at soil-level and the stumps covered with 8 inches of sand or other soil without humus. The logs must either be buried or split up. Logs used for bridges must be treated with preservatives and protected at the ends with sheet metal, and replaced after 9 months. All vegetable refuse of a dangerous character must be buried and covered with sand ; burning is advised only if the refuse can be thoroughly incinerated. Animal manure must be covered with sand or kept in pits with a close-fitting cover. Other measures include thorough examination of the crown when picking the nuts, the beetles being extracted or killed in sitit and the holes closed up. Where legal ordinances cannot be carried out and planters must take their own measures, the use of controlled trap-heaps is advised in addition to the preventive methods already mentioned. These heaps can most effectively be poisoned as described above. Franklin (H. J.). Seventh Report of the Cranberry Substation from 1917 to 1919.— Mass. Agric. Expt. Sta., Amherst, Bull. 192, October 1919, pp. 105-141. [Received 2nd December 1920.] As an attempted remedy for an infestation of Epelis iruncataria v3S.faxonii, Minot (cranberry span-worm), a cranberry bog was flooded in 1917 on 20th June, while the moths of both sexes were numerous. The water was drawn off three days later, and had either destroyed or driven ashore all the moths, ver}' few being seen afterwards ; but it apparently did little or no harm to the eggs that had been laid previously, and larvae were numerous on the bog in July. These were treated once while young with 6 lb. lead arsenate paste to 50 U.S. gals, water ; this remedy proved effective, and very few were found when the bog was swept with a net a few days later. On one bog where the winter flood had been held until nearly June the pupae survived the long submergence, and the infestation was severe in August. Grubs that were found occasionally in great numbers in the sandy covering of cranberry bogs were thought to be those of Amphicoma viilpina, Hentz. (cranberry root grub), as adult beetles of both sexes of this species were found associated with them. These grubs were injurious in much the same way as the root worm, Rhabdoptenis picipes [R.A.E., A, vi, 553], cutting through the smaller roots in circular or irregular patches. Bushes so infested frequentty remain sickly and give a poor crop for several years, or die suddenly in patches during hot, dr\' weather. It probably takes two or three years for 50 bushes that are not killed to recover from the effects of infestation after the insects lia\'e disappeared. All stages of the insect seem to live beneath the surface of the sand, the adults being found in July about three inches below the surface. The damage done by these grubs was formerly thought to be due to a species of Lachnosterna. A froghopper, Clastoptera vittata, Ball, is found abundantly on some cranberry bogs ever}' ^'car, and when present in great numbers, is considered very harmful. It usually infests dry bogs and apparently also those that are winter-flooded but not reflooded. Hibernation probably occurs in the egg-stage, which seems to survive the long flooding, but it has not been known to survive on bogs that are reflooded in the usual manner. The young nymphs begin to appear in late May or early June, and the spittle-masses increase in size and number until towards the end of July. The nymphs can be controlled by spraying with one part of Blackleaf 40 to 400 parts of water with 2 lb. resin fish-oil soap to 50 U.S. gals. ; or 800 parts of water when the nymphs are very small. Adults have been reared from three species of Vaccinium, two of Gaylussacia, and from Andromeda ligiistrina, Leucofhoe racemosa and Cassandra calyculata. As these plants are abundant round many bogs they furnish a large source of infestation, but as reflooded bogs are not attacked, the progress of the insect from the uplands to the bogs must be very slow. The Proctotrupid, previously noticed as the most important parasite oi Perrisia {Dasyneura) vaccinii. Smith (cranberry tip worm), has been identified as Ceraphron pallidiventris, Ashm. It was bred in great numbers from the larvae in 1916 and 1917. In the case of Porthciria dispar, L. (gipsy moth), the eggs do not survive very late holding of the winter water. Experiments with wind screens showed that 1,634 caterpillars were blown on to one acre of bog in the course of a season. One grower obtained good results by pouring 5 U.S. gallons of kerosene per 6 acres on a bog on which caterpillars about one-third grown were floating. Sprays of one part Blackleaf 40 to 400 parts of water killed the caterpillars in their early stages, but not when they were nearly full-grown. The same spray is effective against Rhopobota vacciniana, Pack, (black-headed fireworm), as well as the spittle insect, and all may be treated by the same application on bogs that are winter-flooded but not re-flooded. If lead arsenate is added to the spray, it has the advantage of showing white where it has been applied, but in this case whale-oil soap must be substituted for resin to prevent scorching. It is now considered doubtful whether late holding of the winter flooding can be relied upon to eradicate R. vacciniana entirely, unless it is continued to 1st August. It seems better to let off the winter flooding about 1st June and re-flood from three weeks to a month later. Mineola vaccinii, Riley (cranberry fruit worm) was found to be parasitised by the Chalcid, Trichogramma minuhim, in 1917 to the unexpected extent of 83-89 per cent, on dry bogs and from 29-88 per cent, on those with winter flooding ; in 1918 these figures were 36-89 per cent, and 0-1 5 per cent, respectively. Experiments in burying the larvae in sand showed that they can be smothered by sand about one inch thick, but that this must be applied after pupation, that is, after the middle of June. A destructive invasion of Agrotis ypsilon, Rott. (greasy cutworm) occurred in August on a bog that had been flooded from early June to 10th July, in much the same way as that of Laphygma frugiperda (fall army worm) in 1916 _loc. cit.]. The cutworms 51 were first seen about 10th August and disappeared about the 24th. When confined together in numbers they seemed to be cannibahstic. They pupated in confinement in late August and early September, and the moths emerged from 18th September to 2nd October. It is thought probable that there may be several more species that infest bogs that have been drained of their winter flood at midsummer. Tlie moths of the fall armj^-worm apparently prefer to oviposit on bogs recently drained, and probably other species have similar habits. Moths collected on one bog a few days after the flood was let off on 10th August included Nomopkila noctiiella, Schiff., Caenurgia {Drasteria) erechtea, Cram., and Syngrapha {Autographa) falcifera var. simplex, Gn. None of these was found on any bog that had the winter flood let off early, and no infestation of caterpillars occurred later where the moths had appeared. Frost (C. A.) & Weiss (H. B). A Bibliography of the Literature on the described Transformations and Food Plants of North American Species of Agrilus (Col.). — Canad. Entoin., London, OnL, lii, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 220-223. This is the second instalment of a paper previously noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 516]. The species of economic importance dealt with include A. politus, Say (oak twig-girdler), A. burkei, Fish., infesting alders, A. viridis, L., vslt. fagi, Ratz., infesting roses, A. sinuatus, 01. (sinuate pear borer), A. fallax. Say, infesting honey locust, A. obsoletogiUtatus, Gory, infesting beech and oak, and A. egenus, Gory, infesting hickory and Rohinia. Weiss (H. B.) & West (E.). Notes on Galemcella nymphaeae, L., the Pond-Lily Leaf -beetle. (Col.). — Canad. Entom., London, Out., lii, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 237-239. Galerucella nymphaeae, L. (water-lily leaf-beetle) occurs throughout New Jersey on the yellow water-lily {Nymphaea advena), damaging the leaves and flowers. Hibernation probably occurs in the adult stage. The eggs are deposited on the leaf in clusters of up to 20, and hatch in about a week. The young larvae feed in colonies on the upper layers of the leaf tissue, causing irregular bare patches ; as they become larger, they separate and feed independently on either side of the leaf. In New Jersey many individuals become full-grown about the third week in June, and pupation occurs on the leaf surface, lasting about a week. There are at least two generations ; from the middle to the end of June all stages except eggs may be found. Other food-plants of G. nymphaeae that have been recorded include several aquatic species and also basket willows and beans. This beetle is evidently an imported pest, and is abundant in Northern Europe and Siberia, as well as being widely distributed in the United States. A description of the early stages is given. According to Chittenden arsenicals are effective in checking the beetle on willow, and for aquatic plants he suggests flooding, with a few drops of oil on the water to destroy the floating insects. It was noticed that the insect was absent in areas where the water-liUes were entirely covered by the tide each day. BuscK (A.). A New Gracilaria injurious to Avocado (Lepid.). — Canad. Entom., London, Ont., lii, no. 10, October 1920, p. 239, 3 figs. Gracilaria perseae, sp. n., is described from avocado in Florida, where it was bred from the leaves. This moth is said to be seriously 52 destructive to the young growth. The hirvae make a small mine between the veins of the young leaves and then fold the tip or the sides of the leaf downwards. The cocoon is spun in a fold on the leaf. This species resembles G. violacella, Clem., and G. burserella, Busck, but differs in the characters of the male genitalia. Stuckey (H. p.) & HiGGiNS (B. B.). Spraying Peaches. — Georgia Expt. Sta., Experiment, Bull. 135, December 1919, pp. 91-101. LReceived 1st December 1920.] Formulae and directions for the best sprays to use under Georgia conditions on peach-trees against both fungus diseases and insect pests are given. For the peach-tree borer [Aegeria exitiosa] the soil is raked awa}- from the trees to the depth of an inch or two during the latter half of July ; asphaltum is then applied to the base of the trees, extending six or eight inches above the ground. The soil is then replaced. This prevents oviposition, which normally occurs during August and early September. If any infestation follows this treatment, the larvae should be extracted in November. A schedule isgiven for summer spraying of peaches, and the necessary equipment is described, KiRBY (A. H.). Plant Pathology. — Nigeria : Ann. Rept. Dept. Agric, Southern Provinces for 1919, Lagos, 1920, pp. 17-18. [Received 2nd December 1920.] As a result of a severe infestation of maize by Calatidra oryzae, Tribolium castanenm and Tenehroides mauretanicus, experiments with carbon bisulphide as a fumigant were made. After fumigating shelled maize for 24 hours with 5 lb. of fumigant to 1,000 cu. ft., all the beetles were dead. The maize was then stored in sacks in native pots with well-fitting wooden covers, a layer of wood ash being placed on the maize before adjusting the co\^ers. The pots were then sealed with mud from termite nests. Maize thus stored proved insect- free when inspected after one month. The difficulty experienced in estabhshing the native indigo is due to continued insect attack. The pests involved include :■ — the large grasshopper Zonocerns variegatus, leaf-eating beetles belonging chiefly to the genera Syagrns and Crioceris, and Arctiid caterpillars. Watson (J. R.). New Thysanoptera from Florida, vii.^ — Florida Entom., Gainesville, iv, no. 2, September 1920, pp. 18-23, 27-30. [Received 6th December 1920.] The new species described include : — Haplothrips gracilis, onironweed (Vernonia) ; Hoplandrothrips quercitspiimilae, and Myrmecothrips querci, gen. ct sp. n., on Querctis pwnila ; Chirothrips floridenis, on Bermuda grass ; Haplothrips cassiac, on blossoms of Cassia ; H. fiinki, on Qtiercus falcata ; H. querci, on scrub oak ; and H. tiliae, on basswood [Tilia americana). Keys are given to the North American species of Hoplandrothrips and Chirothrips and also to the characters of the genera Cephalothrips, Dolichothrips and Myrmecothrips. Wilson (H. F.) & \'ickery (R. A). A Species List of the Aphididae of the World and their recorded Food Plants. — Trans. Wisconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and Letters, Madison, xix, pt. 1, November 1918, pp. 22-355. [Received 7th December 1920.] This work is divided into two parts, the first being a species list of the Aphididae of the world with their recorded food-plants, the second 53 giving a list of the food-plants and the Aphids said to attack them. The importance of the information is increased by the fact that the majority of species of Aphids are confined to certain definite food-plants, so that the determination of any one species is made more easy when the food-plant upon which it occurs is known. CusHMAN (R. A.). U.S. Bur. P^ntom. North American Ichneumon- flies, new and described, with Taxonomic and Nomenclatorial Notes.— Proc. U.S. Nat. Mns., Washington, D.C., Iviii, no. 2334, 1920, pp. 251-292. This paper includes corrections to Viereck's " Type Species of the Genera of Ichneumon-flies " R.A.E., A, ii, 182] and many additions to the author's previous papers. Descriptions are given of one new genus, one new subgenus and 23 new species of Ichneumonids, and three new species of Braconids. Among the new species are Phaeogenes arcticiis, parasitic on Peronea sp. on spruce and hemlock ; Spilocryptus propodemn, parasitic on Polychrosis viteana, Clem. ; Phthorima extensor, taken from an Aphid gall on witch-hazel ; AngHia galleriae, a parasite of Galleria mellonella ; Pristomerus ocellatiis, said to have been reared from stems of Polymnia uvedalia, infested b}' the weevil, Rhodobaenus tredecimptinctatiis ; P. mimittis, reared from a Cecidomyid gall on juniper ; and P. {N eopristomerns) melleus, reared from Gelechia sp. on tobacco and from Elasmopalpus lignosellus. The new Braconids are : — Bassus acrobasidis, from Acrobasis sp. on pecan ; Orgilus gelechiaevora, from Gelechia trialbamaculella ; and Habrobracon erucarnm, from Euxoa sp. Fletcher (T. B.) & Ixglis (C. M.). Some Common Indian Birds : no. 5. The Golden-backed Woodpecker {Brachyptemus aitrantins) . — Agric. Jl. India, Calcutta, xv, part 5, September 1920, pp. 481-484, 1 plate. [Received 7th December 1920.] Brachyptemus anrantius is common throughout India and Ceylon up to elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Ants form a considerable portion of its normal food. In Eastern Bengal these woodpeckers also feed on the larvae and pupae of the Longicorn, Hoplocerambvx spinicornis, which infests sal {Shorea robusta), and in Madras they frequent the toddy palms, probably because of the presence of Oryctes rhinoceros and Rhynchophoriis ferritgineus. They are also often seen on dead branches of sissu infested with the. termite, Coptotermes heimi. These birds are protected by law throughout the whole year in Bengal, Burma, Madras, Bombay and Assam. Henry (A.). Danger to Sitka Spruce from Chermes cooleyi.- — Gardeners' Chron., London, Ixviii, no. 1768, 13th November 1920, p. 242. Attention is drawn to the continued spread of Chermes cooleyi on Douglas fir in Britain. As this Aphid is a dangerous enemy of Sitka spruce in British Columbia, steps should be taken to have any suspected material investigated. Colli NGE {\\. E.). The Rook: Its Relation to the Farmer, Fruit Grower and Forester. — Jl. Minist. Agric, London, xxvii, no. 9, December 1920, pp. 868-875, 4 figs. An account is given of the methods of expressing the percentages of the various items of food found in a bird's stomach, so that by 54 comparing them a conclusion may be reached as to whether the bird is harmful or beneficial to agriculture. These methods are applied in detail in the case of the rook, which has been becoming increasingly abundant in Britain of recent years. From the figures given it is estimated that 10, 000 of these birds consume in a year about 232 tons of food, and in obtaining this they destroy about 80 tons of cereals, 32 tons of potatoes and roots, 7h tons of beneficial insects, and 65 tons of injurious insects, slugs, snails, etc., the rest of their food having no economic importance. It is not considered probable that this bulk of injurious insects, if they had not been destroyed by the rooks, would have done as much damage as the latter, as a considerable percentage would have been eaten by starlings, jackdaws and black-headed gulls. On the other hand the large amount of cereals destro^^ed is thought to be due to a change in food preference, following on the increase in the rook's numbers. In all probabihty there are too many rooks feeding on the same food in a given area, and that which is most plentiful and most easily procured is taken. Even when reduced in numbers the rook would still feed on cereals to a certain extent, but the percentage would be lower ; and it would benefit the farmer to lose such a percentage in order to have destroyed the greater percentage of injurious insects, many of which, such as wireworms, leather-jackets, ground caterpillars and weevils, could not be so thoroughly or economically attacked in any other way. Repressive measures are, consequently, recommended, but not reckless and wanton destruction, so that the rook may be brought back to its normal position, in which it is one of the most useful of birds. ScHLUPP (W. F.). Mylabris Beetles. — Jl. Dept. Agric, Union S. Africa, Pretoria, i, no. 8, November 1920, pp. 741-749, 3 figs. A short account is given of the life-history and economic status of bhster-beetles (Meloidae) in various parts of the world, and of the preparation and properties of cantharides. In South Africa the beetles injure the flowers of fruit trees, beans, peas, etc., but it is doubtful if the setting of the fruit is interfered with, and their numbers and the damage they do is often greatly overestimated. If severe injury is done, however, the beetles should be destroyed. Even if their larvae do attack grasshoppers (which is uncertain), the latter feed chiefly on grasses on the veldt that are of small value compared with the crops the beetles destroy. Spraying is not a satisfactory method of destroying the beetles, but systematic hand-collection is much more effective than might be expected. The cool, early morning is the best time, as the beetles are then least active. They may be disposed of by dropping them into water on which a little paraffin oil is floating. The commercial possibihties of these beetles in South Africa are negligible. The demand for cantharides is very limited, and though the South African species yield a larger amount of cantharidin than the " Spanish ¥\y," Lytta {Cantharis) vesicatoria, they are not, like it, gregarious, so that the labour involved in collection would be many times as great. It takes a thousand dried beetles to weigh a pound, and even where the beetles appear fairly numerous there are probably only about half that number to an acre. If it should ever become worth while to use them for commerce, they are best killed with carbon bisulphide. Of the Meloidae observed in South Africa the most numerous are Mylabris oculata, M. liinata, and Cyaneolytta subcoriacea. 55 Andrews (E. A). Address on the Control of the Mosquito Bhght of Tea {Htiopeltis theivora, Waterh.) given by the Entomologist before the Committee of the India Tea Association (London). — Qtrly. Jl. Scieni. Dept., Ind. Tea Assoc, Calcutta, 1920, pt. iii, pp. 67-82. The more important conclusions drawn from the investigations recorded in this paper have been previously noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 204 J. Natural means of control of Helopeltis theivora (mosquito blight) on tea in India are not promising. A Mermithid worm destroys perhaps 2 per cent, of the insects ; it is thought that in China or Japan, where damage by H. theivora is apparently never recorded, there may be some effective parasite that might be successfully imported. The bionomics of this Capsid are discussed, and a chart shows the seasonal history. As all stages of several generations are present at once, there is no specific period when the application of insecticides can be recommended with confidence. Lime-sulphur can be used with success against the adults on small areas, if the treatment is begun early in the season and is given repeatedly and efficiently. Fumigation has also given some success when the infestation was not too severe and when the evening breezes were favourable ; tests are to be made with some of the newly-discovered poison gases. The possibility of controlling this pest indirectly, by treatment of the plants, has already been discussed at length Uoc. cit.']. Stift (A.). Ueber im Jahre 1919 veroffenthche bemerkenswerte Arbeiten und Mitteilmigen auf dem Gebiete der tierischen und pflanzlichen Feinde der Zuckerriibe. AVorks and Communications of A^alue pubHshed in 1919 concerning the Animal and Vegetable Enemies of the Sugar Beet.] — Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. u. Infek- tionskr., Jena, lite Abt., Hi, no. 9-12, 10th November 1920, pp. 244-252. The subject-matter of this review is indicated by its title. Cecconi (G.). Manuale di Entomologia Forestale. — Florence, Ease. 8, 1920, 64 pp., 71 figs. TReceived 7th December 1920.] The eighth part of this work [R.A.E., A, vii, 351] covering pp. 449-512 concludes the section on Coleoptera and begins the description of the Diptera ; many of these are beneficial, being enemies of other insects that are forest pests. Degrully (L.). Les Traitements d'Hiver contre Cochylis et Eudemis. [Winter Treatments against Clysia aiiibigiiella and Polychrosis botrana.] — Progres Agric. & Vitic, Montpellier, Ixxv, no. 49, 5th December 1920, pp. 533-539, 3 figs. The infestation of Erench and Algerian vineyards in 1920 by Clysia ambiguella and Polychrosis botrana has been considerable, although perhaps more definitely localised than in preceding years. The importance of preventive winter treatments and of preventive and remedial measures in summer is emphasised, and the principal winter treatments are described and the necessary tools illustrated. 56 Ghiri.axda ((".). Botrylis hassidihi (the Silk-worm " Mucsardine ") in the Control of the Pine Bombyx, Thaumetopoca [Cndhocainpa) pityocampa.- — // Coltivaton\ Casalc Monf errata, \x\, no. 21, 3()th July 1919. pp. 329-423. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agric. Intcll. & PI. Dis., Roiiw, x, no. 10-12, October-December 1919, pp. 1290-1291.) [Received 7tli December 1920.] Attention is drawn to the possibility of carrying out experiuK'nts on a large scale for the purpose of propagating Botrylis bassiana (silkworm muscardine fungus) to destroy the larvae of Cnethocampa pityocampa \cf. R.A.E., A, vii, 385]. This fungus can grow on various media, but to obtain a pure culture, free from the other microbic forms usually accompanying it, tliose with an acid reaction must be used. When the fungus has readied thr C(,)mplete stage of spore formation, a homogeneous mixture with some inert powder (diatomaceous earth, talc, etc.) should l)e obtained, and tlie infecting material thus formed can be applied with a bellows sprayer. The most suitable time for dissemination is the end of August or the beginning of September, when the maximum number of caterpillars is present. They would thus be attacked before they migrate in search of food, and the action of the fungus would be much more rapid and deadly, because the caterpillars are then very small. The application sliould preferably be made at night, wlien the larvae are leaving their nests and can most easily be reached. If it is made by day, care should be taken to direct the powder upon the nests so that the caterpillars on coming out are readily covered and tluis become infectecl. De Stefani (T.). Animal Pests oJ the Castor-oil Plant {Ricinus communis) in Sicily, Italy. Boll. Stiidi. inform., R. (Hard. Colon. Palermo, v, pts. 1-2, 1919, pp. 39-47. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agric. Intell. S- PI. Dis., Rome, x, no. 10-12, October-December 1919, p. 1293.) [Received 7th December 1920.] In June 1918 young castor-oil plants {Ricinus communis), the leaves of which were yellow and flaccid, were found to be attacked by the mite, Tetranychus telarius var. russeolus. Laphvgma {Caradrina) exigua is the only pest that has been previously reported as attacking castor-oil plants in Sicily, and this moth has done very little liarm. A number of the larvae of a predatory beetle, Stethorus punctillum, was present among these mites and did great execution. The adult beetles were observed from the middle of June to tlie beginning of July. Makchal (P.) & PouTiERS (R.). La Fourmi d'Argentine. The Argentine Ant.]- — Biill. Agric. Al<:^er. Tun. Maroc, Algiers, xxvi, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 215-217^ An account is given of the Argentine ant, Iridomyrmex humilis, in the south of France, and of tlie usual methods employed to prevent its depredations [R.A.E., A, i, 325, v, 247, viii, 326, etc.]. Disinfection des Plants de Vignes racings. Disinfection of rooted \'ine Shps. ]--/.« Tcrrc Wiudoisc, Lausanne, xii, no. 49, 4th December 1920, p. 491. Attention is called to the necessity of disinfecting rooted vine slips in the vineyards of Vaud for Phylloxera ; this is compulsory in accord- 57 ance with the Federal decree, by which a disinfectant composed of 3 per cent, potassium sulpho-carbonate and 1 per cent, black soap is supplied free for use in each community under the supervision of an official. VAYSsifeRE (P.). Les Insectes nuisibles aux Cultures du Maroc. (2® Note.) — Bull. Soc. Entom. France, Paris, 1920, no. 15, 13th October 1920, pp. 256-259. This list of noxious insects in Morocco, continued from a previous paper [R.A.E., A, viii, 121], includes: — -Coleoptera : Hcsperophanes fasciculat'us, Fald., taken on fig-trees. Lepidoptcra : Prays oleae, F., on the leaves of olive-trees. Diptcra : Mayetiola destructor. Say, causing much damage to wheat and barley ; Ceratitis capitata, Wied., infesting fruit ; Dacus oleae, Rossi, on olives. Rhyncliota (exclusive of Apliids and Aleurodids, which will be dealt with later) : Euphyllura olivina, Costa, an important olive pest ; Parlatoria calianthina, Berl. & Leon., on olives ; P. zizyphi, Lucas, on oranges ; Lepidosaphes beckii, Newman {citricola, Pack.), on Citrus spp. ; Aspidiotus hedcrae, Vail., on oleanders and olives : A. (Aonidiella) maleti, sp. n., on olives ; Chrysomphalus minor, Berl. & Leon. ; Chionaspis ceratoniae, March., on carobs and olives ; C. etrtisca, Leon., on Tamarix ; C. nerii, Newst., on oleanders ; Saissetia oleae, Bern. ; Coccus (Lecanium) hesperidum, L. ; Ceroplastes rusci, L. ; C. sinensis, Del G. ; Pseitdococcus citri, Risso, on citrus ; Kcrmes vermilio. Planch., on oak ; Margarodes parieli, sp. n., on barley ; and Icerya purchasi. Mask., on various fruit and ornamental trees, against which Novius cardinalis is b^'ing introduced. DE Peyerimhoff (P.). Nouvcaux Coleoptsres du Nord- Af ricain : Trente- sixieme Note. Anobiidae Parasites du Cedre et du Pin d'Alep.^ Bull. Soc. Entom. France, Paris, 1920, no. 16, 27th October 1920, pp. 266-268, 2 figs. The new species here described from northern Africa are Ernobius fructuum, from dry cedar cones infested with larvae of Dioryctria peltieri, Joann. ; Anohium (Coelostethus) pineti, from a decayed trunk of Aleppo pine [Pinus halepensis], and A. pineti cedretorum, subsp. n., from a dry cedar trunk. DE Seabra (A. F). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes cultivees a S. Thom6. xxiv. Le Dysdercus superstitiosus a S. Thom6. — Lisbon, Companhia Agricola Ultra- marina, 1920, 6 pp., 4 figs. ^Received 11th December 1920. j Dysdercus superstitiosus is found in San Thome on Eriodendron anfractttosum, Bombax sp. and cacao. On the latter plant individuals were noticed in February. The coloration of this cotton-stainer apparently varies as a result of different food-plants. The remedial measures suggested by Peacock [R.A.E., A, ii, 106] are advocated. The natural enemies include a Myrmelionid that is very common on the Island. DE Seabra (A. F.). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes cultiv6es a S. Thom6. xxv. Les Coehenilles du Coeotier a S. Thom6. — Lisbon, Companhia Agrici^la Ultra- marina, 1920, 5 pp. [Received 11th December 1920.] Many of the Coccids here recorded have been previously mentioned [R.A.E., A, vi, 384 ; viii, 492] ; they include Aidacaspis pcntagona (7734— a) f . 58 commonly infesting a species of Lorantlnis, probably /-. javanicus, a plant parasitic on cacao, as well as cacao itself, and less frequently coconut palms. Its numbers arc greatly reduced by the fungus Microcera coccophila. Aspidiotus palmae is especially abundant on avocado. Coconuts are also attacked by A. articulatns, an unidentified species of Lecanium, and Ischnaspis longirostris {filiformis). DE Seahk.v (A. 1'.). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes eultiv6es a S. Thom6. xxvi. VAraecerus fasciculatus a S. Thom6. — Lisbon, Campanhia Agricola Ultra- marina, 1920, 4 pp. [Received 11th December 1920.] Araccerus fasciculahis, altliough introduced in the larval stage among cacao berries or dried branches of coffee, has not yet become established in San Thome. To prevent injury the suggestions made by Maync R.A.E., A, vi, 79] are advocated ; these include clean storage and the removal of infested fruits from the trees. Dried berries should not be stored for very long. No parasites of this beetle have yet been discovered in San Thome. DE Se.^br.\ (A. F.). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes cultivees a S. Thome, xxvii. Note sur I'Importanee agricole de V Anlacasph pentagona a S. Thome. — Lisbon, Campanhia Agricola Ultramarina, 1920, 4 pp. ^Rccei\-ed nth December 1920.] The natural enemies of Pscudaonidia Irilobiiiformis and Atdacaspis pentagona in San Thome include the fungus Microcera coccophila. The importance of fungous diseases in the control of scale-insects and their value to agriculture is emphasised [R.A.E., A, viii, 492]. DE Seabra (A. F.). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes cultivees a S. Thome, xxviii. Note sur I'Habitat de VAspidiotits articulatns a S. Thome. — Lisbon, Companhia Agricola Ultramarina, 1920, 4 pp. 'Received 11th December 1920. J In San Thome Aspidiotns ariiciilatiis has been found infesting cacao, coffee, coconut, avocado and even Citrus, but it has never been sufficiently abundant to be of any economic importance. The favourite food-plant is apparently Lonchocarpiis sp. DE Searka (A. F.). Etudes sur les Maladies et les Parasites du Cacaoyer et d'autres Plantes cultivees a S. Thom6. xxx. Encore le Thrips du Cacaoyer [HcHothrips ritbrocinctus, Giard) a S. Thom6. — ■ Lisbon, Companhia Agricola Ultramarina, 1920, 5 pp. [Received 11th December 1920.1 The food-plants of Heliothrips rnbrocinctus, Giard, include Claoxylon molleri, Copaifera mopane, Manihot ittilissima, Pseudospondias micro- carpa, Psidinm pomiferum and Urophyllum insulare. It also attacks mango and kola plants. Owing to the habits of H. rnbrocinctus, it is doubtful whether tobacco would be of any use as a trap crop [R.A.E., A, viii, 492]. Apparently this thrips does not fly very much, and only accidentally alights on tobacco plants when carried by the wind. As a pest of cacao in San Thome, it is probably not as important as it at first appeared to be, but its further spread should be guarded against. 59 Esta criado o Institute Biologico de Defesa Agricola. [Foundation of the Biological Institute for Agricultural Defence.]— C/^acaras e Quintaes, S. Paulo, xxii, no. 5, 15th November 1920, p. 355, 1 fig. The BraziUan Ministry of Agriculture has estabhshed a Biological Institute for Agricultural Defence on the Hues adopted by other countries. Dr. Carlos Moreira, up to now Chief of the Entomological Laboratory of the National Museum, has been appointed director of the new institution. Os Insectos damninhos. ix. 0 Caruncho da Madera, Lyctus hrimneiis, Stephens. [Injurious Insects, ix. The Timber Beetle, L. ftmww^MS.] — Chacaras e Quintaes, S. Paiilo, xxii, no. 5, 15th November 1920, pp. 372-373, 1 fig. Lyctus brunneus is known in Europe and Australia, and probably occurs throughout Brazil, though it has only been recorded there quite recently. The female oviposits in felled timber as soon as the bark has dried. In Brazil a Clerid, Tarsostenus univittatus, Rossi, and some Braconid enemies of it have been discovered. Froggatt has recorded a Braconid parasite in Austraha [R.A.E., A, viii, 333] ; there must be many species of these in Brazil, as several hundred parasites emerged from infested timber under observation. SwEZEY (0. H.). The Olapa Weevil, Nesotocus giffardi. — Hawaiian Planters' Record, Honolulu, xxiii, no. 5, November 1920, pp. 264- 267, 7 figs. Most of the information here given on Nesotocus giffardi, an endemic Hawaiian weevil that attacks the native olapa tree [Cheirodendron) has already been noticed \R.A.E., A, viii, 434]. Insect Pests and Plant Diseases. — Rept. Agric. Dept., Grenada, April- December 1919 \ Barbados, 1920, pp. 6-7. [Received 15th December 1920.] The pests recorded include the acrobat ant [Cremastogaster sp.] which is widespread and causes damage to the cushions of the cacao tree, thereby reducing bearing. Mealy-bugs [Pseiidococcus] are often, found in association with this ant. At present experiments are being carried on with crude oil apphed to the ants' nests and torch fires for the destruction of leaves and pods on the trees where mealy-bugs are found. This latter method is not advocated. Localised attacks of Heliothrips ruhrocinctus, Giard (cacao thrips) are recorded. Bordeaux-nicotine and soap-nicotine washes were used, but it is e\-ident that spraying is useless unless accompanied by good cultivation and cfticient drainage. Aspidiotus destructor (coconut scale) was particularl}' in evidence during the dry months of April and May. Rhynchophorits palmarum (palm weevil) was observed on coconut palms, dying or dead as the result of Nematode attacks. Tomaspis saccharina, Dist. (froghopper) caused damage to sugar-cane ratoons of about twelve years standing. Large areas of maize were destroyed by Diatraea saccharalis, F. (cane moth borer). The pests of limes included Chionaspis citri (orange snow scale), Lepidosaphes beckii (orange mussel scale) and Coccus viridis (green scale). Polistes annularis (Jack Spaniard), introduced from St. Vincent, has for some reason or other become almost extinct, but the common Grenada wasp, Polybia occidentalis, is abundant everywhere. (7734— A) F 2 60 Jackson (T.). Control of Cotton Stainers in St. Vincent. — Agric. News, Barbados, xix, no. 483, 3()th October 1920, p. 347. In spite of the fact that there are now in St. Vincent no food-plants for cotton-stainers [Dysdercus spp.J to breed on during certain months of the year, there have probably been more stainers present during 1920 than in 1919. This is thought to be due in large measure to the use of cotton-seed meal as manure ; when this is not covered sufficiently deep it is possible that numbers of the bugs are able to breed on it for a limited time. A large quantity of cotton was spoilt in the fields on account of heavy rains, and much debris was left lying exposed to insect attack. The area under cotton was also greatly increased from the normal, so that there would naturally be a greater number of insects present. Every effort should be made to destroy as many stainers as possible at the end of every crop before they leave the field. When plants are being destroyed, traps should be laid ; these may be expected to be effective, as it is improbable that the insects would leave an abundant food-supply for less attractive plants. The adequate covering of cotton-seed manure also requires attention. Fernald (H. T.) & Bourne (A. I.). Department of Entomology.— ■32nd Ann. Rept. Mass. Agric. Expt. Sta., Amherst, Parts i and ii, 1919 (1920), pp. 31a-37a. [Received 18th December 1920.] The work in connection with tests of standard insecticides, studies on digger wasps, the onion maggot [Hylemyia antiqua] and codling moth [Cydia pomonella] have been continued as in previous years [R.A.E., A, viii, 75j. The second generation of the codUng moth, if it exists at all, is probably not large enough to need consideration. Observations to ascertain the best time for the second spring spraying for this pest are still in progress. Plathypena scabra, F. (green clover worm) was extremely abundant during 1919, causing serious injury to beans. Its attacks were first noticed in eastern Massachusetts during the latter half of July, and later it was found farther west. Repellent and insecticidal dusts, as well as contact insecticides, have proved useless against this moth, probably partly owing to the habit of the larvae of dropping to the ground when disturbed. A lead arsenate spray applied before the leaves are badly riddled proved a successful remedial measure, but should it be applied when the pods are nearly ready for picking, the beans will require thorough washing before they can be used. Lead arsenate powder also proved successful, but is difticult to apply evenly, and when applied too thickly, it injures the leaves. The European corn borer Pyransta nubilalis] has apparently spread beyond its known limits. Potato spraying experiments have been continued, various com- mercial brands of lead arsenate, calcium arsenate and magnesium arsenate having been tested in combination with Bordeaux mixture. These three materials appear to be equally good, except as to suspension quality and cost. The results obtained with 4-4-50 Bordeaux mixture combined with powdered calcium arsenate are equal to those obtained with lead arsenate or magnesium arsenate, but the cost is lower. Sulfoleum proved effective against Aphids, but not quite as good as nicotine sulphate. Its chief objection is the injury it causes to foliage. As a cluster-bud spray for apple trees, it was apparently successful against red bugs [Heterocordylus], and did not injure the leaves. 61 Locusts and their Control. — Bull. Imp. Inst., London, xviii, no, 2. April-June 1920, pp. 256-270. The biology of locusts in general is described, and the remedial measures advocated against them in various countries are reviewed. Several spray formulae for them are quoted, and their bacterial and fungoid diseases are briefly discussed. Baer (W.). Die Taehinen als Schmarotzer der schadlichen Insekten. Ihre Lebensweise, wirtsehaftliche Bedeutung und systematische Kennzeichnung. ^Tachinids as Parasites of injurious Insects. Their Life-History, Economic Importance, and Systematic Characters.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 185-246, 63 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] The hosts of Tachinidae are not limited to Arthropods, for mammals, birds, reptiles, etc., are parasitised by the Oestrinae, Calliphorinae, and Sarcophaginae, but the chief sub-famihes, Tachininae, Dexiinae, Rhinophorinae, and Phasiinae, confine themselves to Arthropods, especially insects. No stage, and scarcely any large group, is spared, and the most sheltered habitat, even under water, affords no protection. In Central and Northern Europe there are 400-450 species of these flies parasitising insects. They appear early and disappear late in the j^ar, and are found in the far North. Tachina larvaritm, L., occurs in Greenland, and Peletieria aenea, Staeg., and Petina siylata, B.B., a parasite of Dasychha groenlandica, Wck., are peculiar to that country. The adult Tachinids are chiefly found on flowers, in summer those of Umbelliferae being the most attractive. They also feed on decomposing matter, and live for a fairly long time. Examples of Ernestia rudis found in August had apparently emerged in May, and in captivity the female of HeUhosca nmscaria can h ve for 8 or 9 weeks. In favourable weather mating takes place on the days immediately following emergence. The male appears to be mature on leaving the cocoon, but the female requires a further 2, 3, or more weeks to attain maturitj^ a period that may be prolonged at low temperatures. A few species of the genera Meigenia, Compsilitra and Lydella seem to mature in 3-4 days in sunny weather. Some species deposit their eggs within the host, and others in proximity to it, on the food-plant. The latter eggs either hatch after they have been inadvertently ingested, or the larvae remain fullv developed in the shell until a suitable host touches them. The number of eggs laid varies considerably. Eudoromyia magnicornis has furnished a count of 3,200 eggs ; Shirmia sericana one of over 5,000, according to Sasaki ; and Helicobosca muscaria, Mg., a minimum of 3. Descriptions are given of the method of penetration into the host, the shape of the larva, the larva's three stages, and its hfe within the host. The larvae may be divided into 3 groups according as to v hether they remain in direct communication with atmospheric air, in secondar\' (direct or indirect) communication, or become entirely cut off. The larval period is usually short- — about 3 weeks for Parasetigena and as little as 6 days for Meigenia floralis ; but this may be prolonged by a resting or hibernation period in the host. For instance, Sturmia bima- culata, parasitising the summer generation of Diprion {Lophyrus) pini, matures in a few weeks. Some larvae of Sturmia, however, parasitise examples of this sawfly that are entering the latent period, and such larvae emerge in the following spring. 62 If parasitism has begun early cnougli in a caterpillar or other host, the victim is unable to progress to a further stage. This is the rule with Ernestia rudis, Erycia aurulenta, and Ptychqmyia. Some species emerge from the pupa as well as from the larva of the host. Erynnia nitida has been said sometimes to emerge from adults of Galeruca. Pupation usually takes place just beneath the surface of the ground. Among the species that do not pupate in the ground are Sturmia nidicola and Eudoromvia mafi^nicornis, which do not leave the host caterpillars. The pupal stage may be as short as a week ; Arrhinomyia innoxia, Meig., usually requires 3 weeks, but at 94° F. (35° C.) 1 week suffices. Most Tachinids are polyphagous ; Compsilura concinnata has 67 hosts ; Bucentes cristata attacks Tipnla maxima, living in water, and various caterpillars. Ceromasia inchisa, Diplostichus, TricJioparia, and Sesiophaga are the only monophagous Tachinids known. There are from one to three generations a year. Compsilura and Lydella nigripcs have a complete third generation, at least. Different generations often have different hosts. In spring Phryxe vulgaris attacks Hihernia and Cheimatobia , and its second generation attacks Orgyia. The efficiency of Tachinids may reach 100 per cent, in outbreaks of insect pests, their increase becoming very marked when the hosts become abundant. Among the causes that check their increase are unfavourable conditions for finding a host ; even eggs that are laid on a host may be lost with the latter's cast skin. Fungi, such as EmpHsa and Spicaria, and Chalcid hyperparasites also check Tachinids. Still more important are flies of the genus Anthrax. During recent nun-moth outbreaks the extraordinary increase of Hemipenthes {Anthrax) morio, L., gave reason to fear a decrease of Tachinid parasitism. Another check is the unsuitability of the available host, which raises the question as to whether polyphagous or monophagous species are the more beneficial. The former exercise a preventive action that uniformly checks the host, whereas the latter exercise a curative action by appearing in large numbers following on a rapid increase of their specific host. Notes are given on methods of investigating the extent of parasitism, on the avoidance of combative measures disadvantageous to the parasites, and on cultural methods favourable to them. The best- known example of such cultural methods is the growing in vineyards of Eiionvmus and other food-plants of Hvponomettta in order to encourage the latter's parasites, which are also parasites of the vine- moths [R.A.E., A, viii, 356]. The successful establishment in North America of Tachinid parasites of the brown-tail moth ^Nygmia phaeorrhoea] and gipsy moth \Porthetria dispar] is instanced ; in new territory hyperparasites are absent at first if care is taken not to import them with the beneficial species. When an outbreak is decUning in a given area and spreading else- where, it is profitable to use the superfluous parasites in the first district, thus counterbalancing the advantage of time usually possessed b}' the host. After an outbreak of the nun-moth Liparis monacha] or pine-moth [Panolis flammea], the cocoons of Parasetigena and Ernestia should be collected for use elsewhere. Large numbers may be obtained by confining parasitised mature caterpillars in a narrow space. Lydella nigripes, Fall., and Carcelia riitilla, B.B., leave the pupa [of Bupaliis piniariiis] a few weeks before the latter's flight 63 period ; the pupae should be taken when required and kept under netting permitting the Tachinids to escape. A good method of breeding Tachinids is to place the host cocoons in flowerpots or wire-gauze cylinders sunk in the ground and covered with moss, etc. Kleine (R). Die Wintersaateule, A^yyotis segetiim, Schiff., und ihre Bedeutung als landwirtschaJtlicher Schadling. [Euxoa segetum and its Importance as an agricultural Y'est.]—Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 247-269, 1 map. [Received 2nd December 1920.] The severe outbreak of Euxoa {Agrotis) segetum in Germany in 1915 was followed by one of a ruinous character in 1917. In 1918 very little damage was done. The investigations here described were made in Pomerania ; Zimmermann's observations in Mecklenburg have already been noticed [R.A.E., A, vi, 444]. The outbreaks are quite sudden, as the individuals normally found are capable of increase within a year to devastating multitudes. Weather exercises more influence than has been supposed, and may be almost the sole cause of a severe outbreak. In 1915 and 1917 the weather was dry ; in 1916 and 1918 it was wet. The winter of 1916-17 was cold, and a cold winter is favourable to this moth. Warm winters are unfavourable, because the caterpillars remain near the surface of the ground, and are more liable to be affected by damp and pathogenic fungi. Rape {Brassica rapa) suffered the most from this cutworm, and potatoes, which covered a larger area, nearly as much. The great injury to rape seems to be due to the fact that seedhngs are planted out in stable manure recently ploughed under. If instead of planting seedlings seed is sown in drills, the danger will be less, because the manure will have been ploughed under some time before, and because the plants will be vigorous in July, the chief danger period. Potatoes are not a preferred food ; other root crops are more attractive. Both sugar and fodder beet suffered severely. In dry years young tobacco plants have been attacked. Winter cereals are not seriously infested. On light soils rye has been injured. Rolhng and harrowing are useful measures in the case of potatoes, and rape must be well hoed. The plough is only directly useful when ploughing manure, the important thing being to work the ground in autumn, at least in dry years. Stable manure should be applied in autumn or early spring, just before planting or sowing. In any case it must be ploughed under immediately, so as to prevent eggs being deposited. E. segetum does not appear to be parasitised to any degree. Only about 1 per cent, were attacked. The Braconid concerned was not identified. The use of artificial manures, such as kainit, seemed promising. If the manured ground is wet these substances appear to kill the cater- pillars, though dry conditions prevent their action. Practical con- siderations, however, give httle hope of this method being of use. In dry years the crops should be watched, and centres of infestation must be isolated by a steep-sided trench strewn with kainit. In wet years there is little to fear, especially after a warm winter. 64 BuRKHARDT (F.) & VON Lengerkex (H.). Beitrage zur Biologie des; Rapsglanzkafers [Meligeihcs aeneiis, Fabr.). iContributions to the Biology of M. aeneiis.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, Februan- 1920, pp. 270-295, 32 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] This paper contains a detailed account of the first part of the authors' investigations on Mcligethes aeneiis, F., the chief enemy of rape and turnip in Germany, and deals with the life-history and injury of the beetle from its first appearance in spring up to the emergence of the new generation, i.e., from April to the end of June. The morphology and habits of M. viridescens are identical with those of M. aeneus. Investigations on Cetithorrhynchns napi, GylL, are still being carried on. The larvae of M. aeneus do no damage, as they feed exclusively on pollen, without, however, injuring the infested flowers. They may cause self-pollination, or plav an important role as pollen-carriers. [R.A.E., A, viii, 488, 542]. The adults appearing in spring may do great harm to the crops,, much depending on the condition of the plants at the date of infestation. If the flowers are already open the beetles are able to feed at once on the pollen, but in a cold spring the buds are still closed when the beetles appear and serious injury may be done. It is therefore necessary to select early flowering varieties in order that bud injury may be prevented. The attempts being made to raise such varieties are therefore calculated to solve the problem of combating^ this pest. Herold {W.). Zur Kenntnis von Agrotis segekim, Schiff. (Saateule)^ n. Die herangewachsene Raupe. [A Contribution to the Know- ledge of Eitxoa segetnm. II. The mature Caterpillar.] — Zeitschr^ angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 302-329^ 7 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] This paper on the later lar\-al stages of Euxoa {Agrotis) segetnm,. which are those chiefiv injurious, supplements one already noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 271]. ' A combination of chemical and physical measures gives excellent results in combating the caterpillars. It was found that if infested fields are strewn with kainit the caterpillars will migrate and may be trapped in trenches. On a large-scale experiment, the apphcation of kainit was followed by rain, and a mass migration was observed,, very large numbers of the caterpillars being taken in the trenches. The mature larvae are unable to chmb slopes of over 35°, and the sides of the trenches should be constructed at an angle of 45°, which effectually prevents escape and yet guarantees that the trench will maintain its shape. The trapped caterpillars should be collected eacli morning. In loose ground some may escape b}- burrowing, but by raking the bottom of the trench most of them can be recovered. At the bottom of a 12-inch-deep trench the caterpillars appear unable to burrow upwards to the surface, though they are known to be able to travel underground for over 3 ft. in a horizontal direction. This would explain why they are usually found near the surface, at a depth much exceeded by the roots of their food-plants, and why they hibernate at a depth of 4-6 inches only. 65 FuLMEK (L.). Zur Kenntnis der Raupe und Puppe von Buccnlatrix thoracella, Thbg. [A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Caterpillar and Pupa of B. thoracella.'] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 330-337, 11 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] The larval and pupal stages of Bucculatrix thoracella, Thbg., are described. The cocoons, some of which were parasitised by Chalcids, were observed on lime-trees in Vienna. Andres (A.) &Muller (A.). Ein einfaches Verfahren der Blausaure- entwicklung aus Cyannatriumlosungen und seine Verwendung zur Bekampfung schadlicher Insekten. [A simple Process for generating Hydrocyanic Acid Gas from Solutions of Sodium Cyanide and its Use for combating injurious Insects.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 372-389. [Received 2nd December 1920.] Hydrocyanic acid gas is generated when a solution of sodium cyanide is poured on the soil. No importance has hitherto been attached to this fact, which may be of value in combating insect pests. Warm, dry ground favours the generation of the gas. . The composition of the soil is an important factor, sand being less suitable, though the addition of ammonium sulphate will help the production of gas in this medium. Sodium cyanide is dangerous to plants if it comes in contact with their roots, but the decomposition product (soda) is harmless. It is therefore dangerous to adopt this method on ground in which plants are already growing, though no harm will result if the soil is treated some days prior to planting. In order to confine the gas, it is necessary to cover the ground, immediately after treatment, with some material such as newspaper, balloon silk, or packing paper, the edges of the covering being weighted. The ground must be kept covered for at least 45 minutes. Flea-beetles and Aphids may be killed in this manner. The ground must be dry and have a minimum temperature of 65° F. (18° C.). It is necessary to use 2^ htres of a 5 per mille solution of sodium cyanide per square metre (about 4| pints per lOf sq. ft.). This strength does not injure either savoy or white cabbage if treatment is carried out in the evening. In hot-beds, pot- plants infested with Aphids and Coccids may be treated in the same manner. Hase (A.). Ueberdie erste deutsche Forstentomologische Feldstation. [Notes on the first German Field-station for Forest Entomology.] — Zeitschr. angeiv. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 390^00, 6 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] Owing to the present financial conditions in Germany it is doubtful whether funds will be available for entomological field stations. Economic entomologists must attract pubhc notice to the need for such stations and must endeavour to secure financial assistance from sources other than the State. Owing to the action of the municipal authorities of the town of Guben, the first German field station, or rather, forest station, has been estabhshed in a forest of about 12,000 acres chiefly planted with pines, some of which are infested with Dendrolimus {Gastropacha) pint. Investigations are to be conducted on this moth and on methods for combating it. 66 Frickhinuihk (H.W.). Die Kleidermotte {Tincola hisellidla. Hummel) als Schadling in zoologischen Sammlungen. The Clothes Motli, T. bisdliella, as a Pest of Zoological Collections.] — Zeitschr. angcw. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 400-404, 5 iigs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] Many points in the life-history of the clothes moth, Tineola biselliella. Hum., remain unknown, and little information is available on its methods of spread. Examination of an entomological collection infested by this pest led to the assumption, subsequently confirmed by breeding experiments, that T. biselliella is less a pest of the preserved insects than of the peat slabs at the bottom of the boxes. Andres (A.). Ein Schadling an Azaleen in Gewachshausern. A Pest of Azaleas in Greenhouse^.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 404-405. [Received 2nd December 1920.] In the azalea house of the palm garden at Frankfort -on-Main some injury to the leaves is done by caterpillars of Gracilaria zachrysa, Meyr. [azaleella, Brants) [R.A.E., A, iii, 463]. Andres (A.). Starkes Auftreten des Sclmeeball-Blattkafers {Galerncella viburni, Payk.). |An Outbreak of the Viburnum Leaf-beetle, G. vibiirni.] — Zeitschr. angeiv. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 405^06, 2 figs. [Received 2nd December 1920.] A severe infestation of Viburnum opiilns by a Chrysomelid beetle, Galerncella viburni, Payk., is recorded from Hessen. The larvae enter the soil in June to pupate, and the adults emerge in August. Infested shoots should be removed in winter, or the ground beneath the; plants should be disinfected in June or Juty . Andres (A.). Ueber den Messingkafer [Niptus hololeucus, Fald.). TNotes on A\ hololeucus. . — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 406-407. [Received 2nd December 1920. J In addition to larvae of Endrosis lacteella and Ephestia elutella, found in a sample of cocoa powder from a South German chocolate factory, both larvae and adults of Niptus hololeucus, Fald., were present. This beetle is known to feed on a variety of objects of animal or vegetable origin such as sponges, bones, feathers, brushes, woollen and leather goods, etc. It is a domestic pest in Europe, and difficult to combat. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas (1 volume per cent.) kills it after several hours' exposure. According to Guide it is attracted by damp cloths, so that it may be possible to trap it by means of these. Andres (A.). Der Zigarrenkafer [Lasioderma serricorne, Fabr.) in getrocknetem Tabak. [L. serricorne in dried Tobacco.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 407-408, 1 fig. [Received 2nd December 1920.] The tobacco beetle, Easioderma serricorne, ¥., is recorded in a consignment of tobacco from Holland. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas was found effective. With a strength of 1 volume per cent., an exposure of 2 hours is required, or 24 hours at 1 volume per mille. Loose tobacco, cigars and cigarettes withstand 42 hours' exposure to \\ volumes per cent, without showing any trace of treatment or any loss of aroma. 67 V. Lexgerken (H.). Eine neue Mordellistena (Coleopt.) aus Columbien als Schadling an Orchideenkulturen. A new Mordellistena from Colombia as a Pest of cultivated Orchids.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 409-411. "Received 2nd December 1920.] In February 1919 the leaves of Cattleya lahiata in an orchid house in Berlin were severely injured by a new beetle that appears to have been imported with Cattleya trianaei from Colombia. The name Mordellistena beyrodti has been given to this species, a description of which is being published in the Zoologische Jahrbiicher by W. Spengel. The egg is laid in the leaf, which becomes discoloured at the puncture, and the larva usually feeds between the leaf-veins. In May all larval stages may be found, often on one leaf, and pupae and adults about to emerge also occur. Experiments with hydrocyanic acid gas showed that it is not suitable, as the plants suffer at strengths that do not affect the larvae. Fumi- gation with substances containing nicotine, however, appear to give good results against the adults. Oberstein ( — ). Ueber ein Massenauftreten von Braconiden-Kokons in bodenstandig-schlesischer Rotkleesaat. i A Mass Occurrence of Braconid Cocoons in Silesian Red Clover Seed.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 411—412. Received 2nd December 1920.] The occurrence of large numbers of pupal envelopes of a Braconid is recorded from red clover seed of Silesian origin. Sorauer has pointed out that weevils belonging to the genus Apion are particularly apt to be attacked by such Hymenopterous parasites, and it is therefore advisable that seed-cleaning works should deal suitably with any large number of cocoons that may be noticed. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft fiir Sehadlingsbekampfung. [The German Company for Combating Pests.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, pp. 413— 1-14. ^Received 2nd December 1920.] The German Company for Combating Pests, Limited, is an under- taking established for the public welfare, and is controlled by the Imperial Government, which distributes the profits in furtherance of investigations on the combating of pests. The company is not directly concerned with entomology, technical chemistry, or applied botany, but carries out, commercially, the methods originated by entomologists, chemists, or botanists. It limits its activities to such business as requires commercial treatment. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas is the principal method employed. Stellwaag ( — ). Kellervergasung gegen die Korkmotte. Cellar Fumigation against the Cork Moth.] — Zeitschr. angew. Entom., Berlin, vi, no. 2, February 1920, p. 416. [Received 2nd December 1920.] Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas has proved entirely successful against the cork moth, which in this instance had infested a cellar for several years. u 68 Andrews (E. A.). Insect Control. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 23-32. The necessity is emphasised of a thorough knowledge of the hfe- history of an insect, its relation to the plant attacked, and the response of the plant under cultivation to environmental conditions and to varying forms of existing agricultural practice, before the apphcation of remedial measures. Instances of the success of cultural remedial measures against insects are discussed ; these include collar-pruning of tea to prevent attacks by termites, continued hoeing and forking against Melolonthid and other beetles, and improved drainage against Tetranychiis biociilatus, W. M. (red spider). Sprays against the latter must contain something to break down the webs with which these mites protect themselves. Lime-sulphur containing much suspended matter is effective in this respect. Insecticides may prove successful against Helopeltis theivora, if applied when the bulk of the insects are in the young stages. Fletcher (T. B.). Annotated List of Indian Crop Vesi^.—Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, Fehniarv 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 33-314, 6 plates. It is not possible in an abstract to do more than notice this important list of Indian crop pests. It records over 1,100 species, and includes brief notes on their habits and food-plants as well as suggestions for remedial measures. Ramakrishna Ayyar (T. V.). Some Insects recently noted as injurious in South India. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 314-328, 12 plates. This paper forms a supplement to Mr. Fletcher's book on South Indian insects [R.A.E., A, iii, 146], and contains brief notes on some 112 species arranged under their natural orders. Anstead (R. D.). Note on the more Important Insect Pests of Planting Districts of South India and the Methods of Control used, 1917-18. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 328-332. The pests dealt with are arranged under the crops attacked. On coffee. Coccus viridis colemani is distributed chiefly by the ants Cremastogaster sp. and Plagiolepis longipes. During the north-east monsoon these scales may be blown as far as 90 yards. The removal of ants and the spraying and brushing with fish-oil-resin soap at the rate of 1 lb. to 2 gals, water have proved efficient remedies. The fungi that infest them, Cephalosporium lecanii and Empusa lecanii, may be encouraged by distributing infected branches. Saissetia hemisphaerica, Pulvinaria psidii and other scales are controlled by periodical spraying. Pseudococcus (Dactylopins) citri occurs on coffee and Erythrina litho- sperma. This scale and the cockchafer Holotrichia conferta may be destroyed by the use of "' Apterite," a soil disinfectant apparently containing crude naphthaline and pink carbolic powder, applied at the rate of 2 cwt. per acre. Scrubbing the stems of coffee bushes in October and November with coconut husks proved an efficient remedy against Xylotrechus quadripes (coffee borer). Tea pests include : — Helopeltis, against which the usual remedial measures were used ; Thosea cervina, controlled by collection of cocoons 69 and soil cultivation round affected bushes ; Arbela sp. ; Aspidiotus camelliae, controlled by fish-oil-resin spray ; Contheyla rotunda ; and Terias silhetana, a butterfly occurring on Alhizzia and attacking the tea beneath. Orange and lime trees have been attacked by Chelidoniiim cinctum at Bangalore. The eggs of this beetle are laid in the axils of young twigs in June. They hatch in about two weeks, and the young larvae bore into the twig first upwards and then "downwards, making occasional small openings. They eventually bore into the main branches making tunnels about I inch in diameter. The young twigs die at once, turning black so that they are easily seen, and they can be cut off with the larvae inside them. By doing this, and by catching the adults, the attack in question was to a large extent controlled. Senior-White (R.). A List o! Lepidoptera noted to attack cultivated Plants in Ceylon. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 332-337. This list of Lepidoptera includes over 100 species with their food- plants and parasites. Senior-White (R.). A List o£ Plants, with their Lepidopterous Pests, in Qeylon.— Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 337-341. The contents of this paper are indicated by its title. Shroff (K. D.). Lists of Insect Pests in BuvmB,.— Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta,!, 1920, pp. 341- 354, 1 plate. These lists are arranged in tabular form, and give the name of the pest, the part of the plant attacked, and general remarks with regard to occurrence. The crops concerned comprise cereals, pulses, oil seed plants, tobacco, vegetables, sugar-cane, etc. Nymphula sp. (paddy case-worm) attacks young rice plants. A method of collecting the caterpillar by means of a native fishing basket is described. Ripersia sacchari sometimes becomes a serious pest of rice, completely killing the tender plants. A stem-boring beetle has proved a serious pest of plantains. The eggs are probably laid on the stalks, and the larvae enter these and gradually bore down to the stem. A slimy exudation indicates their presence. Pupation occurs inside the stem. Fletcher (T. B.) & Ghosh (C. C). Borers in Sugar-cane, Rice, etc.— Rept. Proc, 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, i, 1920, pp. 354-417, 47 plates. As the borers of sugar-cane, rice, etc., have a wide range of food- plants included under the order Gramincae and even extending to the Cyperaceae, investigations were made with the object of tracing their occurrence in alternative food-plants. The inquiry, which has only been in progress for the last two years, and has been so far confined chiefly to the neighbourhood of Pusa, is far from being complete. As borers only found as yet in wild grasses may be potential pests of allied cultivated plants, they should be included^ in these inquiries. In the present paper the borers of 29 Gramineous and 2 Cyperaceous plants are recorded, but only those attacking sugar-cane and rice have been under systematic consideration. In order to obtain an approximate 70 idea of the amount of damage caused by the borers, other agents affecting the plants simultaneously have to be taken into consideration ; these include fungous diseases, which, besides being primary agents of damage themseh'es, generally follow borer attack ; termites ; Gryllotalpa afyicana (mole cricket) ; Melolonthid, Curculionid, Chrvsomelid and Elaterid larvae ; and Dory his sp. (red ants). Over 30 species of borers are dealt witli, and a classified list of them is given with keys to the larvae of the Lepidoptera concerned and to the pupae of Raphimetopiis [Anerastia), Diatraea and Chile. A list of borers arranged under the headings of the plants attacked is also given. At the present stage of the investigations no practical effective remedial measures against the borers can be suggested. The presence or absence of alternative food-plants certainly affects the prevalence of Pyralid and Noctuid borers in any crop. The cutting out of " dead hearts " in sugar-cane and dry ears of rice is not advocated. Insects such as Scirpophaga spp. and Diatraea sp., that attack fully grown canes, may be checked by the removal of the affected stems, at least until a better method of dealing with them has been devised. The natural enemies include Chalcid, Braconid and Ichneumonid parasites of practically all species of Diatraea, Chilo and Scirpophaga andCarabid grubs, Chlaenius sp., which have been occasionally observed preving on borer larvae, but the effect of the latter is apparently not verv great. This important paper should be consulted in tlic originah IMisRA (C. S.). Some Indian Economic Aleyrodidae. — Rcpt. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, Febriiarv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 418-433, 8 plates. Aleurolohus barodensis. Mask, (sugar-cane white-fly), has been under observation for 14 years in various parts of the Central Provinces, the degree of infestation being variable. When ratoon cane is allowed to remain on the ground, the infestation on the new plantations is noticeably worse. In bad cases the whitish puparia on the leaves give the plants a white appearance, while the lower leaves are covered with a black fungus, Capnodinm sp., associated with the honey-dew excreted by the insects. This pest seems to prefer broad-leaved varieties of sugar-cane. Eggs are laid during the winter on the apices of unopened leaves or on old leaves full of nymphs and puparia. The clusters contain from about 3 to 50 eggs, the average being about 40. Nymphs, puparia and adults are seen during December, January and February. The adults are particularly active from August onwards, but are adversely affected by the hot winds of May and June. The stages are described. During August a complete life-cycle was observed to last 24 to 25 days ; in the winter it must occupy a much longer period. No parasites of the eggs or adults have been observed, but tlie nymphs and pupae are heavily parasitised by three species of Chalcids, especially towards the end of the year. The most important of these is briefly described and figured. In 1907 the removal of infested leaves in the most affected plots was tried, and much good was done, but the method is rather drastic. No other easy and effective measure seems to be practicable. Xeomaskellia hergi, Sign., is a much less serious pest of sugar-cane, sometimes seen on the lea\es with A. barodensis; when numerous, the collection and destruction of egg-masses could be easily effected, as they are very conspicuous. All stages are devoured by Scymniis sp. 71 Aleurocanthus spiniferits, Quaint., is a pest of Citnis spp., having been observed at Pusa infesting orange, lemon and pomelo leaves. It does not appear to be injurious to the plants, except by encouraging the deposit of Capnodhim sp. on the leaves. Nymphs and puparia are devoured by the grubs of Chrysopa fulvolineata, and are parasitised by a small Chalcid. MiSRA (C. S.). The Rice Leaf-hoppers.— i?^/)/. Proc 3rd Eniom. ■ Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 433-443, 1 plate. The leafhoppers [Nephotettix spp.] infesting rice in various locaHties in India, and in particular in the Lushai Hills and a tract of country from Balasore in the east to the Raipur District in the Central Provinces in the west, are enumerated, with notes on their hfe-histories and habits \R.A.E., A, viii, 472]. The preventive and remedial measures tried in 1915 [R.A.E., A, iii, 528] are recommended. Fletcher (T. B.) & Misra (C. S.). Cotton Bollworms in Indisi.—Rept. Proc. 3rd Entoni. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 443-472, 1 plate. The conclusions that have been reached after many years' study of cotton bollworms in Pusa and elsewhere are recorded. Much of the information has been noticed in previous papers [R.A.E., A, vii, 71-73, 132, 287, etc.]. The acreage of the various areas under cotton in India is given with the yield from each ; in all these the three chief species of bollworms are present. In the Punjab and Bombay, Earias insnlana preponderates over E. fabia, which outnumbers the former in Bihar and Orissa, Bengal, Madras and the Central Provinces. At Pusa, E. fabia is the commoner species, E. insulana being found more in Abutilon indicum than in cotton. In the United Provinces E. fabia occurs also in greater numbers than E. insulana, though the greatest pest of cotton in these Provinces is Platyedra {Gelechia) gossypiella, which, moreover, is less susceptible to the attack of parasites than the others. The life-histories of E. fabia and E. insulana have been worked out under Pusa conditions, that of E. fabia lasting from 21 to 32 days. The female moths fly after dusk and oviposit on the flowers, leaf- buds, tender top-leaves, capsules and fiower-bracts of cotton. The young larvae bore into the buds, bolls or top-shoots. At Pusa both larvae and adults are present throughout the year, and there is no true hibernation, though activity is considerably restricted during the winter months. Oviposition usually begins with warmer tempera- ture, winter vegetables being then replaced by bhindi {Hibiscus esculenttis) , which is the alternative food-plant. The tops of affected plants, if allowed to remain, soon send out fresh shoots, which again are attacked. In this way the growth is retarded, and the normal number of bolls is not produced. Such plants have a characteristic appearance, and should be pulled up and burnt. When the young plants are about a foot high, it is usual to thin them out ; if cultivators could be made to realise the necessity of puUing up at this time any that show signs of withering, much good would be done. The two species of Earias are found at Pusa in cotton, Hibiscus esculentus, H. abelmoschus, H. sabdariffa, H. panduriformis, H. rosa-sinensis, H. cannabinus, Abutilon indicum and Althaea rosea. In 72 H. ahelmoschiis, E. cupreoviridis also occurs, but this moth has not been found in cotton. The parasites of bollworms in India inckide two Braconids, two Ichneumonids and a Chalcid. Of these Microhracon lefroyi is the most important. The method of parasitism by this species is described. The complete life-cycle has been found to occupy from 9 to 13 days. Alternati\T hosts of this parasite are Platyedra gossypiella, Epice'phala chalybacnia, Enbleninia quadrilineata, E. amabilis, Adisiira atkinsoni, Sylepta derogata, Phycita infusella, Anarsia melanopleda, Chlumetia transversa, Alcides leopardus and Carpomyia vesnviana. These were studied with a view to utilising them for breeding the parasite when required in various localities. Very little success has as yet been obtained with light-traps, though E. insiilana and E. fahia frequently come to lights, and P. gossypiella occasionally does so. Tests have been made with thick and thin sowing, which have given no very decisive results, and also in growing cotton alone or inter-sown with tur [Cajanus indicus). In the latter case, the tur plants became so bushy that they interfered seriously with the growth and subsequent bolhng of the cotton. Tables show the results of the various tests, as well as of trials to determine the relative immunity of different varieties of cotton to bollworm attack. The figures are, however, too inconclusive to do more than indicate the tendency of certain varieties to resist infestation. In the discussion following this paper it was stated that a trap-crop would be the best remedy against bollworm attack, but that the chief difficulty is to induce cultivators to pull these up at the proper time, especially when the crop has been H. esculentus, which is a valuable vegetable, sometimes even more valuable than cotton. Topping the cotton is only practicable with a very vigorous crop, otherwise the destruction of the early shoots causes a severe check to the growth of the plant. GouGH (L. H.). The Pink Bollworm in Egypt. — Repl. Proc. 3rd Enloin. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 472-532, 13 plates. A review is given of the appearance and spread of Platyedra gossypiella (pink bollworm) in Egypt. The life-history, habits and food-plants are described [R.A.E., A, iv, 277], and the effect of bollworm attack on the yield of cotton is discussed [R.A.E., A, vii, 489]. The measures undertaken in Egypt for the control of the pest and the organisation for carrying them out are explained, and machines for the treatment of the seed are described and illustrated R.A.E., A, ii, 218, 319; iv, 472 ; vi, 42, etc.]. The campaigns of 1916 and 1917, as well as a general review of the situation, have recently been described by Ballou [R.A.E., A, viii, 67, 222]. P. gossypiella is the cotton pest of outstanding importance in Egypt, Earias spp. no longer being regarded as serious pests, and the whole question of its control centres in the possibility of the early removal of growing cotton plants from the fields. A September campaign would give immeasurably better results than an October one, but unfortunately this is not yet possible from an agricultural point of view. The treatment of the seed is also an important measure, though far less so than field work. Much is hoped from the establishment of a 73 scientific cotton research board now being formed by the Government, to consist of Government officials of scientific standing with one or more representatives from outside. Its duties will be to promote research on all problems affecting cotton in Egypt, and without doubt that of the pink boll worm will be one of the most serious. Tables are appended showing the quantities of Indian cotton imported into Egypt from 1903 to 1913, the distribution of pink boU- worm attack in buds, flowers and green bolls, the dates of emergence of adults from pods and seeds of Hibiscus esculentus, the results of examination of pods of H. esculentus and 77. cannabinus, the influence of position in which material containing pink bollworms is kept, the emergences of long-cycle moths, the results of light-trap experiments, and the infestation of green cotton bolls by the larvae, and comparing sound and attacked samples and the variations of the percentages of lint in various types of cotton in difterent years. WiLLCocKs (F. C). Experiments in Egypt on the Survival of the Pink Bollworms (Resting Stage Larvae) in ripe damaged Cotton Bolls buried at different Depths. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 532-547. Experiments with light-traps for catching adults of Platyedra {Gelechia) gossypiella are described, and the results shown in a series of tables. By means of 18 light-traps, used on two different plots, a total of 18,953 moths were caught in a little over 3 months. Of these, 10,141 were females, 5,959 males, and 2,853 remained unexamined. A large number of the females seemed to have been caught before oviposition commenced. Although females as a rule preponderated in the traps, at times the reverse was the case, and the reason for this fluctuation is not known. These results are not considered encouraging. As regards colour, the indications are that blue and white lights are the most attractive, green next, and red and orange least so. It is the author's opinion that the moths do not travel far to light, but only approach it when brought under its influence during their natural flight. Many tests have also been made regarding the survival of resting pink bollworms in fallen bolls buried by ploughing the land for the crop following cotton. The results of these tests are tabulated. Their main object was to obtain confirmation of the survival of pink boll- worms in bolls buried to a depth of 2 to 4 inches, after the removal of the restrictions on the irrigation of land that has grown bersim \Trifoliiini alexandrinum], beans, wheat or barley and has been left fallow after the cotton crop. This evidence was obtained, as there were living bollworms present at that depth at the end of July. It is con- sidered that these infested, buried bolls constitute a source from which the growing cotton crop might be infested ; given only a small per- centage of survivals to the end of June, when conditions are ver^' favourable, multiplication in the cotton fields would be rapid. The survival of buried bollworms was found to be greatest under wheat and bare fallow, and least under bersim. The influence of moisture on the activity of bollworms is probably great, high temperatures in particular inducing the larvae to leave the bolls or seeds and pupate. The small number of larvae in bolls buried at a depth of from 6 to 8 inches is probably accounted for by the much moister conditions, causing the larvae to leave these bolls more readily than those under the drier surroundings prevailing at depths of 2 to 4 inches. (7734— a) g 74 :\IisRA (C. S.). Some Pests of Cotton in North Bih&T,—Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Mcctini^, Pnsa, Fcbnimy 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 547-361, 5 plates. The cotton pests of North Biliar were first studied in 1906, when Earias fabia, E. instilana and Platyedra gossypiella were doing so much damage in the Punjab and the North-West Frontier Province. Cotton plants were at that time attacked by Chrotogonus spp. (grasshoppers), caterpillars of Svlepta derogata, Alcides leopard iis (shoot-weevil) and Pempheres affinis (stem- weevil). Empoasca notata (leaf-hopper) also caused the leaves to drop, while Dysdcrciis cingulatits (red cotton bug) and Oxycareniis laetits (dusky cotton ])ug) spoiled any lint that was left by the bollworms. Under these conditions the growing of cotton could not be profitable, but its cultivation was continued for the purpose of breeding parasites of the bollworms for distribution to other districts. This cultivation has continued for about 14 years, during w'liich time operations have been considerably hampered by the presence of Psendococcus corymbatus, Green, P. virgatus, Ckll., Phena- cocciis hirsutits, Green, Saissefia nigra, Nietn., a. Cevcopid Machaerota planitiae, and Eriophyes sp. (possibly E.gossypii). The mealy-bugs are particularly troublesome, probably owing to the practice of allowing the cotton crop to remain on the ground throughout the year for the purpose of investigation of bollworm parasites. P. corymbattis and Phenacoccus hirsutus are the worst ; both appear at the same time on the top shoots, together with P. virgatus. A key is given to dis- tinguish these three scales, and their habits are discussed. The effect of their attacks is to render the top shoots hard and compact, con- siderably retarding the growth of the plant. Three species of Chalcids attack them, and larvae of Scymnus nubilans and a Cecidom\'id, Diadiplosis indica, are predaceous on them. The caterpillars of Eublemma quadrilineata have also been observed to clear whole colonies of mealy-bugs from the shoots, but their appearance is very spasmodic and they cannot be relied upon. It is possible that numbers of the Drosophilid, Gitonides perspicax, Knab, and also Anthocorid nymphs may be predaceous on tlv^m. Machaerota planitiae is particularly bad from April to December, the nymph exuding a clear liquid until it is surrounded by a froth which coagulates, forming a tube in which it remains until the adult emerges. No parasites or predators of the eggs, nymphs or adults have been found. In 1912 the life-cycle was found to last 40 to 41 days. The mite, Eriophyes sp., considerably retards growth when the attack is severe, and occasionally has been responsible for the loss of 50 per cent, of the crop. Shroff (K. D). List of the Pests of Fibre-yielding Plants in Burma. — Kept. Proc. 3rd Enimn. Meeting, Pnsa, lu-f)rii(irv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 562-563. This list enumerates the pests of cotton, hemp and jute in Burma, and gives details of the part of the plant attacked and the economic importance of each species. MiSRA (C. S.). Index to Indian Fruit Pests. — Repi. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa. I-ehruary, 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 564-595. The purpose of this paper is indicated by its title. Brief notes are given on the distribution of each species and the nature of the damage caused to the crops, which are dealt with in alphabetical order. 75 Shroff (K. D). List of the Pests of Fruit-trees (including Palms) in Burma.— /?t'/)/. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, Fehniarv 1919 Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 596-600. This list is accompanied by remarks indicating the status of the pests enumerated. Ramakrishxa Ayvak (T. \'.). Coccids affecting Fruit-trees in Southern India. — Rept. Proc. 3rd En/om. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 601-609. The recent rapid extension of the area under fruit in India has encouraged the dissemination of various Coccids, which, although only in a few instances causing very serious losses at the present time, are yet potential pests of importance. Those here recorded include 61 species, for which the localities and extent of the damage done are indicated, [cf. R.A.E., A, vii, 402; viii, 146]. MiSRA (C. S.). Tukra Disease of Mulberry.— i?t'^/. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 610-618, 1 plate. The disease of mulberry trees known locally as " tukra," and by various other native names denoting malformation of the leaves and shoots, is caused b}- the mealy-bug, Phenacoccus hirsutus. Green, and not by Dactylopius bromeliae as was hitherto thought. The author has observed the disease at Pusa, and in the silk-growing districts of Bengal, Murshidabad, Malda and Bankura, and it may occur in other locahties. The shoots of plants infested with the nymphs of P. hirsutus first turn coppery-green, then pale yellowy and ultimately become so hard and compact that they cannot be opened without breaking away the crisp leaves. Such leaves, if used to feed silkworms {Bombyx mori), cause fiacherie and grasserie among them. During the \vinter the mature females of P. hirsutus descend the stems and hide in leaf-scars, under crevices in the stem, etc. At Pusa, this mealy-bug has been found on Morus spp. and cotton and on Ficiis religiosa in pots. Pseudococcus virgatus, Ckll., often accompanies it, but does not cause malformation of the leaves. The life-history and habits of P. hirsutus are described. In addition to the parasites and predators recorded for this species in a previous paper [R.A.E., A, ix, 74] the caterpillars of the butterfly Spalgiiis epiits sometimes destroy whole colonies of this mealy-bug. Ramakrishxa Ayyar (T. V.). A Note on our Present Knowledge of Indian Thysanoptera and their Economic Importance. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 618-622. The species of thrips recorded in India up to the present time are enumerated. The most injurious of these are Thrips oryzae on young paddy ; two species of Thrips (Physothrips) on tea, as well as Panchaetothrips indicus, Bagn. (turmeric thrips) ; Heliothrips indicus, on onions ; and Rhipiphorothrips cruentatum (grape-vine thrips), which greatly injures the tender foHage of grapes. A species causing curhng of young pepper leaves is probably Gynaikothrips karnyi, Bagn., known as a pest of pepper in Ceylon. There is very little literature on the Indian species of thrips, and the subject is well worth further study. (7734_a) g 2 76 DuTT (H. L.). The Methods of Control of Agrotis ypsilon in Bihar. — Rept. Proc. 3ni Enloin. Mcetinii, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, u, 1920, pp. 622-625. In view of the habits of Agrotis ypsilon, the ploughing of the land four or five times before sowing should largely reduce the number of caterpillars. In the chaur land of India, however, this method of cultivation is impossible, the soil being composed of stiff, heavy clay on which cultivation is only practicable for 15 to 20 days after the flood water luis left the land. A common method of cultivation in the lower chain- land is broadcasting, i.e., scattering the seed on the land immediately after the water has left it. The crop on an area so treated is always better than that on a ploughed area, probably because the surface of the ground is smoother and affords less shelter to the cater- pillars. Broadcasted areas do not, however, produce as large a crop as ploughed areas, and therefore the method cannot be generally adopted. Rotation of crops is also useless as a remedy, since all crops grown on chaur land are attacked by these cutworms. Poison-baits are impracticable owing to the enormous extent of the area. Experience during the last eight years has shown that the most satisfactory method of control is the use of Andres-Maire traps R.A.E., A,\, 507 ; iii, 320 ; v, 365] against the adults, supplemented by handpicking the larvae of the first generation on higher land. The results obtained by the use of these traps since 1911 are recorded. The destruction of weeds does not reduce the numbers, as the caterpillars migrate to other food-plants, such as tobacco. With a view to studying the possibility of control by natural parasites, the life-history of a Braconid has been worked out. The period from oviposition to adult lasts 36 days in January and February, and 25 days in March. In April the egg and larval stages occupy 12 days only. The larva aestivates in March or April ; it is not yet known when it emerges as an adult, but this presumably occurs when the caterpillars of the first generation are appearing in September or October. At that time the percentage of parasitism is very low. A large number of parasites, of which there are several, including Braconids and Tachinids, were therefore reared in the insectary in February and March 1917 and 1918 and allowed to go into aestivation in April. In both instances they failed to emerge or even to pupate. It is evident that the natural factors controUing their emergence from the aestivating pupae did not prevail in the insectary. Attempts will be made to determine what these factors are, and to find out whether the caterpillars found in the hills during the rains are parasitised there, and if so, whether the parasites concerned could be bred out for use in the chaur lands. FuLLAWAv (D. T.). Control of the Melon-fly in Hawaii by a Parasite introduced from India. -Rept. Proc. ord Eiituiu. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 625-629. An account is given of the author's journey in southern India and elsewhere in search of parasites of the melon fly, Dacus [Chaetodacus) cucurbitae [R.A.E., A, v, 2, etc.]. At the present time, the Indian parasite, Opiusfletcheri, destroys 50 per cent, of the melon-flies infesting fruit in Hawaii. 77 Shiraki (T). Insect Pests of the Tea-plant in Formosa. (Preliminary Report.) — Rept. Proc. Srd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, Fehniary 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 629-^69. The insect pests of tea in Formosa have not as yet received full investigation. The species enumerated, with brief notes on the life- history and habits, and in some cases suggestions for remedial measures, include : — Odontotermes formosanus, Shir., Leucotermes speratns, Koibe, Toxoptera citrifolia, Maki, Ceroplastes ceriferus, Anders., C. floridensis, Comst., C. rubens. Mask., Saissetia (Lecanium) hemisphaerica, Targ., Chionaspis theae, Mask., leery a aegyptiaca, Dougl., /. seychellarum, Westw. [okadae, Kuw.), /. purchasi, Mask., Empoasca flavescens, F., Tettigonia fermginea var. apicalis, Wlk., Geisha distinctissima, Wlk., Brachytrypes portentosus, Licht., Olegores citrinella, Shir., Acria gossypiella. Shir., Lecithocera formosana, Shir., Homona menciana, Wlk., Adoxophyes fasciata, Wlsm. {Archips minor, Shir.), Clania variegata, Cram., C. destructor, Dudg., Mahasena sp., Diabasis (?) sp., Zeuzera coffeae, Xietn., Euproctis conspersa, Butl., E. varians, Wlk., Porthesia montis, Leech, Notolophus {Orgyia) posticus, Wlk., Dasychira mendosa, Hb., D. dudgeoni, Swinh., Redoa cyanea. Mo., Thosea sinensis, Wlk., T. castanea, Wilem., Orthocraspeda trima, Mo. {Thoseoides fasciata, Shir.), Canea bilinea, Wlk., Nagoda nigricans, Mo., Narosa nitobei. Shir., Amata perixanthia, Hmp., Bistonmarginata, Mats., Heteritsia oedia, Lism., Tiracola plagiata, Wlk., Andraca bipiinctata, Wlk., Hypomeces squamosns, ¥., Aeolesthes indnta, Newm., Oscinis theae, Lef., and Teiranychus biocidatus, W. M. Andrews (E. A.). Helopeltis theivora, Waterh. — Rept. Proc. Srd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 669- 671. Investigations are described into the effect of soil conditions on the incidence of Helopeltis theivora (mosquito blight of tea) [R.A.E., A, viii. 204]. Ramachandra Rao (Y.). Lantana Insects in India. — Rept. Proc. Srd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 671-680. The information contained in this paper has been noticed from another source [R.A.E., A, viii, 473]. Beeson (C. F. C). Some Problems in Forest Insect Control.— i^^i!>^. Proc. Srd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 696-704. Accounts are given of some of the pests of outstanding importance in Indian forestry, much of the information having been previously noticed [R.A.E., A, iii, 729 ; vi, 521 ; vii, 135, 367 ; vih, 164, etc.]. A study of these pests indicates three classes of problems to be dealt with, viz., the control of pests of intensive cultivation, which much resembles agricultural entomological problems ; the reduction of damage by insects to the standing crop, where the damage is greater than that from other more easity controllable factors ; and the prevention of pests likely to arise from new methods of forest manage- ment, and particularly the creation of uniform forests and pure planta- tions. A difficulty in dealing with the last two classes of problems is the scale on which an inquiry has to be carried out, both in space and time. 78 Fletcher (T. B.) lS: Ghosh (C. C). The Preservation of Wood against Termites. — Rept. Proc. 3ni Entom. Meeting, Piisa, Februarv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 705-712. The results of the treatment of wood with v^arious substances as a preventive against attack by termites are shown in a series of tables, several different kinds of timber being used in the experiments. The x'arious processes are placed in the order of their efficiency as follows : — hot creosote, more than 81 months efficiency ; cold creosote, less than 28 months ; carbolineum, 23 months ; Powell process, 21 months ; lead arsenate, 16 months; mortant, 15 months; sideroleum, 14 months ; microlineum, 14 months; solignum, 12 months; zinc chloride, 12 months; timborite, 11 months; lead chromate, 7 months; siderosthen, 4 months. Attention is called to the fact that treatment is of little iise unless the whole surface subject to attack is treated, and that if wood is cut after treatment, the exposed surface is especially liable to attack. Fletcher (T. B.) & Ghosh (C. C). Stored Grain Pests.— 7?^/)/. Pyoc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, Febritarv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 712-761, 25 plates. The list of granar}' pests in India, in addition to those recorded for the Punjab [R.A.E., A, v, 126-128] include :--In cereals, the Coleoptera, Trogoderma khapra [R.A.E., A, v, 359], Tenebroides mauritanicus, Attagenus piceus and Gibbiiim scotias ; in pulses, Bruchus chinensis and other Bruchids, and T. khapra ; in spices, Lasioderma serricorne, and Anobium sp. ; and the general storage pests, Alphitobius piceus, Ephestia cautella, Pyralis pictalis and P. farinalis. Details of the life-history and habits of the more important of these pests, as occurring under Pusa conditions, are described. There has been some difference of opinion as to the status of T. mauritanicus. These beetles are predaceous upon Calandra oryzae, but they also attack the grain, upon which the grubs live entirely, and must therefore be regarded as noxious. The rate of development is, however, too slow to render them a serious pest. Gibbium scotias has not previously been recorded as a grain pest, but in stored wheat is found to complete a generation in one month. Small, white eggs are laid among the grain on which both grubs and adults feed. This beetle has also been found boring into opium cakes and damaging papers. It is a household insect, and may prove to be serious, as its multiplication is rapid. Attagenus piceus is also recorded for the first time as a pest of stored grain, but is not of much importance. Lists are gi\'en of grains, etc., commonly stored in houses, that are immune to attacks of these granary pests and of those that are affected by them. A number of storage receptacles in use among the natives are described and photographed. Eighteen storage experiments with wheat, husked rice and pulses are described and the results discussed. The results to be aimed at in successful storage of grain are that it should not b(> damaged by insects, that it should not lose its germinating power when required for use as seed, and that it should not deteriorate in quality. The \arious types of earthern vessels, mud-bins and bamboo-bins used in the nati\'e households cannot be made insect- proof. There is no treatment known that can immunise the grain against insects even for a few months. The safest method is to store 79 grain in open-mouthed receptacles and to cover it at the top with a layer of fine, dry sand [R.A.E., A. viii. 65]. Illustrations show how various types of receptacles can be adapted to this method. KuNHi Kannax (K.). Mercury as an Insecticide (Abstract).— i?^/>/. Proc. 3rd Enfom. Meeting, Piisa, Febntarv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 761-762. The practice of placing a drop of mercury in the receptacle used for storing pulse crops obtained for many years among the natives of Mysore, though recently it has almost died out. Though this has been regarded rather as a superstition than as a practical remedy, experi- ments have shown the value of the practice, as it prevents the multi- plication of the beetles infesting the grain, particularly in small vessels of a few cubic feet capacity. The action is evidently on the eggs, and the process is found to have the same effect on the eggs of silkworms. It is thought that the subject should have further investigation. Shroff (K. D.). List of the Pests of the Stored Products, Spices and Drugs, in Burma. — Rcpt. Proc 3rd Entom. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 762-763. The contents of this paper are indicated by its title. Kasergode (R. S.). Potato Preservation in the Bombay Presidency.— Kept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 763-770. Potatoes are an important crop in India, and they require to be preserved from one harvest to another, both for seed purposes and for con- sumption. Under existing conditions they are stored in pits dug in the ground, generally under a tree, and covered with a roof of straw and leaves. When dug up, they are veiy hea\ily infested with the potato moth [Phthorimaea opercufella], as well as being attacked by perhaps as many as five different kinds of rot. In the case of infested potatoes, fumigation with carbon bisulphide kills the larvae and pupae, but has no action on the eggs unless they are exposed to the fumes for 48 hours or more. If the tubers are fumigated before the first generation of moths has oviposited, breeding will not take place in them. Petrol can be substituted, using one pint to every cubic foot of space and exposing for 24 hours ; the larvae and 90 per cent, of the pupae are killed in this way. The potatoes should not be fumigated for at least two weeks after harvesting, to avoid injury to the skins by handling. Thorough selection before storage and ventilation of the storehouse will also help to preser\T them both from infestation and from rot. Ghosh (C. C). Bee-keeping in Indi&.^Rept. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920. pp. 770-782, 1 plate. Bee-keeping in India should, with improved methods, become a very profitable industry. An immediate improvement could be effected by the introduction of proper methods of extracting the honey from the wild combs. At present the honey produced in India is not market- able, and is consumed locally where produced, as it will not keep. A further necessary innovation would be the introduction of Italian 80 colonies, as the form of Indian bee that can be domesticated is a poor honey-gatherer, is extremely prone to swarming, and is unable to protect its hive against the wax moth [Galleria mellonella]. This point was discussed by the meeting and a resolution was unanimously carried to the effect that the importation of bees, beeswax or honey from countries infected with bee-diseases was considered so dangerous tliat it should only be permitted under necessary restrictions. MiSRA (C. S.). Lac-culture in India. — Kept Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 920, pp. 782-800, 2 plates. Much of the information contained in this paper has been previously noticed [R.A.E., A, vi, 513]. The present situation with regard to lac- culture in various regions of India is described, and the possibility of cultivating the insect and carrying on the industry on scientific and business lines is discussed. With the establishment of nurseries for the distribution of healthy brood-lac and improvements in the methods of collection, the question of parasites and predators has to be considered. Eublemma amabilis is the worst known enemy of lac on the trees, the caterpillars devouring the females and pupating within silken galleries made in the incrustations. In some localities this moth renders lac cultivation impossible. The question of Chalcid parasites will also have to be studied in greater detail, and the role of Holcocera pidverea must be determined as regards lac on trees as well as stick-lac in storage. Lac cultivation is a very old and important industry in India, and that country practically holds the monopoly as yet ; it is considered that the time has come when steps should be taken to safeguard and resuscitate its interests. De {"SI. X.). The Pusa Experiments on the Improvement of Mulberry Silkworms. — Rcpt. Proc. 3rd Enfoin. Meetim;, Pusa, Febriiarv 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 800-808, 1 plate-. ^ The silk industry in India is showing signs of revival, both as regards value and quantity, but it is generally admitted that the multivoltine races of India have degenerated, while European races have been improved. The suitability of various hybrid races is discussed, and a table shows the results of rearing various races of silkworms of different countries, from which an idea of the yield of silk of each race can be obtained. The method of examining moths for pebrine disease is described, and the future possibilities of the industry are briefly touched upon. De (M. N.). The best Method of eliminating Pebrine from the Multi- voltine Silkworm Races of India. — Rcpt. Proc. 3rd Entom. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, ii, 1920, pp. 809-835, 1 plate. The elimination of pebrine disease of silkworms, which is discussed in this paper, is of the utmost importance to the silk industry of India. It is pointed out, however, that the Pasteur method, as practised in France for the last 50 years, has only succeeded as yet in keeping the disease in check. At present the origin of the disease and its other possible hosts are not fully understood. It is hoped that in the future new methods of detecting the disease, backed by legislation, may enable it to be successfully combated. 81 Patterson (W. H.). Report of the Entomologist. — Gold Coast : Kept. Agric. Dept. 1919, Accra, 1920, pp. 17-20. [Received 20th December 1920.] Cacao pests were particularly troublesome in 1919, owing partly to their remaining undisturbed for long periods during the war and also to the abnormally dry season and the unusual distribution of rain during the year. Important pests include the two bark-sappers, Sahlbergella singularis, Hagl., and 5. theobromae, Dist. These suck the bark chiefly of the woody shoots, preference being given to trees in rapid growth from 2 to 5 years old. The food consists solely of the branches and pods, the tissue of the shoot in the vicinity of each puncture being killed down into the wood. During periods of dry weather the attacked branches quickly wither and die. The only remedies possible are spray- ing and hand-collection of the bugs, but neither of these is very practicable, as each insect must be covered by the spray and hand- picking is considered too tedious. The finding of 5. singidaris on Berrya ammonilla, introduced from India, strengthens the view that its food-plants are confined to Malvaceae and allied orders ; the only previous food records are Eriodendron anfractuosnm and Gossypium sp. Helopeltis bergrothi, Reut. (cacao mosquito) works in a similar manner, but limits its attacks to soft green shoots and pods of all ages. All the soft shoots may be continually killed, giving rise to die-back disease. When very young pods are attacked they die, and thus the yield is materially lessened, but older pods when punctured do not suffer much. Heliothrips rubrocinctus, Giard (cacao thrips) caused serious damage by feeding on the leaves and pods. The leaves fell continually, so that a number of flushes of new foliage were produced at the expense of the trees' vitality, and attacked pods failed to change colour when ripe, and thus were either picked before maturity or allowed to become over-developed. Coconuts are still badly infested with Archon centaurus, Burm. (rhinoceros beetle) [R.A.E., A, viii, 9], and attention is drawn to the necessity of co-operation in remedial measures and of clean sanitation about houses and plantations, and to the advisability of passing legis- lation to enforce action against this pest and of introducing parasites of the larvae. Rhynchophorus phoenicis, F. (palm weevil) was occasionally found attacking palms where fresh green leaves had been removed, the wounds attracting the females for oviposition. Aspidiotus destructor (coconut leaf scale) caused some yellowing of the foliage owing to the decreased rainfall. The Hispid beetle, Coelaenomenodera elaeidis, Maul., defoliated thousands of oil palms, which produced smaller bunches and individual fruits with a thinner pericarp, and therefore less oil. The beetle seems to be unchecked by parasites, and remedial measures are impracticable [loc. cit.]. It is hoped that the succeeding rains will be more normal in character, and that the unknown factors that exterminated this pest in the Eastern Province during the rainy season of 1910 may reappear. The weevil, Balanogastris colae, has been less injurious on kola owing to the care with which the few fallen fruits that have matured out of season, and in which the insects breed, have been promptly removed. The essential point in the control of this pest is the maintenance of a rigid close season. Losses to maize caused by the maize stalk-borer, Sesamia sp., could be largely prevented if planters promptly destroyed all young infested plants and all old stems as soon as the first crop was harvested. 82 Fruit moths caused little damage iu 1919, though this is contrary to the experience of 1920. A few indi\-iduals of Ofhreis {Ophidercs) fullonica were observed towards the end of 1919, and Achaea obvia appeared in swarms from mid-March and attacked all maturing fruit. No study has yet been made of the bionomics of these pests, and their food-plants are not yet known. They are stated to migrate to higher elevations with the ad\ent of the dry season. Cotton grown from seed imported from Jamaica was severely attacked by a leaf-blister mite, possibly Eriophyes s^ossypii, Banks. Byaks (L. p.). The Nematode Disease of Wheat caused by TvlencJms (ritici.—U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 842, 7th September 1920, 40 pp.. 6 plates, 6 figs. 'Received 21st December 1920.] The bulk of this information dealing with the Nematode, Tylenclius tritici, Steinb., its distribution, spread and control has been noticed elsewhere [R.A.E., A, vii, 324, 380]. Although primarily a parasite of wheat, this pest may apparently also attack rye, oats, emmer [Triticiim] and barley. As a result of experiments to ascertain the effect of various chemicals on this Nematode, it is evident that it is strikingly resistant to their action, and that substances not injurious to wheat fail to kill the larvae. The Nematodes may, however, be destroyed by submersion in water for 10 minutes at a temperature of 51° to 52° C. [124°-126° F.], but if the galls are not first removed the temperature should be raised to 54° or 56° C. [129°-133° F.], and the wheat submerged for 10 to 12 minutes. Back (E. A.). Insect Control in Flour Mills.— t^.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 872, 11th November 1920, 40 pp., 15 figs. Insect pests in flour and cereal mills are responsible for great losses, but the obvious advantages of preventive measures and the modern improvements in mill construction are gradually bringing about a decrease in them. The insect that most seriously affects milling opera- tions is Ephestia kilhniella (Mediterranean flour moth), which is now established in almost ever\^ mill in America and, owing to the webbing habit of the larvae, sometimes completely stops the machinery. Under ordinary conditions in flour mills about nine weeks are required to complete the life-cycle, though this varies greatly with the temperature. Below 55° F. activity is suspended. The usual method of entry into mills is in sacks that have been used before, or when second-hand machinery that has not been properly fumigated is installed. Mills in any infested centre are liable to infestation in spite of all precautions, as the moths can fly from building to building. The need for cleanliness cannot, however, be over-emphasised. The insects prefer to oviposit and develop in flour and cereals lying in undisturbed, darkened situations. The proper construction of a good type of mill, the liberal use of air-slaked lime, and the care of sacks and bags are discussed. Some check on the numbers of E. kilhniella is exercised by the parasites, Habrobracon hebetor, Say, and Omorga frnmentaria, Rond., but these can only be considered an accessory factor in control. The two artificial remedies that have proved of the greatest value are fumigation with hydrocyanic acid and super-heating. The fumigation method is described, and all directions for the process are explained. While this is effecti\c against E. kilhniella, it is not so satisfactory^ against some of the stages of Tribolimn confusum, Duv., and T. 83 castaneiim, Hbst. {ferrugineiim , F.) (flour beetles), Laemophloeus minutns, 01. (bran beetle), Tenebroides mauritaniciis, L. (cadelle) and Silvaniis sitrinamensis, L. (saw-toothed grain beetle). These beetles are naturalh^ more resistant to the effect of gas, as they secrete them- seh'es in tlic cracks and crevices of wooden elevators, etc., where the\' are inaccessible to it. For these the most practical remedy is the application of a high temperature, which at the same time destroys all other mill-infesting insects. Heat should be applied in the summer, a temperature of 118° to 125° F. in all parts of the mill being necessar\^ to kill all pests. A pressure of 25 to 50 lb. steam heat is recommended for the purpose. Directions for carry'ing out this process are given. It is estimated that in mills of moderate size the heat method saves sufticient to pay in five years for the cost of its installation. Neither this nor the fumigation method injures the building or plant or affects the baking qualities of flour. Entomology. — 45th Ann. Rept. Ontario Agric. Coll. & Exp. Farm, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 31-34. [Received 21st December 1920.] The transformation from winter to summer conditions in Ontario in 1919 was unusually rapid, and insects appeared in large numbers with startling suddenness. Aphids were very destructive to many crops. Hell at his obsoleta (corn ear worm) caused much loss to maize growers in south-western Ontario. This is a difficult pest to deal with, and the only practicable remedy is to plough the infested fields as late as possible in the autumn in order to expose the pupae to the cold. Anv ears found to be infested should be cut off and used as pig food. In Ontario, H. obsoleta also occasionally attacks tomato fruits and the buds of tobacco. Alabama argillacea (cotton moth) was observed in several localities in September, having migrated northward from the cotton fields over a thousand miles away. It did not, however, do any damage. Weevils in stored grain are increasing in number and destructiveness. Only perfectly clean receptacles should be used for storing grain, and no refuse should be allowed to accumulate in the store-houses ; frequent examination of bins and bags should be made, and no grain should be left undisturbed for more than a year. The usual infestations of fruit pests occurred, none of them being of outstanding importance. Of vegetable pests, Phorbia [Chortophila) brassicae (cabbage maggot) has been the subject of many tests, and of the various substances tried, corrosive sublimate gave the best results. In the case of radishes after two treatments 90 per cent, were free from infestation, and they were also larger and of better quality. For Pieris rapae dusting with calcium arsenate and hydrated lime, and spraying with tobacco extract, both proved disappointing. Treatments that proved satisfactory^ were pyrethrum powder 1 oz. to 2 gals, of water, sprayed directly into the heads of the plants ; or a diy mixture of about 1 oz. of Paris green to 1 gal. of middlings. This last remedy is applied by taking a small quantity and scattering it between the fingers where the caterpillars are feeding in the heads of cabbages. This method would not be safe on cauliflowers. For Thrips tabaci (onion thrips) 1 part of Blackleaf 40 to 400 parts of water, with 1 oz. of common soap to 2 gals, of the liquid, was found effective. Pests of bush fruits that received attention during the }'ear included Pteronus ribesii (currant sawfly), which confined its attacks to red and white currants and gooseberries ; Aegeria [Sesia) tipiiliformis (imported currant borer) ; and Metallns bethunei (blackberr\' leaf-miner), wliich is becoming increasingly abundant in many districts. 84 Mally (C. W .). Some Zoological Factors in the Economic Development of South Africa.-- .S". African Jl. Sci., Johannesburg, .wii, no. 1, November 1920, pp. 64-75, 1 plate. Insect pests of maize are responsible for the loss of about 25 per cent, of the crop in South Africa. They include the stalk borer \ Biisseola ftisca], cutworms, HcUothis [Chloridea) ohsoleia (ear worm), Hctcrony- chus arator and a weevil, Strophosonnts amplicollis. The loss is \-alued at £1,350,000 annuallv, B. fiisca alone being responsible for some £540,000. Wheat pests include Toxoptera graminum (wheat aphis), which is of the greatest importance ; a Coccinellid, Epilachna similis, which becomes at times a serious pest in the Eastern Province ; and in the Western Province certain bugs, particularly Blissiis diplopfcrits, Dist. Olives are grown under extremely favourable conditions and would produce a very valuable croj:) if it were not for the depredations of the Tingid, Teleonemia australis, Dist., and the Chrysomelid, Pscitdococ- cinella sexvittata, Che\'r. When it has been demonstrated that these pests can be controlled by spraying and fumigation, it is hoped that the cultivation of olives will greatly increase. Certain insects are always present, such as Pseudococciis spp. (mealy- bugs) on vines, bagworms on wattle, and termites. Others that are less uniformly abundant include Cirphis (Leticania) unipuncta (American army worm) and LapJiygma exempta (South African mystery worm). The extreme fluctuations in the numbers of these moths are not suffi- ciently understood ; natural enemies, climatic conditions and variations in farm practice may all be factors influencing their abundance ; knowledge of the causes of fluctuation might provide a clue to successful remedial measures. Some of the remedial measures that have turned failure into success in South African cultivation are briefly reviewed. Phylloxera threatened the grape industry with extinction until a resistant stock was discovered ; the Australian scale [Icerya pnrchasi] was ruining Citrus and other crops until its natural enemy, Novius cardinalis, was introduced. Peach trees were smothered with the scale, Aiilacaspis (Diaspis) pentagona, and plum trees with the mite, Bryobia sp., until sprays of lime-sulphur and salt saved the trees. Fumigation has been revolutionised by the application of the principle of reducing hydrocyanic acid gas to liquid form by cooling. Many other problems still await solution, and the need is urged for making every possible provision in the form of endowment for educational institutions, so that the liighest possible efliciency may be secured in training those who show ability. Martin (J. F.), Stexe (A. E.) & Sheals (R. A.). How to distinguish and combat the White Pine Blister Rust. — Rhode Island State Bd. Agric, Entom. Dept., Kingston, BuU. N.S. no. 1, Februar\- 1920, 38 pp., 13 plates. [Received 21st December 1920.] Insect injury to white pines [Pinus strobus] has often been mistaken for blister rust. The life-histories of the insects involved are here briefly discussed, and remedial measures advocated. They include : — .the white pine weevil [Pissodes strobi]; the pine bark Aphid [C/iermes pinicorticis] ; the European pine-shoot moth [Rhyacionia biioliana] and the European pine sawfly [Diprion similis]. The work of a bark- miner, probably Marmara sp., is also often confused with blister rust infection. Trees weakened by the disease are generally attacked by bark-beetles. 85 Chiari (M.). Due Vermi delle Castagne. |Two Larvae injurious to Chestnuts.] — Riv. Agric, Parma, xxvi, no. 50, 10th December 1920, p. 631. The larvae of Cydia {Carpocapsa) splendana, Hb. (chestnut tortrix) and Balaninus elephas, Gyll. (chestnut weevil) are briefly described. In Italy C. splendana oviposits in June on chestnut, walnut, and hazel, and the caterpillars mine the fruit. Nuts thus injured are distasteful to cattle. B. elephas oviposits in June ; its larva attacks chestnuts and acorns. When the infested fruits fall, the larvae enter the ground and hibernate there. The only measure advised is the collection of infested fruits and their destruction by feeding to cattle. MjoBERG (E.). De Rupsenvraat in de Tabakscultuur ter Oostkust van Sumatra. Caterpillar Injury to Tobacco Cultivation on the East Coast of Sumatra.] — Meded. Deli Proefst., Medan, Ser. 2, no. xv, 1920, 54 pp., 4 figs. The development of tobacco cultivation on the East Coast of Sumatra has destroyed the balance of nature there, and during recent \'ears there has been such a steady increase in leaf injury as to con- stitute a serious menace to tobacco, now the chief crop in Sumatra. The injury is due mainly to the caterpillars of Heliothis {Chloridea) obsoleta, F., Prodenia littira, F., and Phytometra {Pliisia) sp. In the higher-lying plantations Orthoptera occur and are quite as harmful. In 1918 the average of leaf injury from 80 estates amounted to 33 per cent., equivalent to a loss of about ;^750,000 at par. Handhng, heav}' rains, storms, and scorching by insecticides are responsible for 10 per cent, of this loss ; 90 per cent, may be ascribed to insect attack, 60 per cent, occurring in the field and 30 per cent, in the drying sheds. Radical measures are now needed, and the author suggests that attention should be chiefly directed to suppressing the first generation in the fields. Severe damage is done during the first five weeks after the seedlings are planted out, and after harvesting the caterpillars of Prodenia and Phytometra are carried in large numbers into the drying sheds, where thej^ continue feeding. The seed-beds must be kept absolutely free from the caterpillars so that they can never act as foci of infestation. This is attained by spraying with a solution containing 2 per cent, lead arsenate and 3 per mille soap. The latter is best added in the form of a concentrated solution. The addition of soap is very advantageous, as the poison is better distributed and the spray adheres better and longer to the foliage. Repeated applications must be made as the protection onh' lasts for 4 to 6 days. The beds should not be watered on the same day after spraying, but the application should be particularly abundant either on the day of planting or on the day before ; the seedlings must be quite white with the poison when they are planted out, and will remain so for 7 to 10 days. The adhesive power of the spray is such that eight waterings are needed to wash it off completely. It can also withstand rain if it is not \'ery heavy. This method renders superfluous the expensive cloth coverings for the seed-beds, estimated to cost on an average o^•er ;^"400 per estate per annum. Furthermore the cost of searching for caterpillars in the beds is saved. This method was tried on a large scale in March and April 1920 on one estate with 7,000 seed-beds, and proved entireh" successful, Paris green does not, however, give satisfactory' results. 86 Up to the present in tlu' field liand-picking and spraying with Paris green liave been tried bnt luu'e proved ineffecti\e, as is shown by the steady increase of the caterjiillars. A careful stud}^ on the spot of the most modern American practice as regards methods and plant is needed. Meanwhile the lead arsenate and soap spray may be used for the two first applications in the field ; for the third and subsequent applications less lead arsenate must be employed, as the older plants sometimes seem liable to become scorched. Even so low a strength as | per cent, has been used with success. Injur}' in the drying sheds may be checked either by fumigating the leaves or by examining them for caterpillars. No definite data can be given on these points at present. Trap-crops should be tried, and the author suggests beds of tobacco between the fields and the jungle. These must be ready before the seedlings are planted in the fields ; by keeping them stocked with plants younger than those in the fields, their attractiveness is en- hanced. The trap-beds should be protected by poisons ; then spraying must be discontinued, and the poison washed off by watering. After a 14-day interval (during which the caterpillars cannot attain maturity) the plants may either be burned or twice sprayed with a powerful poison. After the latter has acted it should be washed off the plants, and another 14-day interval must be allowed to elapse. This process may be repeated as long as the traps continue attractive. In order to reduce the number of caterpillars during the 8 months' when tobacco is not grown, it is necessary immediately to remove and destroy the plants from which the leaves ha\'e been harvested, as these constitute foci of infestation dangerous to the ne.xt crop. Trap-crops of tobacco grown for a period of 3 months before the tobacco season begins will also serve to reduce the total number of pests. Palm (B. T.) & Mjop.erg (E.). Bestrijding van Rupsenvraat in Deli- Tabak. i. Effectieve Bescherming van Zaadbedden tegen Vraat. Measures against Catei-pillar Injury to Deli Tobacco, i. The eflective Protection of Seed-Beds against Attack.] — Deli Proefst., Medan, \'lugschrift no. 2, October 1920, 4 pp. This method of protecting tobacco seed-beds by spraying with an emulsion of lead arsenate and soap is the same as that described in the preceding paper. Instructions for preparing the spray are gi\'en. Smits ^•A^ Burgst (C. A. L.). In Nederland waargenomen Parasieten van de gestreepte Dennenrups (Trachea piniperda, Panz. = Panolis griseovafiegata, Goeze). iParasites of the Pine M 41 64 64 65 66 66 66 66 66 67 67 67 9'J 92 93 93 93 94 95 96 88 44 59 76 90 86 87 6;<, CONTENTS PAGE Holland: Miscelki -ts in 19U) . . 9G India : The Economic V.jJuc of Woodpeckers . . . . 53 India : The Problem of Controlling Hclopeltis theivora . . 55 India : The Principles necessary in dealing with Tea Posts (iS India : An Annotated List of Crop Pests . . . . H8 India : Miscellaneous Pests in the South . . (SS India : Borers in Sugar-cane, Rice, etc. . . hi^) India: Aleurodids of Economic Importance 70 India : Notes on Rice Lcafhoppers . . . . . . . . . . 71 India : Notes on Cotton BoUworms . . . . . . 71, 73 India : Pests of Cotton in North Bihar . . . . 74 India : An Index to Fruit Pests . . . . . . . . 74 India : Coccids affecting Fruit-trees and Mulberries . . . . . , 75 India : Thysanoptera and their Economic Importance . . 75 India : Methods of Control of Agvotis ypsilon in Bihar . . . , . . 76 India : Investigations on Helcypeliis theivora . . . . . . . . 77 India : Notes on I^ntana Insects . . . . . . . . 77 India : Problems in Forest Insect Control . . . . 77 India : The Preservation of Wood against Termites . . 78 India : Notes on Stored Grain Pests . . . . . . . . 78 India : Preservation of Stored Potatoes from Insect Pests 79 India : Notes on Apiculture . . . . . . . . 79 India : Notes on Lac Culture . . . . . . . . . . SO India : Notes on Sericulture . . . . . . SO India : New Injurious Weevils . . . . . . 90 Italy : Notes on Wheat Pests . . . . . . . . . . 42 Italy : The LTtilisation of Botryiis hassiana against Lepidopterous Larvae 56 Italy : A Mite infesting Castor-oil Plants in Sicily . . . . . . . . 56 Italy : Notes on Chestnut Pests . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Italy : A New Apparatus for Destropng Locusts . . . . . . 88 Japan : Notes on Aphids . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Macedonia : A List of Rhynchota . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Mesopotamia : Insect Pests of Dates and the Date Palm . . . . 91 Morocco : A List of Insect Pests . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 New Zealand : The Life-History of Pemphigus populitransversus . . 43 Nigeria : Miscellaneous Pests in 1919 . . . . . . . . . . 52 Panama Canal Zone : A New Avocado Weevil .. .. .. .. 91 San Thom6 : Pests of Cacao, etc. . . . . . . . . . . 57, 58 Sumatra : Measures against Lepidopterous Pests of Tobacco . . 85, 86 Switzerland : Precautions against Phylloxera . . . . . . . . 56 Switzerland : A Monograph on Melolontha (Review) . . . . . . 94 Tonkin : Parasites of Xylotrechus quadripes . . . . . . . . 95 U.S.A. : The Selection of Cotton against Anthonomus grandis . . . . 42 U.S.A. : New Colcoptera infesting Forest Trees . . . . . . . . 43 U.S.A. : Precautions against the Introduction of Cotton Pests into California . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 43 U.S.A. : Insects intercepted in Quarantine in California . . . . . . 44 U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of Cranberry Pests in Massachusetts 49 U.S.A. : Notes on Galerucella nymphaeae infesting Water-lilies in New Jersey .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 51 U.S.A. : A New Lepidopterous Pest of Avocado in Florida . . . . 51 U.S.A. : Measures against Peach Pests in Georgia . . . . . . . . 52 U.S.A. : New Thysanoptera from Florida . . . . . . . . . . * 52 U.S.A. : Insect Pests in Massachusetts in 1919 . . . . . . . . 60 U.S.A. : Tylenchus tvitici infesting Wheat . . . . . . . . . . 82 U.S.A. : Insect Control in Flour Mills . . . . . . . . . . 82 U.S.A. : Insects causing Damage similar to that of White Pine Blister Rust 84 West Indies : Insect Pests in Grenada in 1919 . . . , . . . . 59 West Indies : Control of Cotton-stainers in St, Vincent . . . . . . 60 West Indies : New Species of Lachnosterna . . . . . . 89 The Effect of Heat on the Vitality of Cotton 41 The Utilisation of Beneficial Insects . . 43 Experiments with Coleopterous Borers of Bamboos . . 45 A Species List of the Aphididae of the World (Review) . . 52 A Bibliography of Pests of Sugar-beet in 1919 . . . . . . . . 55 A Manual of Forest Entomology (Review) . . . . . . 55 Locusts and their Control . . . . . . . . . . . . <>1 Notes on Tachinids as Parasites of Injurious Insects 61 A New Method of Fumigating with Hydrocy.i'^''^ A' "' ' ' 65 Mercury as an Insecticide ..... 79 A New Type of Entomological Killing-bottle 90 Spiders of Economic Importance in Forestry . . . . . . . . 92 Natural and acq\iired Immunity in the Caterpillars of Gailevia mellonella . . 96 LEGISLATIO"^ ^'iternational Convention for Combating Locusts n7 VOL. IX. Ser. A. Part J.— pp. 97-144. MARCH, 1921. THE REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AGRICULTURAL. ( APR 1 1 192 ; ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. LONDON. THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. 41. QUEEN'S GATE. S.W.7. PHoa 18. 4d. n«t. All Rights Reserved. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. l>onorarp Cotnttiittee or manaaemettt. VKCOUNT HABCOURT, Chairman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Alcock, CLE., F.R.S., London School of : - Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau, Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C, F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Board of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E,, F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Hanson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S., Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S. , Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.C.M.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C Sperling, CM.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. F, V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Cliief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. 6eneral Secretary. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office), Director and €ditor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, C.M.G. Jlssistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London. S.W. 7. PublicaHon Office.— i\, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. I APR 1 1 1921 97 ''•vdr^ ^ -v>- Taylor (R. H.). The Almond in California. — Agric. Expt. Sta. Berkeley, Cal, Bull. 297, August 1918, 72 pp., 28 figs. In this extensive bulletin on the cultivation of almond trees a chapter is devoted to the more serious insect pests of this crop and their control. The insects dealt with include the mites Bryohia pratcnsis and Tetra- nychus telayius, Anarsia lineatella (peach twig borer), Aegeria opalescens (California peach borer), thrips, grasshoppers, and Plodia intcr- piinctella (Indian meal moth). Cobb (N. A). Transference of Nematodes iMononchs) from Place to Place for Econom.ic Purposes. — Science, Lancaster, Pa., li, no. 1330, 25th June 1920, pp. 640-641. Parasitic Nematodes of plants are held in check in many instances b}^ a useful group of Nematodes known as mononchs, but as these generally feed on the other Nematodes found in the soil around the infested plant and not on those in the plant itself, the destructive species are frec]uently imported into fresh areas without their enemies. The value of mononchs as enemies of Nematodes and the advisability of their introduction into infested areas is emphasised. FucHs (G.). Die Naturgeschichte der Nematoden und einiger anderer Parasiten (1) des Ips typographus, L., (2) des Hylobius abietis, L., [The Natural History of Nematodes and other Parasites of Ips tvpographus, L., and Hvlohius abietis, L.l — Zool. Jahrb., Jena, Abt. Sj^st. Geogr. & Biol., xhu, nos. 1-4, 1920, pp. 109-222, 5 plates, 2 figs. Part of the information in this paper dealing with Nematodes associated with the beetles, Ips typograplms and Hylobius abietis, has been previously noticed [R.A.E., A, ii, 375]. Other organisms infesting Ips typographus are Gregarina typographi, sp. n., Telospori- dinni typographi, sp. n., and a Hymenopterous parasite, Diplochis oninivoms, Wlk. The last-named apparenth' infests the adult beetles. ExDERLEiN (G.i. Zur Kenntnis tropischer Frucht-Bohrfliegen. [A Contribution to the Knowledge of tropical Fruit-flies."! — Zool. Jahrb., Jena, Abt. Syst. Geogr. Biol., xliii, nos. 1-4, 1920, pp. 336-360. This paper deals with some 54 tropical Trypetids. The new species described are Xaniosternum aphioneum, gen. et. sp. n., from West Africa; Axania ichneunionea, gen. et. sp. n., from North India; Stenotrypeta torrida, gen. et sp. n., from East Africa ; 5. punctum, from Spanish Guinea ; Stigmatotheinara pterocallina, gen. et sp. n., from Kamerun ; Copiokpis quadrisquamosa, gen. et sp. n., from the Bismarck Archipelago ; Conradtina limbatella and C. limhata, from Kamerun ; C. fenestrata and C conjimcta, from Spanish Guinea ; Ceratitis procera, from Spanish Guinea and Kamerun ; C. tessmanni, and C. nigrihasis, from Spanish Guinea ; C. ochriceps, from East Africa ; C. laqiieata, from Java ; C. (estiva, C. faceta, C. piniiati- femur and C. arguta, from Spanish Guinea ; C. bicincta, from the Gold Coast ; C. patagiata, from East Africa ; Gastrozona albisciitellata, from Sumatra ; Chelyophora lemniscata, from East Africa ; Carpo- phthoromyia amoena, from Kamerun ; C. fiilleborni, from East Africa ; (1912) Wt.IM850/163 loOO 3/21 Harrow 1 98 Callantra icariiformis, from Sikkim and Burma ; Polisiomimctcs minax, gen. et sp. n., from Sikkim ; P. infestus, from Sumatra ; and Adrama spinafa, from the Bismarck Archipelago. Since writing this paper the author has seen Bezzi's notes on Ethio- pian fruit-flies [R.A.E., A, vi, 208). According to this, the new species of Ceratitis should be distributed among Bezzi's genera as follows : — C. ochripes, C. fcstiva, C. faccta, C. bicincta, C. patagiata, and C. arsiula belong to Trirliilhrum, Bezzi, 1918 ; C. laqueata. C. grata, Wied., and C. formosula, Aust., are intermediate between Pardalaspis, Bezzi, 1918, and TrirhUhrum, between which the author cannot trace any morphological difference (the latter being a synonym of the former) ; C. pinnatifemnr belongs to Pterandrus. Bezzi, and C. procera, C. tessmanni and C. nigribasis to CarpophtJwromyia, Aust. The Danger lurking in imported Cotton Seed. — //. Dept. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, i, no. 9, December 1920, pp. 798-799. The importance of maintaining continued vigilance against the importation of cotton pests Is illustrated by an instance in which numerous examples of all stages of the pink bollworm {Platyedra gossypiclla) were found in a small package of seed at Durban belonging to a passenger for Portuguese East Africa, several of the larvae and pupae being alive. Beetle Pest. — -//. Dept. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, i, no. 9, December 1920, p. 803. Cockchafer outbreaks have been more numerous than usual in the Transvaal. Adoretus iessiilatus, Burm., was apparently the chief species concerned. Grape-vines, roses, plums and almonds suffered most, but peach, apricot, nectarine, apple, pear, cherry, oak, cabbage, cauliflower and turnip were also attacked. The immature stages are passed in the ground, and the beetles emerge in the spring. Spraying with 4 oz. of lead arsenate in 4 gals, water is advocated against them. It is advisable to use half this amount, with the addition of an equal quantity of lime, when spraying fruit trees. Hand collection is effective in small gardens. The Mally Fruit Fly Remedy. For the Prevention of Maggots in Fruit by the Destruction oJ Parent Flies before Eggs are Laid— //. Dept. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, i, no. 9, December 1920, pp. 859-861. The Mally poison bait [R.A.E., A, iv, 392] is advocated for the destruction of adult fruit-flies prior to oviposition. The best time for applying it to various crops is discussed. Britten (H.). Interesting Insects imported into Manchester. — Lancashire & Cheshire Naturalist, Manchester, xiii, nos. 5-6, November-December 1920, pp. 95-96. A beetle, Lophocateres pusillus, Klug, is recorded from among debris of butter-beans in company with an undetermined Scolytid, probably Hypothenemus sp., and an ant, Cardiocondyla britteni. 99 A Tenebrionid beetle, Helops layiipes, L., was found in a jam factory, probably having been imported with fruit from France or Algeria. Another Tenebrionid, Hegeter amaroides, Sol., found was probably introduced with bananas from Teneriffe. Lyle (G. T). Contributions to our Knowledge of the British Braeo- nidae. — Entomolos,isi, London, liv, no. 692, January 1921, pp. 6-8. ^ ' The species dealt with include Orgilus ohscurator, Nees, bred from the larva of Rhyacionia {Retinia) biioliana. A key to the species of Orgilus given. Ballou (H. a..) . The Pink BoUworm in the West Indies. — Agric News, Barbados, xix, no. 484, 13th November 1920 ; no. 485, 27th November 1920 ; no. 487, 24th December 1920 ; pp. 362, 378, & 410-411, 3 figs. The first article of this series gives a brief account of infestation by the pink bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella] in various countries, and points out the necessity for every possible precaution being taken against its entry into the West Indies. By 27th November 1920, howevei", the presence of the pest had already been recorded in Montserrat, and both there and in St. Kitt-s it has been found to be well established. Extermination is impossible with the present state of labour in the Islands, and attention must therefore be given to remedial measures, by means of which it is hoped to keep the pest sufficiently in check to render cotton growing profitable. The usual methods of cleaning up the fields and burning rubbish immediately the crop is removed are recommended, and also the disinfection by heat of seed for planting. All other s^ed should be either shipped out of the island, crushed in the oil mills or treated for destruction of the larvae. In Montserrat all cotton plants should be pulled up and burnt, and all fallen bolls gathered from the ground and burnt not later than 31st December ; planting should not begin before 1st March, and all seed should be shipped away or treated to destroy the bollworm not later than 1st April. In St. Kitts, the respective dates should be 31st January, 1st March and 15th April. In planting the new crop no seed from any infested district should be used ; it is suggested that in Nevis and the Virgin Islands only Nevis-grown seed should be used for planting. P. gossypiella in seed can be killed by heating the seed to a temperature of 130° F. for five minutes. Germination is not impaired if the tem- perature does not go above 149° F. During 1921 the dates for the various treatments must be arranged as early as possible, and machines should be in readiness in each island to deal with the seed. The necessary legislation and inspection must also be determined at an early date. Legislation with Regard to Pink Bollworm of Qoiion.— Agric. News, Barbados, xix, no. 487, 24th December 1920, pp. 408-409. Immediately upon the discovery of the presence of Platyedra gossypiella (pink bollworm) in the "West Indies, an order was passed on i7th November 1920, forbidding the importation into Barbados (1912) i2 100 of all cotton seed from the Islands of Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla. A proclamation by the Go\-ernor of Trinidad, dated 20th November 1920, prohibits the importation into the Colony of cotton seed, seed cotton, and ginned cotton, except under a permit issued by the Director of Agriculture. Regulations were passed during November "and December 1920, prohibiting the importation into St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla of cotton seed, lint cotton, seed cotton, and of any packages, coverings, .bags, or other articles used in connection with such material, without permission of the authorities. A Note on the Mosaic Disease of Sugar-cane. — Agric. News. Barbados, xix, no. 484, 13th November 1920, p. 366. Mosaic disease of sugar-cane is spreading rapidly throughout the West Indies, and a similar disease has recently been discovered in maize. To test the manner of dissemination, twelve individuals of Aphis maidis were removed b}^ a camel's hair brush from diseased sorghum plants, and placed upon maize seedlings in insect-proof cages. The same number were similarly transferred from healthy sorghum to other maize seedlings in a similar cage. In less than one month eight of the twelve seedUngs in the first cage showed evidence of mosaic disease, while those in the control cage remained perfectly healthy. It is clear, therefore, that the disease can be dispersed to an almost unlimited extent by this Aphid ; and there is, further, no reason to suppose that transmission in nature is limited to it. The possibility of eliminating the disease is discussed, but it is thought that legislation and quarantine laws must be passed before this can be accomplished. Haber (V. R.). Oviposition by an Evaniid, Evania appendigaster , Linn. — Canad. Ent., London, Ont., lii, no. 11, November 1920, p. 248, 1 fig. The oviposition of Evania append igasfer, L., in an egg-mass of the cockroach, Blatta oricntaiis, L., in captivity is recorded. Heinrich (C). The Pea Moth a New Species. — Canad. Ent., London, Ont., lii, no. 11, November 1920, pp. 257-258, 2 figs. Cydia [Laspeyresia) novimundi, sp. n., is described from garden and field peas in Wisconsin. This species was formerly identified as the European pea moth, C. (L.) nigricana [R.A.E, A, viii, 532], but is readily separable by the characters of the male genitalia, which are described and figured. If L. novirmmdi is not a native species that has passed to the pea from some wild legume, it has probabl}^ been introduced from the Orient ; in any case, it has been incorrectly recorded as C. nigricana. TiMBERL.\KE (P. H). Ncw Gcneia and Species of Encyrtinae frona California parasitic in Mealybugs (Hyn?.enoptera).— Vmv. Cali- fornia Pubns. Ent.. Berkeley, i, no. 8, 28th March 1918, pp. 347-367, 7 figs. [Received 6"^th January 1921.] The species dealt with include: — Acerophagiis fasciipennis. sp. n., reared from early larval stages of Pscudococcus crawi. Coq. ; A. 101 noiativentris, Gir., from Pseudococcits sp. on grape; A. pallidus, sp. n., from P. yerbasantae, Essig ; Stemmatosteres apterus, gen. et sp. n., from P. timherlakei, Ckll ; Pseudococcobius fumipennis, sp. n., from Pseudococcits solani, Ckll ; Pseudococcobius clauseni, sp. n., from Erium sp. on cactus; Pseudococcobius chrhorni, Timb.' for which a new genus, Cirrhencyrtus, is erected, reared from Pseudo- coccus ryani, Coq. ; Paraleptomastix abnormis, G'n., type of a new genus, Tanaomastix, parasitic on Pseudococcus spp. ; T. claripennis. sp. n., reared from P. ryani ; T. abnormis. Gir., reared from a species of Pseudococcus (not P. citri, Risso) on Citrus in Japan, and introduced mto Southern California from Sicil}- to check P. citri ; and T. albicla- vata, Ashm., reared from Pseudococcus sp. from the Philippine Islands. Swain (A. F.). A Synopsis oJ the Aphididae of CaUfornia.— f/ww. California Pubns. Ent., Berkeley, iii, no. 1, 1st November 1919 pp. 1-221, 17 plates. [Received 6th January 1921.] The new Californian Aphids here described include -.—Lachnus sabi- manus, on digger pine {Piiius sabiniana) ; L. vanduzei, on spruce- Macrosiphum rudbeckiae, Fitch, var. madia, n., on tarweed [Madia sativa) ; and Aphis viburnicolens on laurestinus ( Viburnum tinus) and laurel. Keys are given to the genera and tribes of Aphids after Van der Goot and a complete list of the food-plants of Californian Aphids is appended! Clausen (C. P.). Life ffistory and Feeding Records of a Series of California Coecinellidae.— Univ. Califomiu Pubns. Ent., Berkeley, 1, no. 6,. 17th June 1916, pp. 251-299. [Received 6th Tanuafv 1921.] - ^ The species dealt with include :~Coccinella californica, Mann. ; C. trifasciata, L., which in several locahties has exercised a considerable check on the numbers of Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphis) ; Hippodamia convergens, which is predaceous on many Aphids, including Phorodon humuh (hop aphis), M. rosae. Pemphigus betae (beet aphis). Aphis neru {oleander aphis). Aphis rumicis (bean aphis), Hvalopterus arundmis (plum aphis), A. gossypii (melon aphis) and, less frequently, on Chromaphis juglandicola (walnut aphis), Eriosoma [bchizoneiira) lanigerum (woolly apple aphis), and Brevicorvne {Aphis) brassicae (cabbage aphis) ; Hippodamia ambigua, Lee. ; Olla abdomi- nalis. Say, one of the most important enemies of Aphids in California, feeding upon many species, but showing a decided preference for C . juglandicola ; 0. oculata, F., generally found in association with the last-named ; Adalia bipunctata, L., predaceous upon all the commoner Aphids ; and Cycloneda sanguinea, L., which feeds extensively on hrisoma, lanigerum and the commoner Aphids. The hfe-histories, seasonal occurrence, oviposition records and feeding records of larval and adult stages of each species are worked out. 1 he average life-cycle of any of these species in Californian summer conditions is approximately 27 days ; of these, five are passed in the egg-stage, five m the first larval stage, three in each of the second and thn-d larval stages, six in the fourth stage, and five in the pupal stage. The number of Aphids eaten by the larvae is, generally speaking. 102 in proportion to their size, and the same is true to some extent of the adults. Temperature and liumidity are strong factors in the develop- ment and beha\4our of the \-arious species. The number of eggs laid under normal held conditions \-aries from 200 to 500, occasionalh^ more, and extends o\-er a period of from four to eight weeks under optimum conditions. EssiG (E. O.). Apliididae of California : New Species of Aphididae and Notes from, various Parts of the State, but chiefly from the Campus of the University of California, Berkeley, California. — Univ. Ccilifonn'a Piibiis. Eni., Berkelcv, i, no. 7, 20th Jul\- 1917, pp. 301-346, 30 hgs. [Received 6th January 1921.] The new species described are : — Myzocallis aritndinariac and M. arundicolcns, on wirious kinds of bamboo ; Symydobius agrifoliae, in colonies on the bark, and sometimes the leaves, of the coast live oak, Qncrcus agrifolia ; Myziis aquilegiae, on Aqitilegia truncata and A. chrysantlia ; Aphis can, on wild anise, Carum kelloggi, and occasionally on Angelica tomentosa. Notes are given on a number of other Aphids injurious to plant life in California. KoFoiD (C. :\.) & SwEzv (O.). studies on the Parasites of the Termites, i-iv. — Univ. California Pubns. ZooL, Berkeley, xx, nos. 1-4, 14th Julv 1919, pp. 1-116, 14 plates, 8 figs. [Re"ceived 6th January 192 1. "j These papers deal with the following flagellates, occurring as intestinal parasites of Tcrmopsis angiisticollis, Wlk. : — Sfreblouiastix strix, gen. et sp. n. ; TricJiomitiis termitidis, sp. n., which is apparent!}" not injurious to its host, but feeds on the debris of the intestinal contents, a new sub-genus, Trichomitopsis, being erected for it ; Trichonympha campanula, sp. n. ; and Leidyopsis sphaerica, gen. et sp. n. Hess (W. N.). Tlie Ribbed Pine-Borer, Rhagium lincatnm, Oliv. — Cornell Univ. Agric. Expt. Sta., Ithaca, xY. Y., ]\Iem. 33, May 1920, pp. 367-381, 1 plate, 6 figs. [Received 6th January 192L] Rhagimn lincatiim, Oliv., is one of the commonest and most widely distributed Cerambycids in North America, being especialh' abundant in Central Pennsyh'ania and about Ithaca, New York, where the present in^•estigations were made. Some authors regard the American form merely as a variety of the European R. inquisitor, but in the present paper the insect is gix^en specific rank. All the common species of pine are attacked, though white pine [Pimts strohus), pitch pine [P. rigida) and red pine [P. resinosa) are apparently preferred. All stages of the insect are described. The beetles begin to emerge about the last week in April, and feed on the pollen of various flowers. Mating occurs soon after emergence, and oviposition begins about the middle of May. A single female lays from 120 to 165 eggs, in masses of about 20, in crevices between the layers of the outer bark. These hatch in from 8 to 10 days, the young lar\-ae working their way through the bark, where thcv feed during the whole larwil life on the 103 tissues of the cambium layer. Two years are required for the life- cycle, the first winter being spent in the larval stage. The movements of the larvae are irregular, so that a blotch-like mine of considerable extent is frequently formed. About September of the second year pupation occurs, and lasts from about 16 days to a month or more, according to the season. The adults pass the second winter in the pupal cells, and bore their way out when the first warm days occur. Very little damage is done to living pines, the females choosing, when possible, recently dead trees for oviposition ; they will oviposit again the second year, but trees that have been dead three years are seldom attacked, as there is little cambium left. Considerable damage is, however, done to recently dead timber. The excavations frequently loosen the bark, allowing moisture to enter, and this is retained b}^ the large masses of frass and encourages fungus growth. The exit holes of the adults also admit water, fungi, and other insects, and the infested logs are soon rendered useless for commercial pur- poses. The insects may be found from the base to near the top of the tree, but never occur in the limbs, unless these are very large. Predatory enemies of R. lincatnm include woodpeckers and other birds, ants, and probably centipedes, Staphylinids, Carabids, etc. The parasite, Atanycolus simplex, Cress., destroys at the most 5 per cent, of the larvae. Artificial remedies consist of the cutting and removal of all recently killed pines before 1st March. This will kill both larvae and adults. The placing of newly felled logs in water will pre^'ent oviposition, or carbolineum, applied in May, has the same effect. These methods have largely reduced damage by this beetle about Ithaca. ^Montgomery (J. H.). Notes from the Quarantine Department. — Qtrlv. Bull. State Plant Bd. Florida, Gainesville, v, no. 1, October 1920, pp. 1-5. [Received 6th January 1921.] Owing to the danger of introduction of various fruit-flies, the State Plant Board has passed a rule prohibiting the importation into Florida of all guavas, mangos, Cuban plums, Surinam cherries, etc., from countries where the West Indian fi'uit-fiy [Anastreplia fraterciiltis] is known to be established. Epilachna corrupta, Muls. (Mexican bean beetle) has recently been discovered in Alabama, in bean and cowpea fields. As this beetle attacks all members of the pea and bean familj^ and as it is apparently well established, an important source of food is threatened. An attempt will be made to eradicate, the pest before it becomes more widely distributed, and a request has been made to the Federal Horticultural Board to impose a federal quarantine on the shipment of dangerous material from the infested areas. Strenuous effoiis are being made to eradicate the sweet potato weevil [Cylas formicarius] from Florida. Emphasis is laid on the importance of growers avoiding the use of plants from any locality that is likely to be infested. It is recognised that there is serious danger of the black f[y[Aleui'o- canthus wogliimi] being introduced into the extensive citrus-producing regions of Florida, and the Federal Horticultural Board is in conse- quence considering the imposition of- federal quarantine restrictions on importations likely to introduce the fly from other countries. 104 j\ro7XETTE (Cr. F.). U.S. Bur. Knt. The Dictyospermum Scale on the Avocado and how it may be controlled.— ^(^/^A'. Bull. State Plant Bd. Florida, (Hiiiicsvillc, v, no. 1, ()ctol:)cr 1920, pp. 5-11, 1 plate. [Received 6th January 1921.] Chrysoniplialiis didyospermi, Morg., is a particularly destructive scale on a\'(jcado in Florida, especially where the temperature is uniform and in the more protected localities. Other fofxl-plants are Dictyo- spci')iiitni album (the original host), Iirvthrina indica, sago and other palms, tea, rubber [Ficus), Citrus, orchids, camphor, coconut, guava, mango, pecan, rose, banana, and many others. The males have not been observed in Southern Florida, and apparently the species is parthenogenetic there. The young may be seen crawling about the twigs and branches about 1st March. A generation at this time requires about seven weeks to mature in the open ; during the warmer months the life-cycle is shorter, and the generations overlap consider- ably. In the cooler weather of December and January the life-c3'cle occupies over 2i- months ; there are generally live or six generations in a year. The insect is found only on the branches (the lower ones for choice), twigs and leaves. It does not produce honey-dew, but likes to shelter under the sooty mould produced by Trialeurodes floridensis, Quaint, (avocado white-fly). A parasite of . considerable economic importance is Aspidiotiphagus citrinus, Craw. Tests with various insecticides have shown that caustic potash fish-oil soap, lime-sulphur solution and miscible oils are none of them efficient, but one gallon of oil emulsion to 70 U.S. gals, water, used twice during the dormant season, was found to clear the trees of both C. dictyospermi and sooty mould, generally within about a week. If separation of the oil occurs owing to the hardness of Florida water, 2 or 3 lb. of caustic potash fish-oil soap should be added to a 125 U.S. -gallon tank before the emulsion is put in. The Yam WeQVil—Qirly. Bull. State Plant Bd. Florida, Gainesville, V, no. 1, October 1920. p. 27, 1 fig. [Received 6th January 1921.] The interception of Palaeopus costicollis, ]\lshl. (yam weevil) in the luggage of a passenger from Jamaica to South Carolina is recorded. The one yam contained 14 adults, 23 pupae and 12 larvae of this insect, which is not yet known to occur in the United States. Sherman (F.). Report of the Division of Entomology.— ti^/^rf Ann. Kept. North Carolina Agr'ic. Fxpt. Sta., lOlS-10, Raleigh, 1919, pp. 54-58. [Received 6th January 1921.] Studies on the larger corn stalk borer [Diatraea saccharalis] have extended over the last five years. It is found that numbers of the over-wintering larvae are killed by ploughing the stubble in the autumn. Injury is also reduced by planting after 25th May, as maize planted after this date is attacked by only one generation of the moth, while that planted earlier is subject to attack by two. Cabbage worms [Pieris rapae] can be controlled by dusting the plants weekly with one part lead arsenate to eight of air-slaked lime. A severe outbreak of the green clover worm [Plathypena seahra] occurred among soy beans in July and August. Experiments showed 105 that one part of lead arsenate to eight parts of dust lime was a success- ful remedy, and liquid spraying is also effective. Both the fall army worm [Laphygma friigipeyda] and the true army worm [Cirphis imipimcta] appeared in numbers about the same time. The spread of the cotton boll weevil [Anthonomns grandis] into North Carolina is recorded. Sanborn (C. E.). Report of the Entomological Department.— 2rWi Ann. Rcpt. Oklahoma Agric. Expt. Sta., 1918-19, Stillwater, 1919, pp. 40-44. [Received 6th January 1921.] Experiments with the cowpea Bruchid [Bnichus quadrimacidatiis] show that there are seven generations and a partial eighth in Oklahoma. The storing of cow-peas under lime and fumigating with carbon bi- sulphide are the measures recommended [R.A.E., A, viii, 185]. Hall (R. R.) & Bovell (J. R.). Report on the Sugar-oane Experi- ments for the Season 1918-1920.— £>6'/)/. Agric, Barbados, 1920, 77 pp. [Received 6th January 1921.] Results of manurial experiments on sugar-cane plots were again so conflicting, owing to the presence of Diaprepes abhreviatus, L. (root borer) and Lachitosterna {Phytalus) smitJii, Arr. (brown hard-back), that it is impossible to draw any conclusions from them. During 1916, 2,305 of these beetles were captured, 5,962 in 1918, and 7,577 in 1920. In spite of the stumps having been dug up and the insects killed, their numbers have therefore gradually increased. A table records collections of various stages of D. abbreviatus and L. smitJii on a given area over a period of 18 months. The numbers collected on different plots varied considerably. It is remarked that as the dry season sets in the larvae of these two species burrow down to the damp substrata, and during the exceptionally dry season under review it is probable that many burrowed below the depth of one foot to which tlie old cane holes were dug. They have been found as much as three feet below the surface. Parrott (P. J.) & Olmstead (R. D.). The Leafhopper as a Potato Pest. — New York Agric. Expt. Sta., Geneva, N.Y., Tech. Bull. 77, March 1920, 18 pp., 5 plates. [Received 6th January 1921.1 The leafhopper, Empoasca mali, Le B., which has been noticed chiefly as a pest of apples, has recently caused considerable trouble as a potato pest. Migration of over-wintering leafhoppers to potato plants began in early June, oviposition occurring on the young plants as soon as they appeared above ground, and continuing until the plants were killed by frost in early October. The insects reached their maximum numbers during late Juh^ and again in late August and early September, when adults of the second generation were most abundant. Infestation was severest from 15th August to 15th September, nymphs and adults of the first and second generations then intermingling. As a result of the punctures of the insects, small brownish areas appeared at the tips and sometimes on the margins of the leaflets. These areas gradually increased in size and number until the leaf margins rolled upward, leaving only a small green area in the middle of the leaflet. 106 Experiments were conducted to test the effect of various mixtures on the leafho})pers, inchicHng Bordeaux mixture, Bordeaux with hme and with lead arsenate, and china clay with soap. The results, recorded in tables, show that all of the spraying mixtures gave con- siderable protection from the adults. The heavy washes of china clay or lime proved somewhat better repellents than the other spraying mixtures. The china clay, however, was easily washed off by rain, while lime, applied in the amounts specified, caused injury to the foliage. It is possible that smaller amounts of lime might give the desired effect without injury. Green (A. W.). Grass-grub Control. Experience at Ruakura. — N.Z. Jl. ' Agric, Wcllinqion, xxi, no. 4, 20th October 1920, pp. 174-175. Odontria Zealand ica (grass grub) has been successfully controlled in New Zealand by concentrating cattle on the infested area, the grubs being killed by the trampling of the animals. This method is advocated when the infestation is contined to small areas. Z.\cHER (F.). Beitrage zur Kenntnis der westaf rikanischen Pflanzen- sehadlinge. [Contributions to the Knowledge of West African Plant Pests.] — Tropenpflanzer , Berlin, xviii, nos. 9-10, October 1915, pp. 504-534, 35 figs. [Received 6th January 1921.] This paper contains a list of 82 injurious insects from Togoland, the injury being described in each case. Peacock's paper on pests in South Nigeria [R.A.E., A, ii, 106] is referred to at length. The species of Sylepta recorded from the timber tree, Monotes kerstingi [R.A.E., i, 350] is closely allied to 5. inanitalis, Led. A description is given of Tliaiunatotibia roerigii, gen. et sp. n. — the Togo bollworm of cotton. Pests from Kamerun comprised : — A Bostrychid pest of Hevea, Xylopertha picea, 01., on which a Clerid, Cylidrus fasciatus, 01., and a Histerid, Teretriosoma saginatum, are predaceous ; Gonocephalum {Opatriim) simplex, F., on tobacco ; Stenotarsus guineensis, Gerst., on Hibiscus ; and Myllocerus amoenus, Hartm., of which the descrip- tion is given. This last beetle also occurs in Fernando Po. i The Lepidopterous pests of cacao in South Kamerun are Leipoxais peraffinis, HolL, Nudaurelia dione, F., and Euchromia lethe, F. The caterpillars of Prolatoia sjostedti, Aur., are recorded on Manihot iitilissima, of which plant no pests had previously been known from Africa. Diacrisia rava is common on palms. Moll ( — ). Der Schutz des Bauholzes in den Tropen gegen die Zer- storung durch die Termiten. [The Protection of constructional Timber in the Tropics against Destruction by Termites.] — Tropenpflanzer, Berlin, xviii, no. 11, November 1915, pp. 591- 605, 10 figs. [Received 6th January 1921.] Information is given on the kinds of wood that resist the attack of termites, and on commercial methods for impregnating woods with tar-oil, or with arsenic mixed either with mercury perchloride or the Wollmann mixtvn-e used in German mines. 107 Rosenberg (L.). Die Heuschrecken in Palastina. [Locusts in Palestine.] — Tropenpflanzer, Berlin, xviii, no. 12, December 1915, pp. 657-669, 3 figs. [Received 6th January 1921.] The serious outbreak of locusts in Palestine in 1915 is described. The Jewish settlements suffered a loss of about £120,000. Among the measures adopted was the use of a flour paste placed on the ground, locusts coming into contact with it being suffocated owing to its sealing their stigmata. In a more fiuid form this paste can be applied to tree-trunks. MoRSTATT (H.). Pflanzenkrankheiten in den Tropen, [Plant Diseases in the Tropics.] — Tropenpfla)izer, Berlin, xxiii, no. 4, April 1920, pp. 114-117. [Received 6th January 1921.] The remarkable injury that is sometimes done to crops in the tropics is due to the fact that their cultivation is a new departure. Such a disaster as the destruction of coffee [by Hemileia vastatrix] in Ceylon cannot be ascribed to dangers peculiar to tropical conditions. Fungi always accompany plants, but in the case of insects it is feasible to prevent the importation of a given species with a known life-history, but it is not possible to predict what enemies a plant will find in its new home, and what their effect on it will be. Friederichs (K.). Weberameisen und Pflanzenschutz. [Wea\'er Ants and Plant Protection.] — Tropenpflanzer, Berlin, xxiii no. 5-6, May-June 1920, pp. 142-150. .'Received 6th January 1921.] This paper is published in view of an Ordinance issued at Rabaul (New Guinea) on 26th August 1919, respecting the palm leaf beetles, Proniecotheca antiqua and P. opacicollis. These Hispids cannot be classed among the more dangerous pests of coconut, as their infesta- tion is very local, and most of the larvae are parasitised by Chalcids, as has also been recorded by Knowles and Jepson in Fiji. In Samoa the author recommended arsenical sprays, and the above Ordinance also advises arsenicals, and the removal and destruction of the leaflets containing larval mines. All these measures are considered unneces- sary, however, owing to the extent of parasitism. If the parasites are absent, they can be introduced. An interesting feature of the Ordinance is the recommendation to employ the ted tree ant (called " karakum " by the natives) by estab- lishing large numbers in the plantations. This can only refer to weaver ants of the genus Oecophylla. Many travellers in eastern Asia, have reported the use of ants against plant pests. Escherich states that as far back as the 12th century this was the case in China, where a special class of workers existed for this purpose. Raciborski mentions that nests of large red ants are tied in mango trees in Java to protect the fruits against Sternochetiis ( Cryptorrhynchus) mangiferae. When, early in 1914, the author was studjdng Oryctes rhinoceros (rhinoceros beetle) in Cochin China and Cambodia, he found that the presence of ants, of which Oecophylla smaragdina was the commonest, did ensure the absence of many insect pests, though leaf-eating Lamellicorn beetles are not interfered with, as they feed at night. lOS In New Guinea, where the wea\'er ants are indigenous, there is no reason to oppose their removal to places where they are needed against ProuuxotJieca, but proposals to establish them in the more distant South Sea Islands, and other regions where they do not occur should not be entertained, on account of their habit of tending Aphids and Coccids. Other leaf-sewing ants that have been observed in Cochin China are Polyrhachis thrinax, Rog., var. javana, Mayr, and Dolichoderiis taprohanae, Sur., var. friederichsi, Forel. According to Forel, Oecophylla smaragdina vircscens occurs in Australia and New Guinea : and many forms of this ant are known in Africa. Friederichs (K). Bericht iiber den staatlichen Pflanzenschutz- dienst in Deutsch-Samoa, 1912-1914. [Report on the Govern- ment Plant Protection Service in German Samoa in 1912-1914.] — Beiheft ziim Tropent>flanzer, Berlin, xviii, no. 5, August 1918, pp. 257-294. [Received 6th January 1921.] The contents of this report are indicated by its title. MoRSTATT (H.). Die Herzfaule der Kokospalmen, eine pflanzen- pathologische Studie. [The Bud Rot of Coconut Palms : A Studv in Plant Pathologv." — Beiheft ziim Tropenpflanzer, Berlin, XX, no. 3, Ma3'-Jime 1920, pp. 71-124. • Typical coconut bud-rot is due to the attack of healthy uninjured palms by a bacillus that is favoured by soil conditions and injury due to insects, and is probably spread by the latter. Secondary bud- rot depends entirely on a previous disease or injury, without which it cannot occur. The relation between it and fungus infestation is not yet sufficiently clear, but definite information exists on the point of insect injury. The latter is chiefly due to the rhinoceros beetle [Orydes rhinoceros], which sometimes enables the palm weevil [Rhynchophorus] to enter, but more often prepares the way for bud- rot. In East Africa there is a primary, independent bud-rot, and a secondar}^ form due to Orycfes ; in Samoa the secondary form due to Orycfes is the only one found ; in Ceylon primary bud-rot and in- festation bv Orydes are found, but secondarv bud-rot does not occur. BuRKHARDT (F.). Erfahfungen mit dem Chlorpikrin als Mittel zur Bekampfung tierischer Schadlinge. Experiences with Chloro- picrin as a Means for combating Animal Pests.] — Deiitsdie landw. Presse, xlvii, 1920, p. 417. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt.. Parasit. u. Infektionskr., Jena, Ilte Abt., hi, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920, pp. 387-388.) Chloropicrin is a useful insecticide against Calandra granaria, moths, and flies, in cases where only a small quantity of material has to be disinfected, or the receptacles can be hermetically sealed. Under these conditions a strength of 4 grams per cu. metre rapidh^ kills the weevils. 109 Schroder (C.) & others. Handbuch der Entomologie.— Gustav Fischer, Jena. (Review in Ccntyalbl. Baki., Parasit. u. Infek- tionkr., Jena, lite Abt., lii, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920, p. 388.) This work, which is being issued in four vokimes, is being pubHshed in response to the demand in Germany for an extensive text book. ScHMiTT (C). Insekten als Blattminierer. [Insects as Leafminers.] — Natiirw. Wochcnschr., N.S. xvii, 1918, pp. 721-724. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. u. Infektionkr., Jena, lite Abt., hi, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920, p. 390.) Leaf-mines may be divided into gallery-mines and blister-mines. In the latter the epidermis is raised as an almost transparent mem- brane. The author made contact prints direct from the " leaves, in order to obtain illustrations of the following mines, details of which are discussed : — Lepidoptera : Lyonetia derkcUa on cherry ; Bncculatrix fangiilella on buckthorn ; Nepticula centifoliella on roses ; Tischeria complanella on oak ; Phyllorycter [Lithocolletis) qiiercijoliella on Quercus pedunculata ; P. [L.) comparella on Popuhts alba; Coleoptera: Rhynchacnits {Orchesies) Jagi on Fagus sylvatica ; Diptera: Phytomyza nigra on Lappa. ZiMMERMAXN (H). Ueber die Erdraupen der Wintersaateule {Agrotis segefwn, Schiff .). Erdraupenschaden in Mecklenburg in 1912-1917. [The Caterpillars of Euxoa segetum and their Injury in Mecklenburg in 1912-1917.] — Arch. Ver. Freiinde Naturgcsch. in Mecklenburg, Ixxiii, 1919, pp. 25-54. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. u. Infektionskr., Jena, lite Abt., lii, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920, pp. 394-395.] The information given here is substantially the same as in a paper already noticed [R.A.E., A, vi, 444]. ZiMMERMANx (H). Ueber die Erdraupe der Wintersaateule. Ein weiterer Beitrag zu der Lebensweise und Bekampfung. [The Caterpillar of Ettxoa segetum. A further Contribution regards its Life-history and Control.] — Mecklenburg. Landicirischajtl. Wocli- enschr., iv, 1920, pp. 184-188. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. m. Infektionskr., Jena, lite Abt., lii, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920, p. 395.) These observations on Euxoa segetum, made in Mecklenburg in 1918 and 1919, continue those already recorded [R.A.E., A, vi, 444]. They confirm the assumption that weather is a dominant factor as regards this moth [R.A.E., A, ix, 63]. In 1918 cold weather prevailed from the end of May up to mid-July, while continuous wet weather prevailed from the end of July up to September. These conditions proved unfavourable to the pest. Hibernation is more common in the larval stage than in the pupal one, and this accounts for the occasional spring injury to winter corn. In 1918 caterpillars and adults appeared from the beginning of April up to 19th Juh% but not later. Besides the appearance in winter corn of caterpillars that had not completed their development in 1917, only one case 110 of injury was observed in summer corn. On turnips and swedes the infestation was less extensive than in 1917. Potatoes suffered little, and carrots and winter rape were uninjured. In 1919 the infestation was of even less importance. Abler (S.). Lebensweise und Fortpflanzung des Schmarotzers der Kohlweisslingsraupe, A panicles glomeratiis, L. [The Life-history and Reproduction of the Cabbage Butterifv Parasite, A. glomera- tHS.]—Aiis. d. Natur, xvi, 1920, pp. 236-243. (Abstract in CentralU. Bakt.. Parasit. u. Infektionskr., Jena, lite Abt., Hi, no. 16-17, 20th December 1920^ pp. 396-397.) Much of the information here given has already been noticed from a previous paper [R.A.E., A, ix, 37]. Apantelcs glomeratus only attacks the young caterpillars of Pieris hrassicae when they are still feeding on the egg-shells. As soon as they begin to feed on the cabbage leaf they are able to eject some of the green plant juice at the Braconid, causing it to desist and to crawl about the leaf endeavouring to cleanse itself. The egg-stage of the butterfly lasts S-9 days in summer ; this period can be prolonged in a cold room. The same applies to the cocoons of .4. glomeratus, which otherwise require 6-8 days to develop. There is, therefore, a reciprocal adaptation to temperature. TuRixETTT (L.). La Lutte centre la Mouche des Olives {Dams oleae) en Italie. [The Campaign against the Olive Fly {Dacus oleae) in Italy.] — Progres Agric. & Vitic, Montpellier, Ixxv, no. 1, 2nd January 1921, pp. 23-27. It is suggested that in the olive groves along the Mediterranean coast south of Pisa, where Dacus oleae has been unusually abundant, resulting in a heavy loss to the olive crop, the Berlese remedies might be used with much success [R.A.E., A, ii, 452; iii, 36; iv, 159, etc.]. Experiments in this district indicate that a first spray of molasses and sodium arsenite should be applied from 1st to 10th July against the first generation, and from 10th to 20th August against the second generation. Where practicable the bait method might also be used. These remedies promise equal success in the French Riviera to that obtained in Italy, where conditions differ considerably, but their use will necessitate the removal of the prohibition against the use of soluble arsenical salts that is still in force in France. Howard (L. O.). Report [1919-1920] of the Entomologist.— t/.S. Dept. Agric, Bur. Ent., IFasAm^/o;?, Z).C., 7th September 1920, 36 pp. "[Received 7th January 1921.] Since the last report [R.A.E., A, viii, 93] many fresh areas of infestation by the European corn borer [Pyrausta nubilalis]^ ha.ve been recorded, adding many hundreds of square miles to the previously known area, some of them evidently being infestations of several years' standing. Flight experiments for determining the possible rate of the natural, spread of this moth have shown a maximum flight of 1,300 yds. Egg-clusters have been found on several crops other than maize, such as beet, rhubarb, celery, lettuce and several wild plants. In eastern Massachusetts the larvae have been observed to feed upon cotton to some extent. Some study has been made in the south of France and in Italy of the parasites of P. nubilalis, three having been found in France and four in Italy. Ill Grasshopper outbreaks were heavy and injurious, especially in North Dakota and the Canadian border, the chief species being Melano- pliis atlantis and Camnula pelliicida. There were, unfortunately no funds to meet the sudden requirements for poison-bait and labour and attention is drawn to the great desirabihty of a reserve fund to meet similar emergencies in the future. A method of spraying for the alfalfa weevil [Hypera variabilis] has been devised that promises much success ; this will be described in a bulletin to appear shortly. Chinch bugs [Blissus leucopterus] were more than usually injurious in Missouri, Illinois and other middle-western States. These regions also suffered from outbreaks of the true army worm [Cirphis unipuncia]. Excellent results were obtained wherever the poison bait and ditch barrier methods were used promptly and intelligently. Among stored products it is estimated that as a result of inspection and advice by experts, supplies of rice and beans were saved worth about twenty-seven times the appropriation for this project. Processes described in last year's report [loc. cit.. 94] for preventing losses among stored goods have been continued ; a commercial machine for sterilising cartons of cereals by electricity promises to give good results. Among household pests a special study has been made of the black carpet beetle [Attagemis piceus]. Deciduous fruit insect investigations included a study of the Japanese beetle [PopiUia japonica] [R. A.E., A, viii, 307, etc.]. This beetle has proved to be almost omnivorous. Its special distribution covers about 50 square miles. To restrict it an attempt is being made to mamtam a barrier of dusted or sprayed foliage about a mile wide completely round the infested area. In spite of this, the indications are that the beetle will continue to spread. Its natural enemies occurring in Japan are being studied, and it is hoped that some of these may be established m New Jersey. One shipment of a predatory beetle has already been received. Peaches in Georgia have been A-ery severely damaged by the plum curculio [Conotrachelus nenuphar] which has caused losses estimated at about ^400,000. Observations indicate that under conditions of abundant rain and high temperature this weevil may develop a partial second generation of larvae which infests the ripemng fruit. Work on the codling moth [Cydia porno- iieLla\ has been continued on the same lines as last year {loc cit 94] The spray gun gives the best results in insecticidal treatments' As many moths have been known to emerge in the packing sheds baskets used in handling the crop of 1919 were kept through the winter in closed buildings. An attempt is being made to introduce parasites of C. pomonella, and tests are being made with a dust composed of a lungicide, lead arsenate and tobacco extract, to be used simultaneously against fungous diseases, biting insects and sucking insects Further investigations have been made on the grape-berry moth [Pohchrosis xnteana] m Ohio ; where infestation is not too severe, one treatment with lead arsenate should be sufficient. In parts of Michigan con- siderable damage has been done to grapes by the grape root worm [tidia viticida] and an Aphid, which have hitherto been considered unimportant pests. The treatment with sulphur fumes for the grape mealybug [Psendococcus bakeri], advocated in last year's report has proved to be impracticable, and other methods are being investi- gated. The white-hned sphinx moth [Celerio lineaia] and the grape sphinx moth [Pholm achemon] were both troublesome • for the former no satisfactory sprays were found, and hand-collection was 112 resorted to ; for the latter a dust of 3 parts sulphur to 1 part lead arsenate proved effecti\'e. Experiments with pecan insects have shown that the pecan-leaf case-bearer [Acrobasis ncbiildla] should be treated with liquid lead arsenate rather than dust or calcium arsenate. For the obscure scale [Chrysomphalus obsciints] on pecan, crude oil emulsion or lime- sulphur solution in winter strength should be apj^lied during early spring, before the buds are out. Against the pecan weevil [Balamniis canuw] spraying and dusting experiments were unsuccessful. Fumi- gation, of harvested nuts with carbon bisulphide, using ^ oz. per bushel of nuts, and fumigating for 24 hours, proved effective. This method, however, is only partially successful, since a considerable portion of the larvae in some regions leave the pecans before harvest time. The walnut husk maggot, which was originally a pest of black walnuts only, is now attacking Persian and Japanese walnuts in the eastern part of the country. The maggots mine through the husk, causing the nuts either to drop prematurely or to adhere to the branches be^-ond the regular harvest time. Investigations on this insect will be published shortly. Several species of walnut and hickory curculios are also being studied ; these attack tlje immature nuts, causing many of them to fall. Conotrachclus retciitus oviposits in black walnuts that are about one-fourth grown, from 50 to 90 per cent, being infested in some locahties. Other weevils attacking chestnut and hazel are also being studied. Investigations of miscellaneous insecticides have been continued. From experiments on thousands of insects, it appears that the per- centage of water-soluble arsenic in arsenicals before they are taken in by insects has little to do with their toxicity, althcuigh those in which the arsenic content is nearly all water-soluble generall}' give the highest rate of toxicit}^ The higher the percentage of arsenic rendered soluble inside the bodies of insects, the higher, as a rule, is the rate of toxicity, and the more arsenic retained in the insects as compared with that voided, the higher is the rate of toxicity. It is evident that only an indefinite opinion concerning the killing power of an arsenical can be inferred from its composition, but results indicate that the toxicity depends directly upon the amount of arsenic rendered soluble inside the insects, and this solubility dei)cnds directly upon the stability of the compound. Vegetable pests include the sweet potato weevil [Cylas formic ariiis], but clean cultivation and co-operation among farmers and the planting of uninfested potatc~)es have produced a great decrease in infestation. Alabama, where 30 farms were infested, can now be declared free from the pest. A weevil-free zone 30 miles in length is being maintained on the eastern coast of Florida through the destruc- tion of the food-plant, morning glory [Ipomaea], and the only infested plot of this plant on the mainland of Mississippi has also been destroyed. The Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa dcccmlincata] has been scarce in Maryland and Virginia, doubtless owing to late spraying, parasites and severe winters. Against the potato leafhopper [Empoasca mali] Bordeaux mixture proved a satisfactory repellent, while nicotine sulphate and kerosene emulsion were ineffective. The tarnished plant bug [Lygus prafensis] severely injured potatoes in some localities ; its wild food-plants and breeding-places are being studied. The bean lad\^bird [Epilachna corrupia] has been trouble- some in Colorado and New Mexico, except where thorough spraying 113 has been practised. An unprecedented outbreak of the green clover worm [Plathypena scabra] over the Eastern States has caused the defoHation of all varieties of beans, but arsenicals were found to be an effective remedy. For the striped cucumber beetle [Diabrotica vittata] Bordeaux-lead arsenate mixture combined with other measures has proved an effective check. Work on the sugar-beet leaf hopper [Eutettix tenella] is being continued. It has been found that an alternation of food-plants, involving at least two wild species, occurs between the production of the disease of curly-top on beets and reinoculation. Studies are being made of 350 types of resistant beets. It is estimated that the damage by insects to forest and shade trees and their products amounts to more than £20,000,000 annually. There has been no conspicuous increase in the more destructive insects, except that of the spruce budworm [Tortrix fumiferand] in northern New England, which has been a menace to the paper industry, and a defoliating caterpillar on Texas pines. An outbreak of the southern pine heei\e[Dendroctonus frontalis] was threatened. The western pine beetle [Detidroclonns brevicuinis] was studied in Oregon. Figures are given proving the value of remedial measures. Some 130,000 acres in California were treated in 1920, and this will be continued over a period of five years. The application of the Craighead solar heat principle of control [R.A.E., A, viii, 365] against the western pine beetle has shown that a maximum daily tempearture as low as 75° F. during a few clear days will kill the beetles in infested bark removed from the trees and exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Experiment has shown that if mesquite, in southern Arizona, is cut for cordwood, posts, etc., between 15th October and 15th January, and piled in open ricks, little or no damage will be done by insects. If cut in the spring and summer, as is usual, the wood is often reduced to dust before the end of summer. The solar heat system was used with success ; the posts, when cut, were put out in the sun and turned occasionally until the bark was thoroughly dried. This kills the insects already in the wood, and the dry bark is not attacked by insects destructive to the wood. This makes it practicable to cufthe trees at any time during the summer. The optimum times for cutting various trees to avoid insect attack have been worked out. Recent studies have shown that Hopkins' bioclimatic law [R.A.E., A, viii, 87] applies to the continental areas of the northern and southern hemispheres, and much attention has been given to applying this law to agricul- tural research and economic practice. The increase in the area infested with gipsy moth [Porthelria dispar] during the year amounts to 4,569 square miles ; these were added to the previous quarantine area, which now covers 25,316 square miles. In many old sites the pest seems to have been exterminated. The area under quarantine for brown-tail moth [Nygmia phaeorr/ioea] has been reduced by 10,677 square miles. Spraying and banding operations for these pests are described. Parasitism by the enemies discussed in the previous report has steadily increased in the case of P. dispar, but those of A^. phaeorrhoea were less numerous, largely owing to the occurrence of a fungous disease. New areas of infesta- tion by P. dispar in New Jersey and New York threaten a further wide distribution, unless prompt measures are taken and adequate funds arc made available. With regard to southern crop pests, the use of calcium arsenate against the cotton boll- weevil [Anthonomus grandis] has been greatly (1912) K 114 extended. Suitable dusting machinery by wheel-traction power has now been devised, motor power dusters proving unsuitable. The tobacco hornworm [Protoparce] can be best dealt with by dusting machinery, and, owing to labour shortage, one application of twice the usual amount of lead arsenate was sometimes more economical than two smaller ones, and produced good results. Calcium arsenate is not recommended for tobacco. It is hoped to reduce the hibernating hornworms by means of insecticides applied to the suckers, which often grow a great deal after the tobacco crop is housed. On shade tobacco in Florida, experiments are being made with a mixture of lead arsenate and tobacco dust, lead arsenate alone, Paris green and calcium arsenate all being dangerous. The introduction of parasites from Cuba of the sugar-cane moth borer [Diatraea saccharalis cram- bidoides] has continued on a much larger scale, and it will now be possible to decide whether they can survive the Louisiana winter. They are at present the most promising means of control. The destruction of old maize stalks, in which the larvae can spend the winter, is strongly advocated. As several new areas of infestation have been discovered, a general survey of infested territory is to be made. A brief outline is given of work carried out in connection with pests of Citrus fruits in California and Florida ; insects affecting mango, guava, avocado and other sub-tropical fruits ; greenhouse insects, including the strawberry root worm [TypopJionis caneUus], which has developed into a serious pest of roses grown under glass ; Mediterra- nean fruit fly [Ceratitis capitata] and melon fly [Dacus ciicurhitac] ; pests of the algaroba bean ; fruit-flies and other fruit pests in the Canal Zone, Panama ; and the camphor thrips [Crypiothripsfloridensis]. The outlook of the bee industry, which is growing in extent and im- portance, and the lines of work to be followed in this connection, are discussed. Newcomer (E. J.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Winter Killing oJ Codling Moth Larvae. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 441-442. Observations made in the arid section of Washington State show that, with a minimum temperature ranging from -20° to -25° F. during the winter, about 80 to 90 per cent, of the codling moth larvae are killed. Wherever the temperature had been below -25° F., all larvae protected only by bark or burlap bands were killed. The effect of similar temperatures in more humid regions has not been ascertained. Spuler (A.). Winter Killing of the San Jose Scale. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N. H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 443-444. Records made in various localities show that the percentage of larvae of the San Jose scale [Aspidiotiis perniciosus] killed by cold during the winter of 1919-20 exceeded the average of the previous ten years. ViCKERY (R. K.). Petroleum Insecticides. — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H.. xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 444-447. In view of the scarcity of petroleum and its resulting high cost, the discovery of an equally efficient insecticide is of great importance. 115 It is suggested that a knowledge of the chemistry of petroleum may make it possible to find compounds that are fatal to insects and not injurious to plants. In addition to these properties, an ideal contact insecticide should keep well and be applicable either in liquid or dust form. Newell (W.). Presidential Letter. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 447-449. Complaints are often made as to the inadequate remuneration of entomologists compared to the value of their services. The importance of this profession to agricultural production has not yet been fully realised by the public. It is within the power of the economic ento- mologist to make his services indispensable by inaugurating, executing, and completing projects of magnitude that either prevent enormous losses from injurious insects or make the recurrence of such losses impossible. Too few efforts at eradication in the entomological field have been made in the past, whereas too much stress has been laid on measures that are merely palliatives. Pierce (W. D.). Commercial Entom.ology and the Service it can rander to organised Agriculture. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H.. xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 449-456. The only valid reason for the existence of any profession is the service it can render to humanity. Entomologists have it in their power to reduce agricultural losses by the application of their knowledge to the eradication of the many existing insect pests. This can only be done on a large scale by a business organisation. The control of widespread pests is no longer a function of the Government, but that of private enterprise, in which the Government 'may assume the role of adviser. The ever-increasing need for commercial entomology to fight insects and disease from a business standpoint is emphasised. Co-operative action of growers is also essential, as practically any insect can bridge the gaps and barriers that separate treated from untreated fields. Melander (A. L.). An Index Number for Rating Codling Moth Treatm.ents. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, A'. //., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 456-458. The larvae of the codling moth \Cydia pomonella] that die on their way into an apple generally produce a characteristic sting. It is suggested that the ratio of caterpillars to stings affords a more depend- able index of the value of various sprays than the customary per- centage of final infestation. This method cannot be applied to the calyx spray. As the effects of repellent additions to the spray or of thickened apple skin may interfere with the validity of the index number, their range should be investigated. Rlxford (G. p.). Sym.biosis of Blastophaga and the Fig Family.— Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 459-463. Blastophaga oviposits in the winter crop of the capritig, which forms in the autumn on the wood of the current season. The larvae (1912) k2 116 hibernate in the fruits, and can withstand a temperature of 14° or 15° F. The insects develop rapidly with the advent of warm weather, and emerge from the fruit in April, when the spring crop is in a recep- tive condition. The summer crop carries the insect through the late summer and autumn months until it is ready for oviposition in the winter crop. Various species of figs are discussed, and their dependence on B. psenes for pollination is described. This Chalcid is therefore extremely beneficial in California, where the fig crop is becoming a very important one. Ferris (G. F.). Insects of Economic Importance in the Cape Region of Lower California, Mexico. — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord. N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 463-467. The insects recorded in the above region during 1919 include Blissiis occiduus, Barber, the Tingid Leptodictya tahida, H. S., and the Delphacid Peregrinus maidis, Ashm., on sugar-cane and maize ; Trichobaris mucorea, Lee, on tobacco ; Chrysomphalus aurantii. Mask., and Lepidosaphes glover i. Pack., on Citrus ; Aspidiotus lataniae. Sign., and an apparently native species of Asterolecanium, as well as a thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis, Bch., on mango ; Saissetia oleae, Bern., on wild food-plants ; Pseudococcus ciiri, Risso, on mango ; Asterole- canium pustulans, CklL, on oleander ; Aspidiotus diffinis, Newst., on guava ; Pseitdoparlatoria parlatorioides, Comst., on guava and avocado ; Pseudococcus maritimus, Ehrh., on wild food-plants ; an undetermined species, probably leery a rileyi, CklL, on numerous food-plants ; Aphis illinoisensis , Shim., on grape ; and the Tingid Corythuca gossypii, F., on castor bean. The isolation of the country and the small amount of traffic between this and other districts probably accounts for the small number of pests discovered. Maxson (A. C). Com.bating the Sugar Beet Webworro. on a large Scale. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 468-471. Loxostege sticticalis, L. (sugar beet webworm) was particularly abundant during 1919 in the Rocky Mountain States. The first brood covered 172,728 acres in June, and the second 7,567 acres in July to August. The campaign against this moth covered a portion of four States, and was organised by the Great Western Sugar Com- pany. The methods employed are described. As it could not be foreseen that the outbreak under review would cover an area five times as large as that infested in 1918, the preliminary preparations proved inadequate, and additional sprayers and insecticides had to be purchased after the campaign had begun. Owing to the ultimate success obtained, several more sprayers and new insecticides have been procured for experimental purposes. Of the substances used in 1919, Paris green, at the rate of 3| to 4 lb. per acre, gave by far the quickest and best results, at an inclusive cost of about 14s. 6d. A timely and successful application of insecticide would mean an average profit of over 400 per cent, on the investment. 117 Herbert (F. B.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Results of Washing Experiments for Control of the European Elm Scale. — Jl. Econ. Ent.. Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 471-475. Gossyparia spuria, Mod. (European elm scale) may be satisfactorily controlled on small trees by washing with a garden hose and nozzle, and an average force of water. During experiments at San Jose, California, large trees were successfully treated by means of a steam fire-engine and water from the large city mains, producing a pressure of from 100 to 160 lb. to the square inch. An ordinar}^ orchard spray outfit is advocated for trees up to 35 or 40 ft. high. This method is slightly more expensive than washing, but it will probably be more satisfactory. The best time for such operations is just before the leaves unfold. At San Jose this was about 17th to 25th April in 1918. WoGLUM (R. S.) & Rounds (M. B.). U.S. Bur. Ent. DayUght Orchard Fum.igation. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 476-485. Further trials have been made to determine the possibility of success- ful daylight fumigation with liquid hydrocyanic acid gas for the control of scale-insects [R.A.E., A, vii, 288; viii, 29]. The most suitable material to use for fumigation tents and the relative tempera- tures under light and dark coloured tents are discussed, and tables show the comparative results of night and dajdight fumigation on the black scale [Saissctia nigra], and of the relative mortality in different parts of a tree fumigated in the sunshine. Sunshine coming into contact with plants immediately after fumi- gation, and before they have fully recovered their normal physiological activity, is one of the most important factors as regards injury to the tree. The strength of gas, the length of exposure and the temperature or intensity of the sunshine are all considerations that form the basis of daylight fumigation procedure. Injury from daylight fumigation is characterised by dropping of the leaves, particularly on the sunny side of the tree, and in severe cases by bleaching of green fruit. It is noticed that lemons seem to be far less susceptible to sunshine fumi- gation than oranges. As a result of experimental daylight fumigation carried on from the middle of the active fumigation season in October throughout the winter period, the authors are convinced that, where practicable, daylight winter fumigation is preferable to night work. At this period the scales are particularly diiBcult to kill on cool nights. Moreover the trees are in a dormant condition and can withstand a stronger gas, even at temperatures approximating 80° F. Particular attention should be given to the exposure. It is not considered, however, that the daylight practice can be recommended to supersede night work, except in the case of experienced and careful operators who can constantly manipulate the dosage and exposure. Fixed doses and exposures are the safest, but the necessary data have not 3-et been accumulated to establish these ; in fact, they will be difficult, if not impossible, to establish in the extreme varieties of daylight weather during the usual fumigating season, and in view of the widely differing conditions between the hot interior valleys and the cooler, more humid coastal belt. \ 118 Hinds (W. E.)- Mexican Bean Beetle Situation. — //. Econ. Eni., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 486-488. Attention is drawn to the seriousness of the present position and the danger of the further spread of Epilachna corrupta. Muls., in the United States. There is apparently no geographical or climatic barrier for this pest. At present the infestation in Alabama covers more than 4,500 square miles. The food-plants include various kinds of beans, with the exception of velvet beans, although these were accepted as food under laborator}^ conditions. In Alabama breeding is continuous until the frosts begin ; there are apparently three to four generations a year. All remedial measures so far tried have proved ineffective. Arsenicals may act as repellents, but cannot save the crop. This beetle is very hardy, and survived a submersion in water of 24 hours, although 48 hours proved fatal to all individuals. Even fumigation with hydrocyanic gas at standard strength only killed 25 per cent, of the adults tested. The Alabama State Board of Horticulture has established a quaran- tine covering the known infested area and an adjoining safet}^ zone of approximately 25 miles and prohibiting the movement of all possible food-plants and materials likely to disseminate the pest. The country of origin of this beetle appears to be Mexico, and diligent search there may reveal the existence of useful parasites. Thomas (F. L.). A Study oJ the Effect of Cotton Worm on Boll Development and Cotton Yield. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, A'. H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 489-491. As a result of observations made during 1919 in Alabama it was found that injury to foliage by the cotton worm [Alabama argillacea] does not kill the plants or cause loss of weight in the bolls, but the unopened bolls mature much earlier under boll-weevil conditions, and in years of abundant moisture the stripping of rank-growing cotton two months before a killing frost is considered beneficial rather than injurious. Smith (R. C). Predaceous Grasshoppers. — //. Econ. Eni., Concord, N.H., xiu, no. 6, December 1920, p. 491. The grasshopper, Udeopsylla nigra, Scud., is recorded as predaceous on adults of Lachnosterna. In captivity it readily feeds on many beetles as well as on other grasshoppers. MozxETTE (G. F.). A Blossom.-destroying Beetle on the Mango and Avocado. — //. Econ. E)it., Concord, X.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, p. 491. Considerable damage was caused by a Rutelid beetle, Anomala undulata, Mels., to avocado and mango trees in southern Florida during the spring of 1920, the damage being done at night to the bloom spikes. Leonard (M. D.). A Dipterous Parasite of the Parsnip Webworm (Depressaria hcraclca)ia, L.). — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xhi, no. 6, December 1920, p. 491-492. The Tachinid, Dichaetoneuta leucoptera, Johns., is recorded as parasitising Depressaria heracleana, L. (parsnip webworm) in New York. 119 Frost (S. W.). A new Apple Pest in Pennsylvania. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, p. 492. Eulia velntinana, Wlk., although known to occur on maple and balsam, is recorded for the first time as attacking apples in Pennsyl- vania. There are probably several generations during the year, and the injur}' continues throughout the summer. The adult moths, emerging in June, lay eggs in batches of 20 to 40 on the leaves, but those appearing in May after hibernation oviposit on the large limbs and trunks of the apple tree. Smith (M. R.). An Insect supposed to breed in Corn. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiii, no. 6, December 1920, p. 493. Attention is drawn to an apparently erroneous record of Achatodes zeae as a pest of maize. The larva of this species is liable to be mistaken for that of Diatraea zeacolella, or other maize borers, but evidently feeds exclusively in the stems of elder (Sambucus sp.). VoRHiES (C. T.). Entomology. — SOtli Ann. Kept. Arizona Agric. Expt. Sta., 1918-19, Tucson, 31st December 1919, pp. 437-438. ["Received 7th January 1921.] In April 1919 a small beetle destroyed cotton, grown for experimental purposes, by feeding on seedlings just beneath the surface of the soil. It is supposed that the cottonseed meal used as a fertliser had attracted this pest, which is provisionally identified as Blapstinits pimalis. The maize stalk borer noticed in the preceding year has been identi- fied as Diatraea lineola, a moth hitherto unrecognised as a pest, but very closely allied to the larger corn-stalk borer of the East {D. zeacol- ella), and with habits and life-history so nearly alike that for all practical purposes it may be regarded as the same. EwiNG (H. E.). U.S. Bur. Ent. New Predaceous and Parasitic Mites of the Superfamily Gamasoidea (Acar.). — Ent. News, Lancaster, Pa., xxxi, no. 10, December 1920, pp. 286-293. Among the new mites described are : — Laelaps hermudaensis from bananas and cedars in Bermuda ; Seiiis safroi from Oregon [R. A.E., A, vi, 263] ; Gamasiis inarmatus from red clover roots in Idaho ; Uropoda bermudaensis from bananas in Bermuda ; and U . r obit sta, imported into U.S.A. on palm seeds from Ecuador. LovETT (A. L.). Spreaders in the Spray Solution as an Aid in Efficient Codling Moth Gonivol.— Re pt. Proc. 15th Ann. Meeting Was/iing- ton State Hortic. Assoc, Spokane, Ist-Sth December 1919, Olympia, Wash., 1920, pp. 7-14. [Received 7th January 1921.] Some of the data obtained in previous investigations on the com- parative values and killing efficiency of various types of standard arsenates [R.A.E., A, iii, 655, 759; v, 477; vi, 338] were the basis for work, certain phases of which concerned with improvement in spray practices as aids in efficient control of codling moth [Cydia 120 pomonellci] formed the subject of this address. The information given has aheady been noticed to a large extent [R.A.E., h, vi, 199 ; viii, 3721. Darlington (P. S.). Codling Moth Control vs. Extermination. — Repl. Proc. 15th Ann. Meeting Washington State — Hortic. Assoc, Spokane, Ist-Sth December 1919, Olympia, Wash., 1920, pj). 14-22. [Received 7th January 1921.] It is estimated that in 1918 the State of Washington spent about £300,000 (at par) in an attempt to control the codling moth [Cydia povwnella], and even then suffered a direct loss of £800,000. In the same year British Columbia had no direct loss from this pest owing to the policy of extermination adopted there since its first introduction. In all, 15 outbreaks have occurred there, but in each case the infested area was quarantined and the pest was stamped out before it could spread. The commercial apple industry is older in Washington than in British Columbia, and it is likely that at its inception, and at the time the pest was introduced, there was not sufficient knowledge to make a campaign of extermination practicable. There are in Washington certain areas still free from codHng moth, and it is urged that with proper organisation migration into these can be checked and slight infestations stamped out. Experience in one area of 1,400 acres in Washington, in which infestation was reduced from 20 per cent, to 2 per cent, in one year, leads the author to believe that it is possible to exterminate this pest even in old badly infested areas. The trees in the area in question were about 15 years old, and 20-25 ft. high. The spray contained 4 lb. lead arsenate to a 400 U.S. gallon tank. Wherever possible a rod and Bordeaux nozzle were used, with a pressure of 250-300 lb. W^here there were varieties that did not bloom at the same time, two calyx sprays were used. At the time the calyx spray was applied no larvae were hatching, but they began doing so 3-4 weeks later. The first cover spray was the time for the chief outbreak of the first brood of caterpillars. The second cover spray was applied against the second brood, about 7-8 weeks later. In some cases an additional spray was applied about half-way between the two cover sprays, where there were enough stragglers of the first brood to justify it. Childs (L.). Degree of Codling Moth Control obtained with Spray Gun and Spray Rod and the Dusting Methods. — Kept. Proc. loth Ann. Meeting Washington State Hortic. Assoc, Spokane, lst-5th December 1919, Olympia, Wash., 1920, pp. 22-39. [Received 7th January 1921.] The information given here is substantially the same as that noticed in another paper [R.A.E., A, viii, 462]. Stress is laid on the need for a sufficiently powerful sprayer, about 10 horse-power being required with 2 spray-guns. From figures that have accumulated, it appears that Cydia pomonella is inclined to deposit more eggs in the tops of the trees than nearer the ground ; fruit should therefore either not be grown at that height or be very well sprayed. A spraying tower would enable the necessary effect to be obtained. 121 Melander (A. L.). Some Observations on Orchard Sprays.— i^t'^^. Proc. 15th Ann. Meeting Washington State Hortic. Assoc, Spokane, Ist-Sth December 1919, Olympia, Wash., 1920, pp. 40-46. In spraying experiments conducted during 1919, oil emulsions proved better than sulphur sprays against San Jose scale [Aspidiotus pernicio- siis], but their general use is hindered by commercial and technical difficulties. Liquid lime-sulphur is still superior to the various dry substitutes that have been introduced of recent years. Many of the claims made for the dry preparations are mis-statements of fact. Work against codling moth [Cydia pomonella] has emphasised the greater value of calyx spraying over that of all subsequent applica- tions. If cover spraying could be as efficient, the pest would be easily annihilated, even in a single season. As it is practicable to give a perfect calyx spraying, the destructiveness of the pest is in proportion to the effectiveness of the cover sprays. Thinning out infested apples during the occurrence of the first brood is as important as late spraying. Theoretically the calyx spray and thinning together should wipe out this pest, but in practice cover sprayings are a necessity because thinning is neglected or incomplete. The number of larvae entering the fruit is not lessened by using extra strong sprays, and 1 lb. lead arsenate in 80 U.S. gallons remains the right strength. Calcium arsenate is a promising new spray, and no scorching was apparent in any tests with it. While the spray gun is excellent for cover spra^dng, the clipper nozzle, crook, rod and tower method still appears best for calyx spraying. The real need in arsenical spraying is for a spreader ; in these tests soap gave excellent results in neutralising the waxy nature of the apple skin ; about six bars of laundry soap were used per tank. MiLLiKEN (F. B.). Grasshoppers and their Control on Sugar Beets and Truck Crops.— U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., Farmers' Bull. 691, March 1920, 20 pp., 13 figs. [Received 7th January 1921.] This bulletin, issued in revised form, gives the usual remedial measures against grasshoppers, with notes on the more injurious species and their natural enemies. Stockdale (F. a.). Two Insect Pests of Tea in Ceylon. — Trop. Agric, Peradeniya, Iv, no. 5, November 1920, pp. 276-279, 2 plates, 1 fig. The first part of this paper, dealing with Xyleborus fornicatus (shot-hole borer of tea), is based on the observations of Speyer and Jepson. A short account is given of the history and spread of this beetle in Ceylon, the regulations as to the removal of nursery plants directed against it, its bionomics and the damage it does, and the reme- dial measures employed. The latter are directed chiefly towards the sanitary improvement of estates by the eradication of castor plants, the removal of die-backs, and the treatment of prunings, while good cultivation is essential. An insecticidal paint has been evolved, but probably costs too much at present for general use [R.A.E., A, viii, 110, etc.]. 122 X. foniicatits is said to have been recorded from various parts of India from time to time, but the only specimens received in Ceylon have been in castor from Bangalore. Other species of Xyleborits occur in Ceylon, of which A'', compactus may become a pest of tea. The second part of the paper deals with Homona coffearia (tea tortrix), and is based on the work of Jardine. Severe outbreaks of this moth occur in three-year cycles, the polyhedral disease becoming prevalent when the larvae are overcrowded, and leaving only a small number alive. Attempts to cause outbreaks of the disease artificially have not succeeded. Small outbreaks of H. coffearia may be dealt with effectively by means of a lead chromate spray [R.A.E., A, vii, 113]. The total-hfe history of the moth occupies six to eight weeks ; July, August and September are the chief months in which eggs are laid. Jepson (F. p.). Shot-hole Borer of Tea. — Trop. Agric, Peradeniya, Iv, no. 5, November 1920, pp. 280-289. In the first half of 1920 a number of experiments were carried out to test possible methods of control directed against Xyleborns forni- catus on tea. Painting [R.A.E., A, vii, 261, etc.] gave inconclusive results, while experiments with castor as a trap-tree were not completed. In this connection it may be mentioned that a severe infestation of castor was observed in one district, the surrounding tea being com- parativel}' free from attack. Control pruning experiments were also unfinished, but seemed in some cases to involve rather serious mutilation of the bushes. Some cases of healing of the gallerj^ entrance- holes were observed in a few instances while the gaUeries were still tenanted ; possibly this was caused by a stimulation of plant growth due to manure and pruning. It was shown that the suggestion that the shade of dadap {Erythrina) controls X. for meatus was not correct. Dadap and Grevillea, as well as castor and tea, are attacked by the beetle, but it has not been observed to rear broods in Grevillea. A Scolytid believed to be X. fornicatus has also been found in Cedrela toona. Trogositid beetles are reported as preying on A', fornicatus on quite a large scale, and in one case a predaceous Clerid was found associated with it. Staphylinid and other beetles are also associated with the borer, but there is no indication that they are predaceous on it. The larvae of H. fornicatus are, however, destroyed by those of a Drosophilid fly, Phortica xyleboriphaga, Senior- White, and some stage of this fly was found in 5 per cent, of the galleries examined. There is a possibihty that the Chalcid that destroys 5 per cent, of A^. coffeae in Java might be able to adapt itself to the closely allied X. fornicatus. HuTSON (J. C). Paddy Fly. — Trop. Agric, Peradeniya, Iv, no. 5, November 1920, pp. 290-292, 1 plate. This is a popular account of the paddy "fly" [Leptocorisa vari- cornis, F.]. The importance of clean cultivation is emphasised, and the usual remedial measures described. [R.A.E., A, viii, 411, etc.] 123 HuTSON (J. C). Crop Pests in Ceylon. — Trop. Agric, Peradeniya, \w, no. 5, November 1920, p. 293. During the period under review, 1st July to 30th September 1920, there was a drought in most of the tea districts, and mites, scale- insects and Aphids were prevalent, particularly^ on bushes in poor condition. In a few localities outbreaks of Heterusia cingala (red slug), nettle grubs [Natada nararia and others) and Psychids have occurred in unusual numbers, and a few instances of attack by Zeiizera coffeae (red borer) were reported. Rubber was attacked b}' Saissetia nigra (black scale), and in a few instances by Batocera rubus (stem and root borer) and Comocritis pieria (bark-eating caterpillar) . The more important miscellaneous pests were Dacus {Badrocera) cucurhitae (melon fly) in cucurbits, Odoiporus longicollis (banana borer), Hypsipyla robusta (toon borer), Terastia meticitlosalis (dadap borer) and Taragama dorsalis (dadap caterpillar). Experiments against cutworms ( Agrotis) were not successful enough to warrant the use of poison baits by small cultivators, owing to the cost of the materials — Paris green, pollard and jaggery. A moth trap with sweetened bait also caught few moths, none of which were Agrotis spp. Collection of the caterpillars daily and the protection of young plants by means of tins or bands are still the most practical measures against cutworms for small vegetable growers. Meyrick (E.). Exotic Microlepidoptera. — ii, pts. 12 and 13, December 1920 and January 1921, pp. 353-384 and 385-416. [Published by the author, Marlborough, Wilts. Price 35. per part.] Of the new species described the following were bred from plants of economic importance : — Assam : Batrachedra sacrata, from Shorea robusta (probably a refuse feeder) : Phyllorycter [Lithocolletis) hapalotoxa, from the bark of apple {Pyriis malus) ; and Acrocercops malicola, from larvae mining in bark of apple, causing the outer bark to peel off. Bengal : Cydia [Laspcyresia] pycnochra, from pods of Sesbania grandiflora ; Hypophrictis plana, from a case-bearing larva on the trunk of Mangifera ; Oxylyclina euryzona, from Heritiera fonies ; Hyladaida perniciosa, from H. fomes ; SynnympJia perfrenis, from H. minor ; and Acrocercops zygonoma from larvae mining under bark of cotton (Gossypium). Central India: Xyloscopa (gen. n.) heterocrossa , from log of Buchanania lati folia. North India : Proma- lactis sponsalis, from logs of Shorea robusta. Andamans : Opogona choleropis, from logs of Terminalia bialata. Nigeria and Natal : Plemy- ristis oenochares, from dry cacao pods. Fiji : Stagmatophora erebinthia, from pods of cow-pea ( Vigna). CosExs (A). Reports on Insects for the Year : Division No. 3, Toronto District.— J^^A Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto. 1920, pp. 13-14. [Received 8th January 1921.] Pieris rapae (cabbage butterfly) proved very troublesome during the season. P. protodice was recorded, but has not yet proved injurious in Ontario. 124 Morris (F.). Report on Insects for the Year: Division No. 4, Peter- borough District. — oOtli Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario. 1919, Toronto. 1920, pp. 14-15. [Received 8th January 1921.] The insects recorded for the year inchide : Sapcrda ohliqua, on alder ; and 5. piincticoUis and Pse}ioceriis supernotatus on Virginia creeper.. Noble (J. W.). Report on Insects for the Year : Division No. 5, Essex District. — 50th A)ui. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario. 1919. Toronto. 1920, p. 15. [Received 8th January 1921.] Serious damage was caused by the Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor'] in wheat fields during 1919. Grasshoppers and crickets were particu- larly abundant owing to the dry weather, and wireworms and cutworms proved very destructive in the spring. The latter were successfully controlled by poison bran mixture. The severe infestation of codling moth [Cydia potnonella] may also be due to the exceptionally favourable season for insect development. Damage by the plum curculio [Conotrachelus nenuphar], as well as by the ,usual fruit and vegetable pests, is recorded. Spexcer (G. J.). Results of some Frehminary Experiments with Chloropicrin. — oOth Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919. Toronto, 1920, pp. 18-21. [Received 8th January 1921.] Chloropicrin apparently cannot be used in greenhouses against insect pests owing to its deadly effect on plants. To test the pene- tration of the gas, a flower-pot about 7 in. deep, containing earth, was exposed at night to a concentration of 8'7 oz. per 1,000 cubic feet for 11|- hours, at a temperature of 54° F., with a relative humidity of 88°. Though some of the millipedes contained in the soil at a depth of H in. had gone deeper, all were dead 12 hours after the experiment. The larvae and adults of Silvanns surinamensis (saw-toothed grain beetle), Tenebrio molitor, Tribolium confusum (confused flour beetle), Tcnebroides maiiritanicns (cadelle), CaJandra granaria (granary weevil) and Plodia inter piinctella were all killed after exposure to a similar concentration for about 25 hours, but 58 per cent, of the pupae of Sitodrepa panicea (drug-store beetle) were still living. Moore (G. A.). Our Com.m.on Ceicopidae. — 50th Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario. 1919. Toronto. 1920, pp. 21-25. [Received 8th January 1920.] A list of Canadian Cercopids is given, including : — Philaenus lineaius. L. (lined spittle hopper), which feeds on timothy grass and red top ; Aphrophora quadrinotata, Say, often found on grape vines ; A. paralella. Say, on pine trees, in company with A. saratogcnsis, L. ; and Lepyronia qnadrangidaris, Say (angulatcd froghopper), on grasses, weeds and blackberry. Leopold ( — ). My Experience this Year in Dusting and Spraying (1919).— 5^/A Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 25-30. [Received 8th January 1921.] The object of the experiments described was to determine the action of liquid lime-sulphur on apples in Ontario, as compared with that of 125 liquid Bordeaux mixture, as well as the relative cost and efficiency of spraying and dusting. Bordeaux mixture did not prove in any M^ay superior to the lime-sulphur wash used in the test orchard for the last ten years. Both dusting and spraying proved very satisfactory ; dusting is certainly the more expensive method, but it IS also quicker in apphcation. The most economical 'dust consisted of 15 lb. sulphur, 5 lb. calcium arsenate and 80 lb. hydrated lime, calcium arsenate being cheaper than lead arsenate. Dust Bordeaux was used with satisfactory results, the formula being 46J lb. dry Bordeaux, as commercially prepared, with an equal quantity of hydrated hme and 7J lb. calcium arsenate. ToTHiLL (J. D.). Insect Outbreaks and their Causes.— 50th Ann. Kept Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 31-33 TReceived 8th January 1921.] ' An insect outbreak is generally due to the relaxing of some pressure of its environment that has previously held the species in equilibrium. Several well-known epidemics are mentioned in illustration of this' There is in New Brunswick at present an incipient outbreak of the fall webworm [Hyphantria cunca], and the causes that have con- tributed to this are discussed. In 1912 this moth had been fairly numerous for a decade or more, finding an abundance of its favourite food (alder) along the streams and waterways. The various factors constituting environmental pressure consisted of parasites of the various stages and of birds, particularly the red-eyed vireo. As a result of this pressure it is computed thatthe average number of moths yielded by each egg-mass (consisting of an average of 260 eggs) would be less than two, and this decrease in numbers continued steadily until 1916, when the insect became almost extinct in the Province its parasites dying out with it. Then a flight of moths was blo\\Ti across the Bay of Fundy, and heavily infested a considerable area along the coast. Birds have not been sufficient to keep this infesta- tion in check, and parasites are not likely to be present until the present outbreak extends to the territory in which they now occur. It is also pointed out that civilisation is responsible for many notorious outbreaks. In New Brunswick large tracts of forest lands have been planted with pure stands of poplar in place of the old mixed growth, thus encouraging the forest tent caterpillar [Malacosoma disstria], while similar areas of balsam fir provide abundant material for an outbreak of spruce budworm [Tortrix fimiiferana]. In these cases, the restraining factor that has previously held the numbers in check was the limited supply of food. Ross (W. A.) & Robinson (W.). Further Notes on the Control of Pear Psylla.— 5^^A Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto 1920, pp. 33-38. [Received 8th January 1921."] Experiments are recorded with various ovicides for pear psylla [Psylla pyricola] at different stages of incubation. Lime-sulphur 1 : 7 proved most effective, destroying all eggs, but affecting newly- laid ones more readily than those about to hatch. The addition of 2 lb. starch to 40 gals, of weaker lime-sulphur spravs increased their T?i ?K ^" ^^^^"^ soluble suphur, 10 lb. hydrated lime was added to 12^ lb. sulphur in 40 gals, of water to prevent injury to the bursting 126 buds. First and second ins tar nymphs were also rapidly destroyed by lime-sulphur 1 : 8 and 1 : 9 with or without starch. All the sprays used injured the buds and foliage to a slight but not an appreciable extent. In order to destroy nymphs that had escaped the first spray a second application was made after the blossoms fell ; f pint to 40 gals, of Blackleaf 40 was added to the usual spray for codling moth [Cydia pomonella] and the results were excellent. Marlatt (C. L). The Federal Plant Quarantine Act. — 50th Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Soc. Onfayio, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 38-43. [Received 8lh January 1921.] The inauguration and working in the United States of the Federal Plant Quarantine Act is discussed, and the most importani quarantines of the present day are reviewed. A brief account is given of the nursery stock, seecl and plant quarantines. LocHHEAD (W.). Hopkins' Bioclimatic Law. — 50th Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 43-19, 3 figs. [Received 8th January 1921.] The author discusses Hopkins' bioclimatic law [R.A.E., A, viii, 87, 278] which he describes as one of the most far-reaching contri- butions to economic entomology. He believes that it would be practicable and most advantageous to obtain similar data for Canada to that compiled for the United States, relying upon the Canadian experiment stations and the reports prepared by the Federal and Provincial agencies for the data relating to phenological problems. The hope is expressed that some competent Government official may vmdertake this work, with a view to the extension of the practical application of the law to the different sections of Canada. Criddle (N.). Locusts in Manitoba, with special Reference to the Outbreak of 1919.— o^/// Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 49-53. [Received 8th January 1921.] A review of previous locust invasions in Manitoba indicates that these are likely to occur at intervals of about 15 years, and that the infestation will probably last two or more years. The literature of the 19th century records by far the most important injur}^ by Melano- plits sprctiis (migratory locust), M. atlantis and Cammila pellucida being present in lesser numbers. The last outbreak of any importance bsgan in 1900, and was largely quelled in the second year by the use of poison baits ; after about 14 years, during which the Province has been practically free from locusts, some half a milhon acres in southern Manitoba were threatened by a serious invasion in 1919. By the time reports of damage were circulated, the young hoppers were beyond immediate control, and whole fields were swept bare, while materials for bait were lacking. The manner in which the infestation was gradually subdued by the use of poison bait, and later by a hopper- dozer, is described. In this outbreak, for the first time on record, the chief species was Camniila pellucida. This differs from Melanophis in selecting for oviposition roadsides and grassy areas, depositing its eggs in clumps of grass, while Melanoplits oviposits in bare ground among sparse vegetation or in stubble fields. It also flies lower than 127 the other species referred 1o. While spreading over the fields in the wingless stages, it returns to the stubble and grass-lands for the breeding season. Species of minor importance accompanying C. pellucida were M. minor, M. packardi, M. gladsloni, M. davi'soni, M. bivittatus and M. femitr-nibruni. The campaign of 1919 demon- strated the value of effective preparation and energetic action, and organisation is complete to meet the expected invasion of 1920. The location of the eggs is known, and the young hoppers can be attacked immediately upon hatching. Deep ploughing has destroyed many eggs, especially of Melanoplus. Exposure to the sun also kills them, as they cannot survive a temperature of 90° F. for many hours. BucKELL (E. R.). Life-history Notes on some Species o£ Acrididae (Orthoptera) found in British Columbia. — 50th Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 53-61. [Received 8th January 1921.] A list is given of the grasshoppers occurring in British Columbia, with some notes on their habitat, food-plants, etc., though it has been impossible to complete the life-history of many of them. Brittaix (W. H.). One Year's Experiments in the Control of the Cabbage Maggot.— 56'//? Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Sac. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 61-68. [Received 8th January 1921.] Experiments in the control of Phorbia brassicae (cabbage maggot) were continued on the lines of the previous year [R. A.E., A, viii, 4], and the results are shown in tables. Materials that gave some measure of success, but that do not seem worthy of further trial in view of the better results obtained Math other substances, include nicotine sulphate and clay, nicotine and sulphur, para-dichlorobenzene alone, and salt solution. Other materials, which actually seemed to weaken the plants, were dry lime-sulphur, white arsenic, sodium arsenate, and combinations of these compounds. A mixture of 40 per cent, tobacco dust, 1 per cent, corrosive sublimate and 59 per cent, clav produced the largest number of uninfested plants ; but a mixture of 1 per cent, creosote to 99 per cent, clay gave the largest tonnage per acre, with lower cost of treatment. Anthracene oil in place of the creosote, and a mixture of 10 per cent, para-dichlorobenzene and 90 percent. Scotch soot, both gave somewhat less success. Plots treated with this last mixture come second in tonnage per acre produced, though showing fewer plants free froni injury. The plants in these plots were of a deeper green and healthier colour generally than those in the others. Treherne (R. C.) & RuHMANN (M. H.). The Control of the Cabbage Root Maggot in British Columbia.— 56*/ A Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 68-70. [Received 8th Tanuarv 1921.] Tests are recorded in which corrosive sublimate treatment was tried in comparison with the tar-paper-disc method of controlling PJiorbia brassicae (cabbage root maggot) [R.A.E., A, viii, 4]. The tests were made with cauliflowers, and the results clearly showed that in low- lying lands tar-paper discs are unsatisfactory, as heat acting on the subsoil rnoisture produced condensation beneath the disc, causing a condition known as wilt. Corrosive sublimate in three treatments 128 of 1 oz. to 8 or 10 gallons gave very satisfactory results, and was found to be quite safe. Notes are given on the life-history of P. hrassicae in Armstrong, as distinguished from that in Lower Fraser Valley, where former observations had been carried out. Gibson (A). Further Data on the Control of the Cabbage Root Maggot in the Ottawa District. — 50th Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 71-73. [Received 8th January 1921.] Experiments with corrosive sublimate for the control of PJiorbia brassicae (cabbage root maggot) show that 1 oz. in 10 gals, of water gives as good results as 1 oz. in 4 gals, of water. Three applications proved equal in efficiency to four. Tests with the use of discs and tobacco and hme show poorer results. The corrosive sublimate treatment had no deleterious influence either upon the plants or in the relative number of soil organisms present in treated as compared with untreated soil. It also seemed to have a stimulating effect upon the growth of the plants. Caesar (L.) & Huckett (H. C). Cabbage Maggot Control.---56>//z Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc, Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 73-77. [Received 8th January 1921.] The results of tests with insecticides on radishes infested with Phorhia [Chortophila) hrassicae (cabbage maggot) are shown in tables. Corro- sive sublimate was the only substance that gave satisfactory results. If applied stronger than 1 : 1,000 to young plants it temporarily weakens them ; even at this strength too heavy soaking around very young plants may cause a sickly appearance of the foliage for a few days. The best time for treatment with corrosive sublimate has not yet been determined. Even if applied within 24 hours of sowing the seed, it appears to have no injurious effect upon germination. Its applica- tion has a decidedly beneficial result upon the size, shape and quality of the radishes. Tobacco dust and soft coal soot both gave excellent foliage, but the radishes were inferior. Both of these substances, and also a mixture of tobacco dust, sulphur and lead arsenate powder, were useless, and in most cases seemed to encourage the presence of the fly. Corrosive sublimate does not seem to have any deterrent effect on the hatching of the eggs of P. hrassicae, neither do the larvae seem to be killed by contact with it, but possibly its repellent action may cause the latter to wander away from the plant and so bring about their death. Tests show that the pupae are not kiUed by this insecti- cide. Strickland (E. H.). The Present Status of Mill-infesting Pests in Canada. — 50th Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 77-80. [Received 8th January 1921.] An investigation among flour mills, bakeries and warehouses has shown that the chief pest in flour mills is Ephestia kithniella (Mediter- ranean flour moth), which is sometimes so numerous that the silk spun by the larvae clogs the elevators so that they have to be dis- mantled. Flour beetles {Triholiiim spp.) are almost as numerous in Canadian mills, but as they do not interfere with the process of 129 milling they are frequently overlooked. The processes of superheating and fumigation against these insects are described. Freezing is another method much practised in the Prairie Provinces, where extremely low temperatures can be relied upon at almost any time in the winter. While adults of both pests all perish at 25° below zero, it is not known whether all the stages are destroyed to the same degree. Freezing, moreover, is recognised to be deleterious to the mill. Since 90 per cent, of the infestation probably occurs owing to the use of second-hand bags, the remedies suggested are to avoid the use of these wherever practicable, and when they must be used, to sterilise them by heat before they are allowed to enter the warehouse. It is suggested that they should be accumulated in a small, detached building that could be superheated once every two weeks. If possible, the warehouse should be superheated as well as the mill. Hudson (H. F.). Some Notes on the Life-history of our Common June Beetles. — -JOth Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc Ontario. 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 81-83. [Received 8th January 1921.] White grubs, occurring on the sand and sandy loam soils of Western Ontario, are most injurious and difficult pests to deal with. In Middlesex County, where the present investigations were conducted, the species found were Lachnosterna fusca, L. riigosa, L. dithia, L. gihbosa, L. marginalis, L. ilicis and L. inversa. Of these, L. dubia, L. rugosa and L. gihbosa have been reared from the egg. The beetles appear early in May, and oviposition occurs two or three weeks after pairing. The life-history of these beetles occupies at least three years, and sometimes four. The grubs feed ravenously during the second and third j^ears of their growth, and in the third year pupate in late July or early August, producing the adult in September, which remains in the earthen cell below ground until the warm weather of the next year. L. gibbosa is the earliest to appear in numbers, and may continue until mid- July. Males are apparently nearly twice as numerous as females. L. rugosa appears about a week later than L. gibbosa, and feeds freely on the foliage of most trees ; males are considerably more numerous than females. L. fusca appears about the same time as L. gibbosa, but reaches its maximum number somewhat later ; females predominate in this species. L. dubia is one of the earliest to appear, but seems to have a shorter season than the others ; females occurred in more than double the number of males. Information regarding natural control in Canada is scant}'. Crows, blackbirds, poultry and skunks all devour the grubs. The Tachinid, Microphthalma disjiincta, has been reared from them, and another insect enemy is probably Pelecinus polyturator. Cocoons of Tipkia inornata have also been collected in badly infested fields. The indi- cations are that to avoid injury by the grubs, arable land should not be in pasture more than two years, and a delinite system of short-crop rotation should be followed, with frequent growing of clover and clean farming. Hudson (H. F.). Report of the Insects of the Year : Division No. 6. — 50th Ann. Rcpt. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 83-84. [Received 8th January 1921.] The more important insects of 1919 in Ontario include Hypcra {Phytonomus) punctata (clover leaf weevil), which heavily infested (1912) I, 130 clover and timothy fields in low-lying pasture lands, but which dis- appeared Suddenly owing to a fungous disease caused by the unusually wet weather. Cutworms were very numerous in old sod lands, par- ticularly the glassy cutworm [Sidemia devastatrix]. Potato flea-beetles {Epitrix cucumeris) were extremely abundant, but can be controlled by lead arsenate sprays. Potato beetles {Leptinotarsa decemlineata) were more abundant than usual, but did not attack potatoes that were planted late. The leaf-hopper, Empoasca mali, has recently begun to attack potatoes. Some success has been obtained by using one tablespoonful of Blackleaf 40 to one gallon of water, with 2 oz. of soap. DowNES (W.). The Strawberry Root Weevil in British Columbia. — oOth Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 84-88. [Received 8th January 1921.] Otiorrhynchns ovatiis, L. (strawberry root weevil) has been the object of study for some ten years in British Columbia, where it is one of the most destructive pests of small fruits [R.A.E., A, i, 92; iii, 7 ; v, 469 ; etc.]. The most recent observations have proved that this is undoubtedly an indigenous and not an introduced weevil. To the previously known wild food-plants of the larvae must be added the snowberr}' {Symphoricarpiis racemosns) and the oak ; and to the cultivated plants, red clover. For this reason, strawberries should never be planted following clover. Oviposition extends from mid- May to mid-September. The eggs are laid promiscuously around the plants, sometimes against the crown and sometimes a little below the surface. It is evident from investigations in 1919 that not only the summer generation, but also the over-wintered adults, deposit eggs in large numbers, beginning in mid-May and continuing luitil 30th August, some individuals laying nearly 200 eggs. The adults of the summer generation begin to oviposit in July, and continue to do so until mid-September. It is thought that a proportion of the summer generation does not die, but hibernates after ovipositing, and emerges in the spring to oviposit again. Parthenogenesis has been proved for 0. ovatiis by rearing adults from pupae, which oviposited though isolated in glass vials, the eggs hatching into normal larvae. The fertility of eggs varied from 68 per cent, in the case of those laid by over-wintered adults to 80 per cent, in the case of those laid by the summer generation. The weevils leave their hibernation quarters (which may be in houses, among piles of stones, or, in warm climates, in the crown of the strawberry plants) with the first fine weather, generally about March, and are fairly active until May, when they settle down on the strawberry plants ; migration is again observed with the summer generation, which reaches a climax at midsummer, gradually lessening until the time of hibernation. Following the principles of remedial measures that have previously been laid down [loc. cit.'\, it is intended to demonstrate the possibility of control in a badly infested district, the procedure being to pull up and burn the strawberry plants at the end of August or beginning of September. Leaving them until this time induces the adults to remain in the field and oviposit there. The field will then be ploughed and left fallow for about a month, all strawberry roots being removed from the soil. Young larvae present in the soil should thus be starved, and the land might be sown with autumn wheat, with vetches or clover. The land may remain in clover two years, and should then be 131 ploughed in the autumn and potatoes planted the following year. By the next year strawberries may again be grown. Not more than two consecutive crops of strawberries should be taken from a field. Although the danger of using clover has been explained above, nothing will quite take its place, unless it can be shown that it is equally profitable to grow peas or vetches, or some other legume, and still maintain the fertility of the soil. These oviposition records emphasise the necessity of destroying as many adults as possible. Poultry will be found of great benefit in this respect. They should be shut up during blossoming time, and allowed to run again after the crop is off. To overcome the difficulty of new plantations being reinfested by adjacent old ones, trials are being made with wooden barriers fitted with a band of tanglefoot. Ross (W. A.) & CuRRAx (C. H.). The Strawberry Weevil.— 5^ Ann. Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 88-95, 4 figs. [Received 8th January 1921.] The strawberr}^ weevil [Anthonomus signatus. Say] sometimes destroys as many as 75 per cent, of the bads in strawberry fields in Ontario, all the staminate varieties being liable to attack. The adults appear in Ma}', and oviposit, at first on strawberry and later on raspberry and blackberry, from mid-May until late June. The egg is laid within the bud, usually among the stamens, and after ovipositing the weevil crawls down the stem and cuts it, so that the bud either falls immediately or is left hanging by a thread. The larva feeds at first on the pollen and the interior of the bud, and eventually bores its way into the receptacle, forming within it a closed cell, the entrance being plugged with excreta. The average larval period is 13 days ; pupation occurs within the bud and lasts about 10 days. The adults emerge from the buds during late June and July, and feed freely upon the strawberry leaves and various other plants and weeds. They go into hibernation at midsummer, choosing vegetation and rubbish in adjoining waste lands, under which they shelter, or about the leaves of strawberry plants. Lead arsenate and sulphur repellents that have been known to succeed [R.A.E., A, iv, 189 ; vii, 256] were used with good results, only 5 per cent, of the buds being destroyed when the above substances were used as a dust in the proportion 20 : 100 or 10 : 90. Ross (W. A.) & Caesar (L.). Insects of the Season in Ontario. — 50th Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1919, Toronto, 1920, pp. 95-104, 10 figs. [Received 8th January 1921.] Injurious insects of 1919, in addition to those already mentioned [R. /!.£., A, ix, 124,129], include Cydia pomonella (codling moth), which, however, did little damage in well-sprayed orchards ; Coleophora fletcherella (cigar case-bearer) ; Eucosma ocellana (bud moth) ; Erio- phyes pyri (pear-leaf blister mite) ; Campylomma verbasci (mullein leaf bug), which was found attacking a large percentage of apples and causing scarring and deformation ; Aspidiotiis perniciosus (San Jose scale), which is gradually increasing again in neglected orchards ; Ancylis nuhecidana (apple leaf sewer) ; Enarrnonia prunivora (lesser apple worm) ; Eriocampoides limacina (pear slug), the first generation (1912) l2 132 of wliich tlcfoliatcd thousands of pear trees, wliile the second genera- tion was highly parasitised ; Macrodactylns sitbspinosus (rose chafer), on apples, grapes and cherries ; Hcmcrocaiupa leiicosfigtna (tussock moth) ; Hvphantria ciinea (fall webworm) ; Conofmchelus nenuphar (plum curculio), which was particularly injurious to peaches ; Parornix {Ornix) ^^cnnnatclla (unspotted tentiform leaf-miner) on apples ; Phvllocoptcs schlcclitcndali (silver leaf-mite), on peach foliage; Empoa rosae (rose leaf-hopper), causing mottling of the leaves in apple orchards ; Tacniothrips inconscqiiens (pear thrips) ; and Ormcnis pminosa (pear Fulgorid). Insects attacking grapes and small fruits included : Erytlironcura comes (grape leaf-hopper) ; Mefallns bethiinei (blackberry leaf-miner), of which egg and larval parasites were more abundant than in the previous year ; Ancylis corn pf ana (strawberry leaf-roller) ; Pteronus ribesii (imported currant worm), on currants and gooseberries; Aphis forhcsi (strawberry root aphis) ; Aegcria {Sesia) iipuliformis (imported currant borer), in black currants; and Typophonis canellits (strawberry root borer). Pests of vegetables included Phorhia {CJiortopJiila) brassicae (cabbage maggot) ; Hylemyia antiqua (onion maggot) ; Pieris rapae (imported cabbage worm), on cabbages and cauliflowers ; Plutella maculipcnnis (diamond-back moth), in cabbage fields ; Heliothis obsoleta (com ear worm), on both sweet and field maize that was planted late ; Protoparce (Phlegethontius) qitinquemaculata (tomato or tobacco worm) ; s\cyr- thosiphon [Macrosiphum) pisi (pea aphis) ; cutworms on cabbage, tomato and maize ; Crioceris asparagi and C. duodecimpnnctata (asparagus beetles), which were parasitised by the Chalcid, Tetrastichus asparagi ; Aphis brassicae (cabbage aphis), which caused considerable injury late in the season to cabbage, cauliflower and turnips, but was largely checked by insect enemies, one of the most important being Aphid oletes fnlva ; Systena frontalis (red-headed flea-beetle), unusuall}' prevalent on beans ; Cosrnopepla bimaculata (black stink-bug), on grain and on the tips of asparagus plants ; Thrips tabaci (onion thrips) ; Lygiis pratensis (tarnished plant bug), on garden plants, potatoes and celery, where it is belie\Td to be the chief carrier of soft rot or black heart of celery ; Lona irilineata (three-lined leaf beetle), on potatoes ; and Diabrotica vittata (striped cucumber beetle). Field crops were attacked by Hypcra {Phyionomus) punctata (clown- leaf weevil), which ruined large areas of clover, but ^^'hich was largely destroyed by a fungus disease ; Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), which injured meadow grasses, particularly timothy, oats and maize, but was heavily attacked by the fungus, Sporotrichum globn- lifcrum ; Crambus caliginoselliis, on wheat ; and Briichop/iagiis funebris (clover seed Chalcid). Miscellaneous pests included CJiermes abietis and C. siniilis (spruce gall Aphids) ; grasshoppers ; Alabama argiUacea (cotton worm) ; Ncoccrata {Dasvneura) rhodophaga (rose midge), in greenhouses ; and Itonida tccomiae (trumpet vine midge). Felt (E. P.). Later Developments in the European Corn Borer Situation.— J^/A .1;/;/. Ret^t. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1V19, Toronto, 1920. pp. 110-111. [Received 8th January 1921 .] There has recently been a considerable extension of infestation by the European corn borer [Pyrausta nnbi talis] in New York State, 133 but It IS signihcant that the moth has produced only one genera- tion in a season in these areas, which has considerab y l^ifed the damage. It is possible, however, that two generations may prove to be the normal condition, as in other regions. It is suggested that more thorough scouting work is necessary to locate and Report upon scattered and isolated infestations. The agencies producing these ai?wav"'r' '"''''"'r f ! ""' ^'' known'but it s^eems as ^though laiivvay. aie an important factor m carrying the moths, as both the eastern and western areas in New York State have good railway con- nections with the older infested area in Massachusetts iTfs not ^vvtor^'st ^'T"T^.°^ "^ -ngle generation, even if normalin New \ork State, will extend to the southern and warmer maize- growing be t, and the sparsely infested areas are regarded as aTreat menace to the maize crop of America. S'""ea as a great ^^'der^SPhhinSL^"^^^^'^^^^^ ^^ Biologischen Kenntnis der Schlupfwespe, Lanop/mgus distmgnendus (Forst.), Kurdj Contributions to the Morphological and Biological Knowledge of L. distingiiendmJ-Sitzimosbcr. Ges. Katnrforsch. Freunde Berhn^ December 1919, no. 10, 10th Februaiy 1920, pp. 402-432,' parlsitiTol^l'h^lf ^''^J'i?^'?^}^,^^ Lanophagus distinguendus, Forst., parasitic on the larvae of Calandra granaria, L., are described Details enect ot external influences such as light and heat. Le Service phytopathologique aux Pays-Bas. [The Plant Protection SZf W '"'■ ^^^^therlands.]-F.../a,..n en Meded. Phvtopath. Src^mberS.f'"' "' ^""' ''"'' ^ ^P" ^Received 30th Pl^V^^llont?:^'^ ''' °^^--^^-^ -d ^"ties of the Dutch Het Stengelaaltje {Tyknchus devastatrix). Het Bieten of Haveraaltie {He^erod.ra Mtu). Het Wortelaaltje {HcteroderaTMcftoX [The Stem Eelworm. The Beet or Oat Eelworm. The Root ?0 ^^i'dM''^^ "^r^^' '^-Semngen, Mugschr. nos 19 ■i-yj, 21, December 1919, 12 pp., 15 figs. mc^hods°for^'oL'n7.V"H"^^'\f ^ information about, and combati^■e mctliods lor, one of the three Nematodes named above. ^""^ en' EsmL^^ . rr^pf ^^y"°^l"^"e. La Crise des Porte-Greffes en Jispagne. (Ihe Phylloxera Question. The Crisis of Grifted ^^o'-^v'^lf^^^^^^ -^^ 1^-12' November-December, When the resistance of American vines to Phylloxera was pro^•ed in p2;\ as solveT'V^":? '''' P'^'^l^"^ "^ P^^^^^^"-^ vineyards Lmthi^ sou hern vlZt ' ^^'?' T'" ^^' ^^°"^ ^^"^^ "^ ^^ality to those of southern Europe, a number of species were grafted c^i to the old stock 134 the hybrids offering more or less resistance to Phylloxera. The species tliat were crossed and the principal strains in various parts of Spain are discussed. In 1918 the author was requested to visit the vinej'ards of la Rioja where damage from Phylloxera was recorded on the grafted vines, and it was found that these hybrids had proved non-resistant to a fresh invasion of the insect. In France the climate is somewhat less favourable to the rapid multiplication of this Aphid than that of Spain, but it is most likely that a similar recrudescence of infestation will occur there. An examination of some of the vineyards of Cognac has shown that some hybrids, in particular that known as 1202, have perished owing to attacks of Phylloxera. It is not suggested that the grafting of French and American vines has proved a failure, but that it should be undertaken with due precaution. The so-called resistance of certain French-American hybrids may have gained its reputation merely owing to a temporary abatement of the Phylloxera infestation, and this reputation ma}' soon be destroyed b}' a fresh outbreak of the pest. Thompsox (W. R.). l.S. Bur. Entom. Sur une Tachinaire Parasite de la Larve de Phytonomus posticus, Gyll. — Bull. Soc. Vulg. Zool. Agric, Bordeaux, xix, no. 11-12, November-December 1920, pp. 116-121. Tachinids have previously been observed parasitising the larvae of several species of Chr^^somelids, including Crioceris, Galerucella, Lina, Gastrophysa, Cassida, etc., and new hosts are continually being recorded. The apodous larvae of Hyper a {Phytonomus), which were most probably originally subterranean or inhabitants of galleries and were then parasitised exclusively by Hymenoptera, have adapted themselves to the leaves of clo\'er and lucerne, and are therefore exposed to the attack of Tachinids. One instance has in fact been observed of a larva oi Hypera variabilis, Hbst. {Phytonomus posticus, Gyll.) being parasitised by a Tachinid that unfortunately died after completing its larval development and emerging from the body of its host. It seemed to be closely allied to, if not identical with, Tachina impotens, Rond. Travers (W. C). Report of Dusting Investigations. — Trans. Peninsula Hort. Soc. [Delaicare], ix, no. 3, 1920, pp. 39-44. (Abstract in Expt. Sta. Record, Washington, B.C., xliii, no. 8, December 1920, p. 743.) Co-operative dusting experiments were conducted in 1919 on the Eastern shore of Maiyland, using a dust mixture of 85 per cent, sulphur and 15 per cent, lead arsenate in dusting apples, peaches, and straw- berries. As compared with a lime-sulphur spray, dusting was fairly satisfactory in controlling insects, but was far from satisfactory in controlling apple diseases. It failed to control peach scab and curculio [Conotrachelus nenuphar], but was successful in controlling brown rot. The dust killed the weevils, but not until after they had punctured the fruit. The cost of dusting was greater than that of spraying, both with apples and peaches. Dusting experiments for the control of the strawberry weevil [^w//zoMom«s si'o'«a/;/s J were highly successful and profitable, a mixture of 85 per cent, sulphur and 15 per cent. lead arsenate giving the best results. 135 Leach (B. R.) & Roberts (J. W.). The Control of the Codling Moth and Apple Scab in Delaware. — Trans. Peninsula Hort. Soc. \Dcla- icare] 1920, pp. 14-22. (Abstract in Expt. Sta. Record, Washington, B.C., xliii, no. 8, December 1920, p. 743.) A comparative test of dusting and spraying indicated that the dusting of apples is not advisable in Delaware, since the dust does not control codling moth [Cydia ponionella] or apple scab as efficiently as the spray. The combination of calcium arsenate and lime-sulphur used as a spray controlled the codling moth as well as lead arsenate and lime-sulphur. Where calcium arsenate is used, however, hydrated lime should be added to avoid inj ury to the foliage. The spray gun compared f a\'ourably with the spray rod in the control of codling moth, and if operated properly, good results can be secured by its use. A spraying schedule is given, that is believed to be the best suited for the control of codling moth and apple scab in Delaware. Berthelot (A.). A new Insecticide and Anti-fungoid Mixture for Yines.— Rev. Vitic. Paris, li, no. 1321. 23rd October 1919, pp. 266-267. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agric. Intell. Plant Dis., Rome, xi, no. 1, January 1920, pp. 143-144.) [Received 8th January 1921.1 For the simultaneous control of insect and fungus pests on the vine, and to avoid the drawbacks resulting from the use of lead, the author recommends an intimate mixture of 448 parts trisodium arsenate with 74'9 of copper sulphate, in a suitable volume of water. This yields a fairly neutral mixture. Used in increasing doses corresponding to 4, 6 and up to 8 lb. of copper arsenate per 20 gals., no scorching resulted. The adhesive properties were marked. To obtain quite satisfactory results against the vine moths [Clysia amhiguella and Polychrosis botrana] at least two applications are needed, one on the appearance of the pests and the other 8-10 days later. The strength of the mixture should be at a minimum of f lb. copper arsenate per 2 gals, water. BoRzi (A.). Phtliorimaca opcrculella, a Microlepidopteron injurious to Potatoes in Sicily, Italy. — Boll. Studi Inform. R. Giard. Colon. Palermo, v, no. 1-2, pp. 35-38. (Abstract in Mt/ily. Btdl. Agric. Intell. Plant Dis., Rome, xi, no. 1, Januarv 1920, p. 147.) [Received 8th January 1921.] The presence of Phthorimaea operculeUa, Zell., was recentl}^ reported in potato tubers grown near Palermo [R.A.E., A, vii, 426]. A description of the moth is given, with notes on its biology and on remedial measures for it. Staub (W.). The Earwig [Forficula auricular ia) as a Pest on Pear- Tree Leaves in Switzerland. — Schiveiz. Ohst- n. Gartcnbau-Ztg., Monsingen, no. 20, 15th October 1919, pp. 313-314, 2 figs. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agric. Intell. Plant Dis., Rome, xi, no. 1, January 1920, p. 148!) [Received 8th January 1921.] The earwig, Forficula auricularia, is recorded as doing serious injury to the foliage of a pear tree near Berne. 13B Barrev (A). S/c)wlcc/iia gemmella, a Microlepidopteron injurious to Oaks in Switzerland. — //. Foresticr Suisse, Bcrnc, Ixx, no. 9 10, September-October 1919, pj). 129 131, 1 pi. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agyic. I nidi. Plant Dis., Rome, xi, no. 1, January 1920, p. 149.) [Received 8th January 1921.] SicnolccJiia gciivuella, L. [Poccilia nivca, Han.), previous!}' recorded in Switzerland, spread during 1919 throughout the country on Quercus robitr. It causes thickening of the twigs for a length of 2-6 cm. at their ends, the caterpillar being found within the swelled portion. There appears to be only one generation a year. RoHWER (S. A). Descriptions of new Chalcidoid Flies from Coimbatore, South India. — Ajdi. Mag. Nat. Hist., London, \-ii, no. 37, Januar\- 1921, pp. 123-135, 9 figs. The new species described include : — Elasnius indicus, from Coccids on Acacia; E. nephantidis, from NcpJiantis scrinopa on palm ; Pedio- bopsis locustivora, parasitic on Locustid eggs ; Plcurotropis epilachnae, a parasite of Epilachna ; Tetrastichns okaivus from cumbu grains ; T. ayyari parasitic on Chilo ; T. nyemitawns, a parasite on the cholam stem maggot ; T. coimbatorensis, a parasite on the cholam gall fiy ; and Enryscotolinx coimbatorcnsis parasitic on a miner in leaves of lablab. Baker (A. C). Anuraphis longicauda, a new Aphid injurious to Plum Trees. — Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, D.C, xxxiii, no. 20, 30th December 1920, pp. 93-95. The stem-mothers of Anuraphis longicauda hatch about the 1st April, and begin reproducing about 24th April. Apterous viviparous females occur throughout the summer in all generations. The winged viviparous forms appear in the first generation after the stem-mother, after which they may be found throughout the season. This species is recorded as injurious to plum trees in Virginia, Nebraska and Montana, both the twigs and leaves being attacked. The eggs are laid in the autumn on the twigs. Bentley (G. ^I). States' Rulings in regard to Nursery and other Shipments. — Tennessee State Bd. Ent.. Knoxville, Bull. 32 (ix, no. 3), September 1920, 24 pp. A list of the requirements of the various States for the shipment of nursery stock and other products, revised up to September 1920, is here given. Osterwalder (A.). Von Pilz zum Borkenkafer. From luuigus to Bark-beetle.] — Schiveiz. Zeitschr. Obst- und Weinbau, Fratienfeld, XXX, no. 1, 8th January 1921, pp. 6-9, 1 fig. Examination of a prune tree, of which the upper lialf was infested by a small bark-beetle, Scolytus [Eccoptogastcr) ritgulosns, showed that the lower half was infested by fungi [Fitsarinm sp., Clastcrosporiiim sp., and an unidentified species) that had evidently gained an entrance at the graft and had caused the death of the tree. Injury by the fungi had apparently encouraged the bark-beetle, and such a focus of beetle infestation may prove dangerous to neighbouring trees that are free from fungi. 137 \'ayssiere (P.). La Lutte contre les Sauterelles en Crau. — Rev. d'Hist. Nat. AppL, Paris. Kre Partie, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 337-341. The Moroccan locust, Dociostauriis maroccanns, began to cause apprehension hi the Crau district [department of Bouches-du-Rhone] in 1917, and developed to such an extent that remedial measures were organised early in 1920. Three months' work by a defence league of the local agriculturists stopped any extension of the infestation to localities where early vegetables are grown on a large scale. The methods used were those previously tested [R.A.E., A, vii, 432]. Borne R ( — ). tJber das Auftreten geJIugelter Formen bei Blattlausen. [On the Occurrence of winged Forms of Aphids.j — Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- n. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 16, 10th and 11th Yrly. Repts., 1914 and 1915, April 1916, pp. 42-43. The relation between the development of the food-plants and the appearance of winged generations of Aphids is briefly discussed. BoRNER ( — ) & Blttnck ( — ). Beitrage zur Kenntnis der wandernden Blattlause Deutschlands. [Contributions to the Knowledge of the migratory Aphids of Germany.] — Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst . Land- u. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 16, 10th and 11th Yrlv. Repts., 1914 and 1915, April 1916, pp. 25-42. This paper on the migratory Aphids found in Germany contains a specific hst of the aphididae and pemphigidae. In each case the food-plant of the stem-mother and her progeny (the chief host) and the food-plant of the parthenogenetic generations (the inter- mediate host) are given. The relation of Myztis ribis, L., to M. galeopsidis, Kalt., is discussed. In 1915, Van der Goot expressed the opinion that M. ribis is a migrator}^ species, and suggested that M. galeopsidis was its parthenogenetic form. The senior author has succeeded in obtaining several partheno- genetic generations from the winged progeny of stem-mothers, after such progeny had been transferred to Galeopsis, but the differences distinguishing M. ribis from M. galeopsidis persisted in the partheno- genetic forms from red currant and from Galeopsis. Borner (— ). Uber Blutlosende Safte im Blattlauskorper und ihr Verhalten gegenuber Pflanzensaften. [On the haemolytic Fluids in the Bodies of Aphids, and their Relation to Plant Juices.] — Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- ii. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 16, 10th and 11th Yrly. Repts., 1914 and 1915, April 1916, pp. 43-49. Experiments have revealed a haemolytic fluid in the body of Aphids. Its presence has been traced in the saliva of the insects, and it appa- rently exists in the body before the adults commence feeding. The specific biological significance of this fluid has not yet been determined. Some of it is apparently transferred to the food-plant in the act of sucking, and may be responsible for discolouration and gall formation. The haemolytic action of the fluid becomes neutralised after being mixed with plant juices for some time. 138 Schwartz (— ) cS: Bauxacke ( — ). Das Auftreten der Maikafer im Jahre 1919. [The Occurrence of Cockchafers m 1919.]— .17/7/. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- u. Forshcirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15tli Vrly. Kept., 1919, October 1920, pp. 82-87, 1 map. Tlie occurrence of Melolontha in various parts of Germany during 1919, and its periodicity in each locality is discussed. The life-cycle apparently varies in certain districts from three to four years. Attention is drawn to the importance of keeping systematic records of the occurrence of these beetles in e\-er3- locality with a view to organising general remedial measures. BoRXER ( — ) & Bluxck (— ). Zur Lebensgeschichte des Rapsglanz- kafers. [On the Life-history of Mcligd/ics aencits.]—Mi/l. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- it. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15th Yrlv. Kept., 1919, October 1920, pp. 91-109, 1 fig. The life-history of Meligethes aeneiis, F., as studied in the neighbour- hood of Naumburg, is described [c/. R.A.E., A, viii, 542; ix, 64]. Under laboratory conditions the duration of the different stages was chiefly influenced by temperature. The feeding habits of the larvae and adult beetles are described, and their role as pollen-carriers is discussed. The most important natural enemies of M. aeneus are the Braconids Diospiliis oleraceits, Isitrgiis morionellus, L heterocerus, and another undetermined species of this genus. BoRXER (— ) & Bluxck (— ). Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Kolil- und Rapserdflohe. [Contribution to the Kntnxiedge of Phyllotrcta spp. and Psylliodes spp.]. — Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- u. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15th Yrly. Rept., 1919, October 1920, pp. 109-119, 9 figs. The general biology of Phvllotreta spp., and Psylliodes spp., as studied in the vicinity of Naumburg during 1919, is discussed, and the injury caused by these flea-beetles to various crops is described. Experi- ments in remedial measures are still in progress, the results of which \\i\\ be published later. BoRXER ( — ). Wanderungen der Johannisbeer- und Kirschenblatt- lause. [Migrations of Red Currant and Cherry A]ihids.j — Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- «. Forstivirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15th Yrly. Rept., 1919, October 1920, pp. 119-120, 1 fig. In the author's previous paper [see above] Myziis ribis, L., and M. galeopsidis, Kalt., are recorded as distinct species. Subsequent observations have confirmed this view, which is apparently in opposition to that held by Haviland [R. A.E., A, vii, 371]. M. ribis may be considered as the Aphid of red currant and M. galeopsidis that of black currant, although both species ma}' occur on several varieties of currants. Rhopalosiphitm affine, sp. n., is described from red currant. The summer food-plants of Myzoides cerasi, F., include Galium spp. 139 Zacher (— ). Untersuchungen iiber Spinnmilben. [Investigations on Spinning Mites.]— Mill. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- u. Forsl- wirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15th Yrlv. Rent., 1919 October 19^0 pp. 121-130. The existing htcrature on spinning mites is reviewed, and the general remedial measures and natural enemies are discussed. A list of 123 food-plants attacked by various species of Tetranychns is included. Zacher (— ). Mitteilungen iiber Vorratsschadlinge. [Information about Pests of Stored Food-stuffs.]— .¥///. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- n. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no. 18, 15th Yrly Rept 1919 October 1920, pp. 130-139, 4 figs. Endrosis lactella, Schiff., and Borkhausenia psciidosprclella, Stn., often occur in mills and storehouses, attacking many seed products! In many parts of Germany injury to corn by Calandra granaria is said to be prevented by stacking fresh hay for about 4 to 6 weeks in the granaries. Experiments are now in progress to test the efficacy of this method. Experiments with fluid monochlorobenzol against C. granaria, L., and C. oryzae, L., are being continued, but have so far not given any very promising results. Attention is drawn to the apparent disappearance of Tinea granella, L., as a pest in Germany. Thiem (— ). Der Frostspanner und seine Bekampfung im Niederungs- gebiet der Weichsel bei Marienwerder (Westpr.) im Herbst 1919. [Control of Cheimatobia brumata, L., in the low-lying Vistula* Region near Marienwerder in the Autumn of 1919.]— Mitt. Biol. Reichsanst. Land- u. Forstwirtsch., Berlin, no 18 15th Yrly' Rept., 1919, Octobei 1920, pp. 139-142. The occurrence of the winter moth [Cheimatobia brnmata, L.l and the remedial measures adopted against it, including sticky bands are described. The growing of grass round the trees is advocated as a temporary preventive measure during the time when this pest may be expected in abundance. ScHERPE (— ). Die Beeinflussung der Keimfahigkeit von Samereien durch die Behandlung mit gasformiger Blausaure. [The Influ- ence of Hydrocyanic Acid Gas on Seed Germination.]— .l/zV^ Biol. Reichsanst. Land- u. Forstwirtsch., Berlin no 18 15th Yrly. Rept., 1919, October 1920, pp. 143-144. As the result of experiments it has been found that an exposure to hydrocyanic gas sufiicient to kill the pests of stored grain does not materially affect the germinating power of seed under normal condi- tions, but with increased humidity and longer exposure germination may be greatly retarded. Zaxon (V.). Danni sul Cotone {Gossvpium barbadense) e sulla Bamia {Hibiscus esculcntus) a Bengasi, prodotti da un Nottuino {Farias msidana v. anthophilana). [Injur\^ of Cotton and H. csculentus at Bengasi by E. insulana v. anthophilana.]— Riv. Agric Parma XXVI, nos. 1-2, 7th-14th January 1921, pp. 5, 23-24. Cotton and Hibiscus esculcntus at Bengasi are attacked by Farias insulana var. anthophilana, of which a first generation of adults appears 140 in June from cocoons dating from the preceding November and December. A second generation occurs in August, the caterpillars of which are found up to October. If the weather is favourable, or if the rains are delayed, a third generation occurs up to December, and becomes the one that hibernates. In Egypt it has been suggested that no Malvaceous plants should be grown within a wide radius around cotton. The author proposes, howex'er, that H. esciilentiis should be sown very early, in order that its fruits (which are more tender, and appear earlier than those of cotton) should attract all the moths of the first generation. As soon as the eggs have been deposited, the crop should be gathered and all the plants removed, and used as forage or fibre before the adults emerge. Leefmaxs (S.). Het Nut van de Studie der Insekten-Parasiten voor den Landbouw. [The ^'alue to Agriculture of the Study of Parasites of Insects.] — Tevsmannia, Batavia, xxxi, no. 8, 1920, pp. 357-372. A list of the cosmopolitan genera or species of insect pests is given, with notes on their food-plants and distribution in America, Africa, and the Dutch East Indies. The conditions governing the successful introduction of parasites are enumerated. The author advises the use of polyphagous species in preference to that of monophagous ones, and deprecates the simultaneous introduction of two or more parasites of a given stage of the pest concerned. For instance, if an egg-parasite has been imported, the other introductions should be enemies of the larva, pupa or imago. An international organisation is desirable for the purpose of studying these beneficial insects systematically and biologically, and for promoting international co-operation between economic and systematic entomologists. Uyttenboogaart (D. L.). Polyphylla fullo, L. — Ent. Ber. Ned. Ent. Vereen., The Hague, v, no. 117, 1st January 1921, pp. 298-300. In July 1920 great swarms of Polyphylla fullo occurred at Noordwijk. Night-jars and bats destroyed large numbers of the swarming beetles, which included very few females. The latter remained quiescent on firs, poplars, and privet. Smits VAX BuRGST (C. A. L.). Meniscus transversostriatus, n. sp. (Ichn.). — Ent. Ber. Ned. Ent. Vereen., The Hague, v, no. 117, 1st January 1921, pp. 300-301. Meniscus transversostriatus, sp. n., an Ichneumonid bred from the pupa of Pennisetia (Bembecia) hylaeiformis, Lasp., near Berhn, is described. MoREiKA (C). As Brocas da Figueira cultivada. [The Grubs of the cultivated Fig.] — -Cliacaras c Ouinlacs, S. Paido, xxii, no. 6, 1 5th December 1920, p. 482. In reply to an enquiry it is stated that three borers attack the cultivated fig in Brazil. One is the Pyralid, Azochis gripnsalis. The larva of a weevil, Hcilipus bonelli, is usually found in the axillae 141 of the shoots and in the fruits, while that of a Buprestid, Colohogasier quadridentatus, occurs in the bark of the trunk and large shoots. They may be dealt with by destroying the shoots or bark harbouring them. MoREiRA (C). Uma Praga do Pomar e do Jardim. [An Orchard and Garden Pest.] — Chacaras e Quintaes, S. Pmilo, xxii, no. 6, 15th December 1920, p. 489. The Melolonthid beetle, Macrodactylus sutitralis, does much harm by feeding on the flowers of the orange, rose, vine, etc. Collection and spraying with a petroleum-soap emulsion are the measures recommended against it. Berthet (J. A.). Coleopteros em Arrozal. [Beetles in the Rice- field.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xix, no. 1, January 1918, pp. 66-67. [Received 18th January 1921.] Severe injury in some rice-fields in the State of San Paulo is found to be due to a Melolonthid, probably a species of Lachnosterna {Phvllo- phaga). Nothing is yet known of its life-history in Brazil. No entirely practical and certain remedy has been devised against this beetle, though the larvae, pupae and adults in the ground can be killed by completely flooding the held for some days. Berthet (J. A.). Folhas de Pereira atacadas e Insectos atacando Parreiras e Hortaligas. [Injured Pear Leaves and Insects attack- ing Vines and Vegetables.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xix, no. 1, January 1918, pp. 67-68. [Received 18th January 1921.] Material received for examination included a beetle of the genus Macrodactylus, infesting pear leaves ; and another beetle, Bolax flavolineatus, from vine leaves. Spraying with Paris green is recom- mended against them. A Lagarta Rosada. [The Pink Bollworm.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, XIX, no. 5-7, May-July 1918, pp. 420-425. [Received 18th January 1921.] This notice, issued by the Secretary for Agriculture of the State of San Paulo, contains a number of recommendations for checking the spread of the cotton bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella]. Averna-Sacca (R.). Notas sobre alguiis Caracteres dffierenciaes entre a " Lagarta rosea" e as " Pyroderces." [Notes on some characters differentiating Platyedra gossypiella from Pyroderces.^ — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xix, no. 8-12, August-December 1918, pp. 656-665, 4 figs. ; and xx, no. 10-12, October-December 1919, pp. 522-569, 26 figs. [Received 18th January 1921.] These are the first two parts of a paper dealing with anatomical characters enabling the larvae of Platyedra gossypiella to be distinguished from those of Pyroderces. 142 InstrucQoes para o Expurgo das Sementes de Algodao. Desinfecgao de Sementes. [^'''^tructions for the Cleansing of Cotton Seed. The Disinfection of Seed.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xx, no. 5, May 1919, pp. 138-139. [Received 18th January 1921.] These instructions were issued in order to prevent the spread of Platyedra {PecimopJiora) gossypiella in the State of San Paulo. A government official must be attached to all ginneries, and the seed must be constantly under his supervision. Among other measures it is required that oil mills should construct their seed stores on such lines as will prevent a spread of the pest. No seed may be planted until it has been disinfected. As Pragas da Lavoura. [Pests of Agriculture.] — Bol. Amc, S. Paulo^ XX, no. 5, May 1919, pp. 139-141. Pests submitted for identification include a Pyrrhocorid bug, Dysdercus ntficollis, L., from cotton bolls, and locusts parasitised by a Dipteron. The former insect does not do much harm, as it appears when most of the crop has been harvested. Collection is the method advised against it. GuEDEs (G.). Os Curuqueres. Seus Lugares predilectos. Sua Extinc^ao. [Alabama argillacea. Its preferred Situations and its Destruction.] — -Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xx, no. 9, September 1919, pp. 431-433. [Received 18th January 1921.] A remarkable outbreak of Alabama argillacea is recorded in San Paulo, the richest soils, where cotton was flourishing, being especially infested. Coffee planted among cotton also suffered severely. Paris green is the best insecticide, either as a liquid or dust-spray, the former being cheaper and easier to apply if proper care is taken. GuEDES (G.). Extinc^ao dos Gafanotos. Quadro synoptico. [Locust Destruction. A synoptic Table.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xx, no. 9, September 1919, p. 434. [Received 18th January 1921.] This table indicates the measures applicable against the different stages of locusts under various conditions of soil and weather. GuEDES (G.). Relatorio sobre a Extincgao de Gafanhotos. [Report on Locust Destruction.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xx, no. 10-12, October-December 1919, pp. 509-519. [Received 18th January 1921.1 The work forming the subject of this report was carried out from October to December 1918. A spray containing 2 parts by volume of creoline, 4 of kerosene, and 94 of water, proved very destructive to the young hoppers. Its effect becomes apparent about an hour after spraying. A flame-thrower was also used with good results. Averna-Sacca (R.). Molestias da Jabotieabeira. [Diseases of Jaboticabeira.]— jBo/. Agric, S. Paulo, xxi, no. 1-3, January- March 1920, pp. 29-37. [Received 18th January 1921.] An emulsion of 3 per cent, tar-oil is recommended against a scale, closely resembling Pseudococcus grandis, Hemp., infesting the leaves 143 and branches of the jaboticabeira [Myricaria jahoticaha], a fruit tree common in Brazil. The jet must be a powerful one, and should be applied during the dormant period ; a summer spray would be ineffective. TowNSEND (C. H. T.). Contra o Pulg:ao lanigero das Madeiras. Contra a Lagarta rosada e o Caruncho do Caule do Algodoeiro. Contra a Sauva. Contra o Caruncho das Bananeiras. [Measures against Eriosoma lanigeritm on Apple ; Platyedra gossypiella and Stem Weevil on Cotton ; Atta sexdens; and the Banana Weevil.] —Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xxi, no. 6, June 1920, pp. 370-373. [Received 12th January 1921.] In reply to enquiries from various parts of San Paulo the measures advised against Eriosoma lanigernm are spraying with kerosene emulsion against the Aphids infesting the trunks of apple trees, or fumigation with a solution of carbon bisulphide in water, poured into a basin dug round the trunk, against those attacking the roots ; against Platyedra gossypiella, the use of disinfected cotton seed, destruction of all debris, and crop rotation ; against Gastero- ccrcodes gossypii, the uprooting and burning of the infested cotton plants and crop rotation ; against At fa sexdens, one litre (If pint) of a solution of sodium c\^anide (1 part by weight of cyanide and 35 parts water) poured into the main gallery of the nest — the cyanide must be 96-98 per cent, pure ; against the banana weevil, Spheno- phorus sp., fumigation with carbon bisulphide, as mentioned above, care being taken to retain the fumes by covering the basin. Trabut (L.). Le Ver Rose des Capsules du Cotonnier, Gelechia gossypiella. — Bull. Agric. Alger. -Tun. -Maroc, Algiers, xxvi, no. 11-12, November-December 1920, pp. 237-238. This article briefly describes the spread of Platyedra [Gelechia) gossypiella into Texas from Mexico, and the measures adopted in the United States against it [R. A.E., A, vi, 543, etc.]. Mason (F. A.). The Destruction oS Stored Grain by Trogoderma khapra, Arrow. A new Pest in Great Britain. — Bur. Bio- Technology, Leeds, Bull. 2, 1st January 1921, pp. 27-38, 1 fig., 1 plate. In July 1920 a serious case of insect depredation in stored malt in a Midland brewery was found to be due to a beetle of Indian origin, Trogoderma khapra, Arrow. Malt placed in bins, after leaving the kiln at a temperature of 180° F. (82° C), never fell below 110° F. (43° C), even after twelve months' storage, though normally the central portion of the contents of a bin cools down in two to three months. On opening out the bins they were found to be swarming with beetles and larvae intermingled with the empty husks. There does not appear to be any previous record of appreciable damage in Britain, and Arrow, who reported the appearance of this Dermestid in cargoes of wheat from Karachi and Bombay in 1917 [R.A.E., A, V, 359], stated that there w^as no evidence that it could perpetuate itself in Europe. The case mentioned above is not an iso- lated one, for infested material has been obtained from other sources. 144 notably from the Burton district, where large stores of malt exist. There is little doubt that the presence of this beetle is due to shipments of Indian barley, which, prior to the war, was imported in large quantities for malting purposes. The only Indian barley ever used at the brewery concerned was introduced about four years previously, and the presence of numerous beetles became noticeable two years later. There is now every indication that adaptation to new surround- ings has enabled this species to develop to such proportions as to became a serious economic pest. The annual losses to stored wheat in India by this and other beetles became so serious as to lead to an investigation in 1916 [R. A.E., A, V, 126j. Prior to that date nothing whatever was known of the life-history of T. khapra. T. khapra measures about 3 mm. in length. The adult, which has a short life of about 10 days, has not been observed directly attacking malt corns. The eggs, averaging 35-40 in number, are deposited in 6-7 days in the furrow, or some other portion of the surface of the grain. After 6-7 days the yellowish-white larvae hatch out. It is during the larval stage that malt and other grains are attacked. The larva begins feeding on loose particles of farinaceous matter, and the exposed endosperm of broken grains, afterwards attacking whole grains by boring through the epidermis. The husk is never eaten. Some 7 or 8 moults occur in this stage. In malt the larva appears to find the strong husk the best protection during moulting, and there is every indication that once inside a grain it never leaves it so long as a particle of the endosperm remains. On breaking open an empty husk, it is usual to find one, two, or even three empty larval skins. The duration of the larval stage in England is not yet known. It is in this stage that infestation is likely to spi-ead. The hairs with which the larva is covered readily anchor it to the clothes of w^orkmen, and for the same reason many individuals would be retained in the meshes of the fabric of an empty sack, and these hibernate until the sack is refilled — perhaps in some other locality. Pupation takes place in the last larval skin, which splits, but is not actually cast off. The pupa may be found among the insect debris. Frequently, however, in the case of malt the pupa is found inside the husk, along with previously cast skins ; the adult then escapes from the grain through the hole made by the larva on its entrance. Dead beetles are rarely found inside the hollow grains. Barnes and Grove in India [loc. cit.'\ found T. khapra to be the most resistant species of those subjected to the action of various asphyxia- ting agents, even carbon dioxide proving useless from an economic point of view, owing to the ability of T. khapra to enter upon a hiber- nating stage when atmospheric oxygen fails. In any case, there are very serious objections to the use of this gas whenever ungerminated grain is involved. In the present case perfect success was obtained by fumigation with chlorine gas, using liquid chlorine as a source, and treatment of the walls, floors, etc., with a hypochlorite solution containing 15 per cent, available chlorine. The latter was applied with a sprayer, which ensured penetration into all cracks and interstices likely to harbour the larvae. After treatment the rooms were sealed for a week. Such a method of extermination must necessarily be carried out under the supervision of a technical chemist. NOTICES. Secretaries of Societies and Editors of Journals willing to exchange their publications with those of the Bureau, are requested to communicate with the Assistant Director. The Annual Subscription, in advance, to the Review, Series A (Agricultural), if 12s. post free ; Series B (Medical and Veterinary), 6s. post free. Orders and subscriptions should be sent direct to the Assistant Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W.7, or through any bookseller. CONTENTS. Africa, South : The Danger iof the Introduction of the Pink Bollwonn. Africa, South : Outbreaks of Adoretus tessidatus Africa, South : Poison-bait for Fruit-flies . . Africa, West : Notes on Miscellaneous Pests America, North : The Pea Moth found to be a New Species Brazil : Borers attacking the cultivated Fig Brazil : Measures against Macrodactylus suturalis . . PAGE 98 98 98 .. 106 .. 100 .. 140 .. 141 Brazil: Notes on Miscellaneous Pests .. .. .. 141, 142, 143 Brazil : Precautions against the Pink BoUworm . . . . . . 141, 142 Characters differentiating Platyedra gossypiella from Pyroderces . . 141 An Outbreak of Alabama argillacea . . . . . . . . 142 Locust Destruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Imported Coleopterous Pests . . . . . . . . 98 99 Brazil Brazil Brazil : British Isles British Isles Notes on Braconids British Isles : Coleopterous Pests of Stored Malt . . . . . . 143 Canada : Note on a Parasite of Cockroaches . • . . . . . . 100 MisceUaneous Pests in Ontario in 1919 .. ..123,124,129,131 PreUminary Experiments with Chloropicrin in Greenhouses . . 124 Notes on Cercopids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Ceylon Ceylon Experiments in Dusting . . . , . . . . . . ..124 Insect Outbreaks and their Causes . . . . . . . . 125 Notes on the Control of Pear Psylla . . . . . . ..125 Measures against Locusts . . . . . . . . . . 126, 127 Experiments in the Control of the Cabbage Maggot . . 127, 128 The Status of Mill-infesting Pests. . . . . . . . . . 128 The Life-history of Lachnosterna spp. in Ontario . . . . 129 The Strawberry Root Weevil in British Columbia 1 30 The Strawberry Weevil in Ontario . . . . . . . • 131 Insect Pests of Tea 121,122 Notes on Miscellaneous Pests . . . . . . . . 122, 123 France : A Tachinid Parasite of Hyper a . . . . . . . . . . 134 France : A New Arsenical Spray for Vine-moths . . . . . . . . 135 France : Measures against Locusts . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Germany : Parasites of Ips typographus and Hylobius abietis . . . . 97 A Handbook of Entomology. (Review) . . . . 109 Insects as Leaf-miners . . . . . . . . 109 Euxoa segeiuni in Mecklenburg . . . . . . 109 Notes on the Habits of Apanteles glomeraius . . . . . . 110 Notes on Lariophagus distinguendus . . . . . . 133 Notes on Aphids 137. 138 The Occurrence of Melolontha in 1919 . . . . . • 138 Notes on the Life-history of Meligethes aereii^ . . . . 138 GERMANYiig Notes on Flea-beetles .. .. .. .. 138 Germanv*: NotesT.on Spinning Mites . . . . . . . . 139 Notes on Pests of Stored Food-stuffs . . . . . . . . 139 The Control of Cheimatobia brumata . . . . . . . . 139 A New Parasite of Pennisetia hylaeiformis . . . . 140 The Plant Protection Service . . . . . . . . . . 133 Measures against Nematode Pests of Agrictilture . . . . 1 33 Swarms of Polyphylla fullo .. .. .. . . • • 140 Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germaity Germany Germany Germany Holland Holland Holland India : New Microlepidoptera . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 1 23 India : Descriptions of New Chalcids. . . . . . . . . . 136 Italy : The Campaign against the Olive Fly, Dacus oleae. . . . 1 10 Italy : Phihorimaeaj,operculella infesting Potatoes in Sicily . . . . 135 Mexico : Insects of^Economic Importance in the Cape Region of Lower California ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..116 CONTENTS— con/. pao« New Guinea : Measures against Coconut Pests . . . . . . . . 107 New Zealand : The Utilisation of Cattle against Grass Grubs . . . . 106 Palestine : Measures against Locusts . . . . . . . . . . 107 Samoa: Report on Plant Protection . . .. : 108 Spain : The Problem of PA>'//o;verfl in Vineyards . ; 133 Switzerland : Forficula auricularia as a Pest of Pear-trees . . . . 135 Switzerland : Stenolechia gemmella, a Microlepidoptftron injurious to Oaks 136 Switzerland : The Association of Bark-beetles with Fungi in Fruit-trees 136 Tripoli : Notes on Cotton Pests . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 U.S.A. : Pests of the Almond in California . . . . . . . . . . 97 U.S.A. : Parasites of Mealy Bugs in California . . . . . . . . 100 U.S.A. : The Aphididae of California 101, 102 U.S.A. : Notes on Beneficial Coccinellids in California . . . . . . 101 U.S.A. : Studies on the Parasites of the Termites . . . . . . . . 102 U.S.A. : The Ribbed Pine-Borer, Rhagium lineatum, in New York . . 102 U.S.A. : Precautions against imported Pests in Florida . . . . . . 103 U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of Chrysomphalus dictyospermi in Florida 104 U.S.A. : The Yam Weevil intercepted in Florida . . . . . . . . 104 U.S.A. : Insect Pests in North CaroUna in 1919 104 U.S.A. : Insect Pests in Oklahoma in 1919 105 U.S.A. : Empoasca malt as a Potato Pest . . . . . . . . . . 105 U.S.A. : Insect Pests and their Control in 1919-20 HO U.S.A. : The Effect of Severe Cold on Insect Pests 114 U.S.A. : The Importance of Applied and Commercial Entomology .. 115 U.S.A. : Methods of estimating the Value of Codhng Moth Treatments. . 115 U.S.A. : The Symbiosis of Blastophaga and Figs . . . . . . . . 115 U.S.A. : Combating the Sugar Beet Webworm on a large Scale . . . . 116 U.S.A. : Washing Experiments for Control of the European Elm Scale. . 117 U.S.A. : Daylight Orchard Fumigation with Hydrocyanic Gas . , . . 117 U.S.A. : The Spread of Epilachna corrupta in Alabama . . . . . . 118 U.S.A. : The Effect of Alabama argillacea on Boll Development and Cotton Yield 118 U.S.A. : A Grasshopper predaceous on Lachnosterna . . . . . . 118 U.S.A. : A Blossom-destro)dng Beetle on Mango and Avocado . . . . 118 U.S.A. : A Dipterous Parasite of the Parsnip Webworm . . . . . . 118 U.S.A. : A New Apple Pest in Pennsylvania. . .. .. .. ..119 U.S.A. : Achatodes zeae not a Pest of Maize . . . . . . . . 119 U.S.A. : Insect Pests in Arizona in 1918-19 119 U.S.A.: New Predaceous and Parasitic Mites .. .. .. ..119 U.S.A. : Sprays for Cydia pomonella in Washington . . 119, 120, 121 U.S.A. : Measures against Grasshoppers on Vegetables . . . . . . 121 U.S.A. : Notes on the Working of the Federal Plant Quarantine Act . . 126 U.S.A. : The European Corn Borer Situation . . . . . . . . 132 U.S.A. : Dusting Experiments against Fruit Pests in Delaware . . 134, 135 U.S.A. : A New Aphid injurious to Plum Trees . . . . . . . . 136 U.S.A. : A Review of State Quarantine Regulations 136 U.S.A. : Measures against the Pink Bollworm 143 West Indies : The Discovery of the Pink Bollworm and Measures against it . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • • • • 99 West Indies : The Transmission of Mosaic Disease of Sugar-cane by Aphids 100 West Indies : Pests of Sugar-cane in Barbados . . . . . . . . 105 Transference of Beneficial Nematodes for Economic Purposes . . . . 97 New Species of Tropical Fruit-boring Flies . . • . . . . . . . 97 The Protection of Timber from Termites . . . . . . . . . . 106 Plant Pests in the Tropics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 The Causes of Bud-rot in Coconuts . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Chloropicijn as a Fumigant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Notes on Petroleum Insecticides .. .. .. .. .. ..114 Hopkins' Bioclimatic Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 The Influence of Hydrocyanic Acid Gas on Seed Germination . . . . 139 The Value to Agriculture of the Study of Parasites of Insects . . . . 140 meai&Temeo at the o.f>.0. I'oi* TRANSMiaaiOM ro Canao* ano Nkw^oumdlamo ar MAaAXiMe foar^ TOL. IX. Ser. A. Part 4.— pp. 145-200. APRIL, 198L The review OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AQRICULTURAL ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF EOTOMOLOGY. LONDON THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY 41. QUEEN'S GATE. S.W. 7. PHoe 18. 4d. net. All Rights Reserved* IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. i)onorarp Comtnittec or manaaemcnt. VISCOUNT HABCOURT, Chairman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Alcock, CLE., F.R.S., London School of Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Board of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial OflSce in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S., Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.CM.G., CB., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of 2^ology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C Sperling, CM.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C. Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. General Secretary. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and €dltor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, CM.G. ilssistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W. 7. Publication Office.— 4\, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. 145 DE Campos Novaes (J). Dois bellos Parasitas das Palmeiras. i. Escaravelho que destroe Bulbos de Palmeirinhas iDynasies= Memlosoma hector, Burm.). ii. Lagarta das Palmeiras {Brassolis sophorae, L.). [Two beautiful Palm Pests, i. M. hector, destroy- ing the Bulbs of young Palms, ii. The Palm Caterpillar, B. sophorae.] — Bol. Aqric. S. Paulo, xxi, no. l-v3, Januarv-March 1920, pp. 186-200, 6 figs. [Received 18th January 1921.] Severe injury to the bulbs of young 3ft. palms {Lataniahourhonica) ready lor transplanting has been traced to a Dynastid beetle, Mega- soma hector, Burm. ; three species of this genus exist in Brazil ; of these, M. elephas, Burm., is also recorded as a dangerous pest of L. bourbonica. Brassolis sophorae, L., is a serious pest of piassava {Orbignia racemosa) ; it also does much harm to Attalea regia. Cocus gerova suffers less, and Latania bourbonica is immune from attack. Contra o " Pulgao braneo." [Measures against Icerya purchasi.] — Bol. Agric, S. Paulo, xxi, no. 6, June 1920, pp. 368-369. Growers in the State of San Paulo who suspect the presence of the scale, Icerya purchasi, in their plantations are asked to send infested material to the State Department of Agriculture in order, if necessary, to receive colonies of the Coccinellid, Novius caniinalis, that have been established for this purpose [R. A.E., A, viii, 405]. Grain Pests. — Bur. Bio-Technology, Leeds. Bull. 2, 1st January 1921, p. 52. Samples of malt from various sources have been found to contain the following beetles : — Calandra granaria, L., C. oryzae, L., Niptus hololeucus, ¥.. Ptinus tectus, Boield., and Tribolium castaneum, Hbst. The weevils are responsible for much damage. No serious injury can be ascribed either to A^. hololeucus or to T. castaneum. The latter, when found in malt, appears to attack malt corns already mechanically damaged, and prefers the wheat grains and other foreign seeds with less resistant husks. Tempany (H. a.). Report on Operations for the Control of Phytalus smithi during the Season 1919-20. — Mauritius, 1920, 4 pp. The number of Lachnosterna [Phytalus) smithi captured in 1919-20 was under thirty-one millions, as compared with over sevent^^-one millions in the previous year, and is the lowest since 1912-13. The figures indicate that a control has been established in those areas in which the infestation originated ; it is only in the more recently invaded part of the area that the number of beetles taken is still on the increase. This view is corroborated by the results of surve3's for the larvae. The work of the parasite, Tiphia parallela, is probably the most important factor, but it must be supplemented by a certain amount of artificial assistance, comprising systematic collection of the adult beetles and the maintenance of conditions favourable to T. parallela. Unless these precautions are taken reinfestations are inevitable in districts where the parasite has disappeared with its host. (2290) Wt.P.3/181 1500 4/21 Harrow M 146 The collection of insects by means of patrol gangs from the periphery of the infested area now forms a definite item in the system of control ; this work seems to be prodncing the desired effect, since no extension of the infested area has been observed except at a single point, where the patrols will be strengthened in the coming season. In certain infested areas plantations of Cordia interrupta were made in December, and by April they had become sufficiently established to enable T. parallela to be liberated with some prospect of success. Where the infestation exceeded 10,000 per acre, the usual action was taken to cause the owner to dig the larvae out of the field. In connection with the cost of the campaign an important change has been made. The expenditure was formerly borne partly by the Government and partly by the planters, but now, by means of an export tax on sugar, the whole is transferred to the latter (Ordinance No. 2 of 1920). This will produce more funds than before, and the balance available will be devoted to the organisation of patrol collecting gangs to work inside the infested area. In conclusion, there is no doubt that the sugar industry in Mauritius has thus been preserved from one of the worst disasters that have ever threatened its existence. The net value of the work exceeds considerably the whole cost of the Department of Agriculture sin.ce its establishment [see also R. A.E., A, viii, 498, etc.]. Destruction of Agricultural Tests.^ Cvpnts : Ann. Rept. Director Agric. 1919-20, Nicosia, 1920, pp."l4-15. Work against the vine sirividhi [Zygaena anipclophaga], Eitrytoma amygdali, Cydia [Carpocapsa) pomonella and PJithorimaea opercitlella (Lita solanella) was continued [R. A.E., A, vii, 534]. Z. ampelopliaga and P. operculella have diminished considerably in numbers. Cecidomyia ceratoniae, infesting carobs, prevails in most parts of the island, though one district, formerly heavily infested, is practically free as a result of five years' work. Spraying has proved so successful against scale-insects on lemons that the intention of many gardeners to uproot their trees has been abandoned. Regulations for the Introduction of Bees, Honey, and Appliances into New Zealand. — N.Z. Jl. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 5, 20th November 1920, p. 295. Details are given of the regulations made under the Apiaries Amend- ment Act of 7th October 1913 with regard to the introduction of bees,, honey and appliances into New Zealand. Jepson (F. p.). Shot-hole Borer Investigations. — Trop. Agric. Peradeniya, Iv, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 368-373. An official trial of Speyer's paint mixture is described. The unpainted bushes recovered from pruning very much more quickly than the painted ones, and though infestation by shot-hole borer [Xyleborns fornicatus] was appreciably reduced, it is considered that in view of the extremely high cost of treatment and the insufficient benefits derived, painting should not be recommended for use on infested estates. The question is also considered of the effect on shot-hole borer in- festation of the various methods proposed for restricting the tea crop F i^4y 1 ij in view of the present market de'pression. For example, one suggestion is to postpone indefinitely the next re^u|^r, pruning, and by ceasing pkicking, to allow the bushes to run up ; a Second is to prune in the ordinary way, but to eliminate subsequent plucking until conditions improve ; while a third is to cease plucking when the next pruning becomes due, and to allow the bushes to rest and run up for any period up to six months, according to elevation. If pruning were postponed and plucking continued, it would probably result in a complete infestation of the branches, extending later throughout the collar to the soil level. This might in some degree be prevented by the improvement in the bushes that would result from the cessation of plucking, but in the absence of the usual culti- vation and manuring the extent of this is doubtful. Consequently, from the point of view of borer infestation, the suggestion that pruning should be eliminated and the tea abandoned indefinitely cannot be approved. It is urged that where estates are heavily infested, the tea should be pruned when due, although the pruning might be delayed and plucking stopped for a period not exceeding six months with less serious consequences than if pruning were postponed indefinitely. Prunings should always be burnt to prevent the emergence of the beetles. Where it is necessary temporarily to abandon tea (as opposed to ceasing plucking for a definite period), pruning should certainly precede abandonment. Where the crop can be sufficiently reduced by fine plucking only, these points do not arise, but it will be interesting to observe whether this milder treatment of bushes will result in any resistance to borer attack ; in fact, it is most desirable that the effect on the borer of any departure from the ordinary estate routine should be carefully observed. McLaine (L. S.). The European Com Borer Infestation. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottaica, vii, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 938-939. Field scouting, completed on 23rd October, showed that seven of the thirteen counties examined were infested with Pyrausta nuhilalis. The two districts infested [R. A.E., A, ix, 14] are both on the shore of Lake .Erie, and cover 340 and 3,430 square miles respective^. A ^linisterial Order, Quarantine No. 2 (Domestic), was passed on 29th November 1920, prohibiting the movement from the specified quarantined townships to points outside of maize fodder or maize stalks, including broom corn, whether used for packing or other purposes, green sweet maize, roasting ears, maize on the cob or maize cobs. The quarantine does not apply if the products have undergone a process that eliminates the risk of their carrying P. niibilalis, nor to clean shelled maize or clean seed of broom corn, nor to shipments of the articles enumerated through the quarantined area on a through bill of lading, or shipments for scientific purposes by the Dominion of Ontario Departments of Agriculture. Shipments of dried seed maize for recognised exhibitions are to be passed at the point of destination by a duly appointed inspector. Conference on Grasshopper Control. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottawa, vii, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 967-968. A conference on grasshopper control in the Prairie Provinces was held in Winnipeg on 8th and 9th October. Control and investigation work carried on in 1920 was reviewed, and plans made foi 1921. (2290) M 2 148 In Saskatchewan the campaign was organised on a semi-mihtary basis, so directed as to secure the action of farmers in all the affected districts. Supplies furnished within the municipality amounted to 2,720 tons of bran, 225 tons of sawdust, 112,636 gallons of molasses, 2,805 cases of lemons, 166 tons of arsenic, 34 tons of Paris green, and one barrel of amyl-acetate. The total cost, including transport, amounted to over £67,000 at par. It was estimated that 1,400,000 acres of crop were actually saved by the measures taken. In Manitoba each municipality worked as a unit. Mixing stations, where farmers could obtain the poisoned bait readily, were established in the towns. Each farmer was responsible for the treatment of his own land and the adjoining side of the road. Waste places were dealt with by the councils. The Manitoba Government bore the cost of materials ; the local councils provided for mixing and distribution. The poisoned bait distributed amounted to 1,659,100 tons. The crops saved by the treatment were valued at over £3,400,000 at par. Over the United States border in North Dakota outbreaks occurred in some of the counties adjoining Saskatchewan. No organised control work was carried out, and the loss sustained was estimated at 16 per cent, of a total area of 300,000 acres. It was thought that 58 per cent, of the grasshoppers in the adjoining counties migrated to Canada. Control work will be put into effect in North Dakota in 1921. During the campaign in Canada the co-operation of the federal officials was valuable, and experiments were conducted by the Ento- mological Branch with new poisoned baits, dusts, contact sprays and poison gas. Another serious outbreak of grasshoppers is expected in 1921, and a representative commiittee has been appointed to devise definite co-operative plans against them. Merrit Hawkes (O. a.). Observations on the Life-history, Biology, and Genetics of the Lady-bird Beetle, Adalia hipiindata ((Mulsant). — Proc. Zool. Soc, 1920, London, pt. 4, December 1920, pp. 475-490. The different varieties of Adalia hipunctata and the possibihty of breeding and cross-breeding it are discussed. This Coccinellid feeds on nearly ah species of Aphids, and its method of attacking its prey is described. The natural enemies of A. hipunctata include various birds, Mantis religiosa, and a bug, Podisus serieventris. Flint {W. P.). Further Tests of Dry Sulphur Compounds for the Control of San Jose Scale. — Bull. Illinois Nat. Hist. Survey, Urbana, xiii, Article xiii, November 1920, pp. 339-343. During 1919 and 1920 many tests have been made in IlHnois orchards to determine the value of various commercial dr^^ sulphur compounds in the control of San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus]. These dry sulphurs ha^•c several advantages over the commercial lime- sulphur solutions for orchard use, being easier to transport and handle, and also unaffected by frost. The materials used, the time and method of application, and the results are all shown in tables. Con- sistently good results were obtained throughout with 15 lb. Dow dry lime-sulphur to 50 U.S. gals, of water. Martin-Senour's dry lime- sulphur, tested only in the strength 12| lb. to 50 U.S. gals., gave poor results, and it is evident that these materials should not be used at a strength less than 15 lb. per 50 U.S. gals. 149 Ehrhorn (E. M.). Are the Agriculturists of Hawaii fortunate? — Hawaiian Forester & Agric, Honolulu, xvii, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 291-294. [Received 18th January 1921.] Hawaii is apparently comparatively free from insect pests. The necessity for continued vigilance and strict enforcement of plant quarantine regulations to maintain this condition is therefore emphasised. Full AWAY (D. T.). Termites, or White Ants, in Hawaii. — Hawaiian Forester & Agriculturist, Honolulu, xvii, no. 10, October 1920, pp. 294-301, 10 plates. [Received 18th January 1921.] Damage by termites to wood, woodwork and wood products has in- creased considerably in Honolulu during recent years, and the resulting losses are causing some anxiety. The species concerned have been known as Calotermes marginipennis, Latr., Neotermes castaneiis, Burm., Cryptotermes brevis, Wlk., and Coptotermes intriidens, Oshima, but it has recently been found that the three first-named have been erroneously referred to these species, and will shortly be described as new. They are borers in dry wood, while C. intrudens cannot survive in dry wood, but constructs nests in or near the ground. It forced to build above ground, it carries soil up for the purpose. Long tunnels through the earth are often constructed, leading to new sources of supply. There is at present very little prospect of effective control of termites in Hawaii by natural agencies. The nests should be destroyed wherever possible by fumigation with carbon bisulphide, hydrocyanic acid gas, or fumes produced by burning arsenic and sulphur. The work of Oshima in Formosa with regard to resistant woods and to rendering other varieties of wood resistant is described [R. A.E., A, viii, 301]. Ehrhorn (E. M.). Division of Plant Inspection. — Hawaiian Forester & Agriculturist, Honolulu, xvii, no. 11, November 1920, pp. 326-327. Among packages intercepted or treated for infestation during October 1920 were daffodil bulbs from California, infested with the Syrphid, Merodon equestris, and pea seeds from Japan, which were fumigated on account of weevils. ]\IuiR (F.). The "Japanese" Beetle is GlamQSQ.— Hawaiian Planters' Record, Honolulu, xxiii, no. 6, December 1920, p. 291. Recent investigations have shown that the Hawaiian pest that has always been regarded as Adoretus tenuimaculatus (Japanese beetle) is, in fact, A. sinicus, a beetle known from China, Formosa, Java and Timor. The true A . tenuimaculatus feeds and flies by night, whereas A. sinicus is diurnal in habit. This shows the value of purely scientific work in economic ento- mology. For parasitic work it is necessary to know the native home of a pest, and an incorrect identification may direct the search for parasites to a wrong quarter of the world. 150 Agee (H. p.) & SwEZEV (O. H.). Director's Report. — Rept. Committee in Charge Expt. Sfa. Hawaiian Sugar Plant. Assoc, for Year ending 30th September 1920, Honolulu, 1920, pp 7-40. [Received 26th Januaiy 1921.] The sugar-cane leafhoppcr [Perkinsiella saccharicida] has not caused many serious infestations since last year's report [R.A.E., A, viii, 72] was issued. While the propagation and distribution of parasites of the leafhopper have been continued, trapping with sled traps and spraying are both proving very effective auxiliary measures. For the spray, a dilute solution of nicotine sulphate is used, and is pumped into the plant spaces where the hoppers con- gregate, producing from 70 to 90 per cent, mortality among the insects. Although a certain number of the parasites are bound to be destroyed, the destruction of leafhoppers is proportionately much greater. The disco\'erv and importation of tlie parasite Cyrtorhinus mundulus from Queensland is described [R.A.E., A, viii, 525]. The beetle Anomala [orientalis] is now very seldom seen, being con- trolled by its introduced parasite, Scolia manilae, which is still being distributed and is proving a very useful enemy to the rose beetle, A doretus [sinicus] . The wireworm, Hlonocrepidius exul, has been injuring young cane in some localities. Though known as a beneficial predator of grubs and pupae of the cane borer [Rliabdocnemis obscura] and of grubs of A. orientalis, it has lately attacked the eyes and tender shoots of seed- cane, and has also been found in ratoon fields. It is thought it was primarily attracted by the presence of the Olinda beetle, Pantomorus fulleri. Experiments with poisons and repellents have given little promise of success, and an entomologist is proceeding to the Philippines to search for natural enemies there. The Coccinellid, Coccinella arciiata, and the lacewingfly, Micromns vinaceus , brought from Australia to combat Aphids, have been reared and liberated in large numbers, but in only one place have they been found to be established. The New Guinea Tachinid [Ceromasia sphenophori] checks any serious infestation by the cane borer. Tarsonemus bancrofti (cane blister-mite), which has been a pest of cane for many years, has recently been causing rather serious damage. The mites work under the green leaf-bases, giving rise to tiny blisters that form scabs on the intemodes. HiNES (C. W.). Diseases, Insects, and Plant Pests o£ the Sugar-cane in the Philippine Islands. — Philippine Agric. Rev., Manila, xi, no. 4 (1918) 1920, pp. 275-277, 3 plates. [Received 25th January- 1921.] Among the pests of the sugar-cane in the Philippines the cane borer, Diatraea saccharalis, is the most common, but it does less harm than in other countries, owing to the control exercised by native parasites. ScHWARz (E. A.). U.S. Bur. Entom. A New Scolytid Beetle from Tropical Florida. — Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C., xxii, no. 8, November 1920, pp. 222-226, 2 figs. Dendrositius bourreriae, sp. n., here described, was found boring in Bourreria havanensis in Florida. The finding of this genus in Florida indicates that Dendrosinus globosus may yet be rediscovered there. 151 CoNRADi (A. F.) & Barre (H. W.). Orchard Spraying.— C/ewsow Agric. Coll., Clemson College, S.C, Extens. Circ. 17, February 1919, 8 pp. [Received 18th January 1921.] The preparation and use of orchard sprays in South CaroHna are described. Sawyer (W. S.). The Cranberry Rootworm Beetle {Rhahdoptems picipes) as an Apple Pest (Coleoptera) .—Caw^^. Ent., London, Ont., lii, no. 12, December 1920, p. 265, 1 plate. In June 1920 the cranberry rootworm beetle, Rhabdopterus picipes, 01., was observed injuring apple fruit in the State of New York ; the foliage was not touched. After about the middle of July the beetles left apples for the foliage of Virginia creeper, dock, and wild strawberry, and disappeared about the 1st of August. Powdered arsenate of lead (5 lb. in 100 U.S. gals, of summer strength lime-sulphur) was applied with great thoroughness, without either killing the beetles or driving them away. McCarthy (T.). Banana Root Borer {Cosmopolites sordidus, Germar). — Agric, Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxi, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 865-872, 2 plates, 1 fig." An account is given of Cosmopolites sordidus. Germ, (banana root borer), as occurring in the Tweed River district. The stages of this weevil and its habits and life-history are described Much stress is laid on the necessity for clean cultivation, and the trap method of catching the beetles is advocated The question of introducing the predatory Histerid, Plaesiiis javamis, from Java, is being considered, but further information regarding this enemy is required. Illingworth (J. F.). The Root Disease o£ the Banana in North Queensland. — Queensland Agric. Jl., Brisbane, xiv, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 297-301, 2 plates. Investigation among banana gardens in Cairns district, where the trees were very unhealthy and appeared to be drought-stricken, •with the bunches of fruit much dwarfed, showed a heavy infestation of Nematodes at the roots. Most of the rootlets were dead or rotted off, and the larger roots showed patches of decay. The Nematodes were present in all stages, but there was little indication of fungus. The Nematode concerned, Tylenchus sp., is described. It is hoped that the remedial measures advocated by A. H. Benson for eelworms in general will be successful against this pest. These include dipping banana plants, prior to planting, in a 1 : 1000 solution of corrosive sublimate for two hours, and afterwards planting at various depths, of which 12 inches seemed to give the best results. It is suggested that since arsenious acid is proving effective for the destruction of white grubs in soil, and has not shown any detrimental effects upon the root system of sugar-cane, it may prove valuable for other root- destroving organisms. In testing this, the corms and the holes in which "they are planted should be dusted ; and the poison should be mixed wiih the soil in infested fields before the sets are put in. Lime might also be tried when planting. 152 Gravely (F. H.). Descriptions of Indian Beetle Larvae, iii. — Rec. Ind. Mm., Calcutta, xvi, no. 4, June 1919, pp. 263-270, 1 plate, 1 fig. [Received 28th January 1921.] In this paper LameUicorn larvae only are dealt with. Those of Adoretiis lacustris, Arr., and .4. versutus, Har., are described from specimens found at Calcutta. Carpenter (G. H). Injurious Insects and other Animals observed in Ireland during the years 1916, 1917, and 1918. — Econ. Proc. R. Dublin Soc, Dublin, ii, no. 15, November 1920, pp. 259-272, 6 plates. [Received 28th January 1921.] The roots of wheat were damaged by blaclcfly grubs {Bibio sp.). Cockchafer larvae, MelolontJia melolontha, L. {vulgaris, F.), attacked the roots of cabbage, and those of Psylliodes chrysocephala, L., burrowed in the stems, the adult flea-beetles eating the leaves. Tiptila oleracea L., attacked cabbage, cauhflower, lettuce, and beetroot, eating through the stem at ground level and devouring the leaves after the fall of the plant. Beans and peas were attacked by a Capsid, Lygus pabulinus, L., which caused an arrested development in the buds and crumpling of the leaves, and against which nicotine sprays were employed. Aphis rumicis, L., also occurred on beans. Potatoes were injured by Lygus pabulinus, Calocoris bipunciaius, ¥., and Aphrophora alni, F. The caterpillars of Gortyna flavago Schiff. {ochracea, Hb.), and G. {Hydroecia) micacea, Esp., bored in the stems ; Tipula oleracea attacked the stalks, and Bibio marci, L., damaged tubers stored in a pit. Longitarsus parvulus, F., caused much damage to flax, the crop having to be resown in several localities. In orchards, Lygus pabulinus caused serious damage to apples, but was effectively dealt with by a nicotine and soap wash. Very young apple fruit was also damaged by Rhynchaenus (Orchestes) fagi, L. In the instance observed, the weevils had apparently come from beech trees that overhung the apples. Loganberries were attacked by Incurvaria {Lampronia) rubiella, Bjerk. (raspberry shoot moth), and Aspis uddmanniana, L., and raspberries by the sawfly, FeJiusa pumilio, Htg. Contarinia pyrivora, Riley, was observed on pears. In gardens, the springtails, Lipura fimetaria, L., L. armata,1n\h., and Orchesella villosa, Geoff., attacked a number of plants. Dressings of lime and soot are useful against these soil-inhabiting Collembola. Euxoa {Agrotis) segettim, Schiff., attacked plants of henbane at the ground level. Of forest insects. Aphis abietina, Wlk., and Lachnus pini, L., were abundant on spruce and pine, and caterpillars of Poecilocauipa popidi, L., were observed on silver fir, though they do not normally feed on conifers. Sirex gigas, L., occurred in various districts, and in some cases oviposited in young pine and larch, though breeding is carried on, as a rule, in decaying or dead trees. Rhabdophaga saliciperda, Duf. (osier-twig gall midge) injured shoots of osier. It is advisable to cut off and bum galled shoots during the winter, and to tar the exposed surface of affected trunks and stems in February or March, so as to prevent the emergence of the midges. 153 The storehouse beetles, Ptinus fur, L., and P. tectus, Boield., were both observed, the former among seeds of henbane, the latter in a store of casein and also eating holes in carpets. Other notes on some of the pests mentioned in this report were given in the previous one [R. A.E., A, v, 487]. Gillette (C. P.) & List (G. M.). Eleventh Annual Report of the State Entomologist of Colorado for the Year 1919. — Office State Ent., Fort Collins, Circ. 28, August 1920, 64 pp., 10 plates, 6 figs. [Received 26th January 1921.] An amendment has been passed to the Colorado Horticultural Inspection Act, for the purpose of extending the duties of the State entomologist, to provide a quarantine on poisonous plants and other objects, and to provide for the control of the alfalfa weevil {Hyper a variabilis, Hbst.] and make an increased appropriation to support the work. An account is given of the inspection activities in the various counties, and of the formation of the Western Plant Quarantine Board, which consists of representatives from various States, to dis- cuss problems in connection with quarantine and inspection. Certain recommendations are suggested to improve existing arrangements. The pests recorded include: — Aspidiotus perniciosiis, Comst. (San Jose scale), which continues to infest neglected orchards ; A. ancylus, Putn. (Putnam scale), infesting pear, cherry and other fruit trees, and elms ; Pitlvinaria inntimerabilis, Rathv. (cottony maple scale), on maple and box-elder trees in cities, which, when not sufficiently controlled by natural enemies, should be treated with kerosene emulsion ; Eriocampoides limacina, Ratz. (pear slug), on cherry trees, which is easily controlled by lead arsenate sprays ; Eriophyes pyri, Pag. (pear-leaf blister- mite), in apple orchards, where lime- sulphur sprays should be used just before the buds open in the spring ; Lepidosaphes ulmi (oyster-shell scale), on ash trees, lilac, and willows ; grasshoppers, which have caused unusually severe outbreaks, the chief species being Melanoplus bivittattis, M. atlantis, M. differ entialis and AI. femitr-rubrtim ; Gossyparia spuria. Mod. (elm scale), for which elms should be sprayed with miscible oils ; Cydia {Carpocapsa) ponio- ■nella, L. (codling moth) [i^. yl.f., A, viii, 527] ; Loxostege stidictalis (beet webworm) on sugar-beets and some garden crops, successfully controlled by sprays of any of the following substances to 50 U.S. gals, water — 2 or 4 lb. Paris green, 2\ lb. zinc arsenite, 4 lb. magnesium arsenate, calcium arsenate or lead arsenate ; Lycophotia margaritosa {Peridroma saucia, Hb.) (variegated cutworm), which it seems possible to control by poisoned bran mash, parasites reared from pupae of this moth being the Diptera, Gonia seqtiax, Will, Archytas analis, F., Linnaemyia comta. Fall., and Chaetogaedia monticola. Big., and the Hymenoptera, Ephialtes sanguineipes. Cress., Dibrachys boncheanus, Ratz., and Meteorus mellinervus, Vier. ; Tortrix {Archips) argyrospila, Wlk. (fruit-tree leaf- roller), on elms, box-elder, and fruit trees, sprays of miscible paraffin oil giving better results than asphaltum miscible oil ; and bark-beetles, such as Scolytus rugulosus, on cherry, peach and other fruit trees. Work on the alfalfa weevil was continued on the same lines as in the previous year [R.A.E., A, viii, 128]. The cHmatic conditions and nature of the infestation in 1919 are recorded, and an account is given of scouting operations. The weevil parasite, Baihyplectes curailionis. 154 obtained from Utah, is being reared and liberated, and seems to be increasing rapidly. There is one complete generation of the parasite in a 3'ear, with a partial second, and several larvae of Hypera variabilis may be attacked by one parasite! Dust mulching has not proved practicable, and is not recommended. The previous year's spraying results have been confirmed, and the spray, to be effective, must be applied when severe injury first becomes apparent. The latest quarantine restrictions against the transport of lucerne, either as hay or packing, or for any other purpose, by means of which H. variabilis might be distributed, are given, as well as a synopsis of regulations existing in 1919. List (G. M.). The European Elm Scale {Gossyparia spuria, Modeer.) — Office State Ent., Colorado, Fort Collins, Circ. 29, August 1920, 12 pp., 4 plates. [Received 26th January 1921.] In Colorado the European elm scale, Gossyparia spuria. Mod., confines its attacks almost entirely to the American elm, probably because the latter is the species most generally grown in the districts infested. It may be classed among the most destructive pests in Colorado. The partly grown larvae hibernate in the crevices of the bark. They suck the sap in spring. The males emerge earl}^ in June and die after mating. The females are mature at the end of June, and soon begin oviposition, the eggs hatching almost immediately. In 1920 the first young were seen on 24th June. They migrate to the leaves, where they feed on the underside until hibernation begins in autumn. Spraying with miscible oil, 1 part to 15 of water, has given almost perfect control. Judicious pruning and the removal of many trees in places where they are overcrowded are also important points. ZuBER (N. D.). Division oJ Orchard and Nursery Inspection. — 11th Ann. Rept. Commiss. Agric. Texas, Austin, 1st September 1918, pp. 45-53. [Received 26th January 1921.] Infestations of cottony cushion scale [ Icerya purchasi] occurred in various parts of the State. Spraying and fumigation were ineffec- tive, but after some difficulty an importation of the vedalia beetle [Novius cardinalis] was successful in checking the pest. Co-operative spraying was carried out against various orchard pests, and large quantities of poison were used against the Argentine ant [ Iridomyrmex humilis]. ScHOLL (E. E.). Division o! Entomology. — 11th Ann. Rept. Commiss. Agric. Texas, Austin, 1st September 1918, pp. 54-62. [Received 26th January 1921.] An extensive list of the insects noticed during the year is given. Among them Typophorus viridicyaneus. Crotch, and Estigmene acraea, Dru., attacked cotton. Colonies of the ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, were treated with a solution containing 1 lb. of 98 per cent, potassium cyanide to 6 U.S. gals, of water. Several applications of the poison were necessary. 155 Scroll (E. E.). Pink BoUworm Division. — 11th Ann. Rept. Commiss. Agric. Texas, Austin, 1st September 1918, pp. 63-82. [Received 26th January 1921.] The campaign against Platyedra [Pectinophora) gossvpiella, Saund., in Texas, for the year ending September 1918, is described \R.A.E., A, vi, 544 ; vii, 180]. Scroll (E. E.). Report o£ the Chief Entomologist of the State Depart- ment of Agriculture to the State Farmers' Institute convening at Austin, Texas, 6th, 7th, 8th August, 1919. — Texas Dept. Agric, Austin, Bull. 67, July-August 1919, pp. 15-21. [Received 26th January 1921.] Insects that required special attention in Texas during 1919 included bean thrips [Heliothrips fasciatus], mebn aphis [Aphis gossypii], and spring army worms that were destroying wheat and oats. Grass- hoppers, pecan insects, fruit and shade tree pests and apple insects were also troublesome. The control of pink bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella] is progressing satisfactorily. The situation in various localities is discussed. Essen- tial measures are the destruction of self-sown cotton, the enforcement of regulated and non-cotton zones, the tracing of consignments of cotton that may have been infested or become contaminated, and scouting work. The organisation for these purposes is described. LuNDBLAD (0.). Apple- och Paronbladloppoma. [The Apple and Pear Leaf-suckers.] — Medd. Centralanst. Forsoksvdsendet pa Jordbruksomrddet, no. 209, Ent. Avdelingen, no. 37, Linkoping, 1920, 20 pp., 18 figs. [With an extract in German.] The apple leaf -sucker, Psylla mali, Schmidb., is common in the southern half of Sweden, chiefly on apple, but also on Sorbus aucu- paria, and, according to Renter, on Corylus, though this is doubtful. The eggs hibernate on the branches. In spring the larvae hatch when the shoots open. In Central Sweden maturity is reached by mid-June. The Psyllid remains on the apple until autumn, mating occurring in the late summer and autumn. P. mali often causes severe injuiy. Infested apple trees are easily recognisable by the abundant honey-dew. In Sweden a 10 per cent, carbolineum emulsion is sprayed when the shoots open in spring, with the object of killing the eggs. Great care must be taken to spray at the right time, or the aim will not be attained, and even great injury may be done to the trees. Nicotine sulphate is employed against the young larvae. The pear leaf-suckers are less harmful. Very little is known about them. P. pyrisuga, Forst., does not appear to be rare, but is abundant only exceptionally, and important injury seldom occurs. P. pyrisuga hibernates in the adult stage. The eggs are laid in spring, usually on the young leaves. The larvae at first feed on the green portions of the pear tree ; later on they attack the bark of the previous year's shoots. Before the last moult the larvae again return to the lea\'es. These habits are undoubtedly secondary, and the lar\-ae must origi- nally have lived on the green portions only. The infested leaves curl and crinkle. Nicotine sulphate is recommended against this species, the young larvae being sprayed once or twice in early summer. 156 P. pyri, L., also occurs in Sweden, but is probably very rare. Hiber- nation takes place in the adult stage ; the eggs are deposited in spring. Owing to the scarcity of this species, injury by it does not appear to have been observed. Up to the present P. pyricola, Forst., has not been observed in Sweden. EscHERiCH (K.). Die Generation des grossen braunen Russelkafers {Hylohius ahictis). Zugleich eine Bitte um Mitarbeit. [The Life-history of H. abietis. Also a Request for Co-operation.] — ■ Forstwissenschaftliches Centralblatt, [sine loco] 1920, no. 12, pp. 425-431. A full knowledge of the life-cycle of Hylohius abietis has not yet been obtained. Opinion is divided as to whether the larvae pupate immediately on reaching maturity or require a long larval rest period in order to become capable of pupating. Furthermore, it is not clear whether the young adults are capable of reproduction immediately after emergence or require a preliminary long maturing period during which they feed. Acceptance of the first alternative in both the above cases involves the assumption of a short hfe-cycle (one year or less), and acceptance of the second of a life-cycle lasting about two years. The belief in a two-year cycle is held by Ratzeburg and others. The author is in agreement with them, as a result of experiments made in 1915-1916 with breeding-logs in two districts of Bavaria differing rather markedly from one another. The following data were secured in both places : — Chief oviposition, from April to June 1915 ; chief growth-period of the larvae, ended by the end of September 1915 ; larval rest period, from October 1915 to June-July 1916 ; pupation, from July to mid-August 1916 ; and emergence of the young adults, after a 2-3 week pupal stage, from mid-August to September 1916. The variations noticed in the size of the larvae in the summer of 1915 were compensated for in the next year, so that all the adults emerged together. On 5th September 1916 none of the logs harboured any larvae or adults. Some of the young adults were caged in pairs ; they fed on the branches given to them but did not mate. It is therefore clear that a period of 15 months was required from egg to adult, and that if the fact that pairing did not take place in autumn be accepted, a two-year cycle obtains. As others have made similar observations, there is no doubt that H. abietis is able to undergo a two-year cycle. On the other hand, there exist actual observations of a much shorter life-cycle. In his cage experiments von Oppen found the period from egg to adult to be about 12 months. It is true that the beetles did not attain the full average size, so that Altum spoke of maturity due to necessity. Rothe (1910) observed that in localities where clearing had been done, development was still shorter in Hylobius in the small remainder of roots left in the ground. He also ascribed the early emergence to pupation owing to lack of food. Another short cycle (3-4 months) was observed in Alsace by Eichhoff (1882), who was thus led to suppose the occurrence of two annual generations. 157 The author has recently observed a short cycle of 3-4 months in the Bienwald, Rhine Palatinate, under conditions that do not appear to admit of any error. The great difference in the duration is considered to be due to variations in temperature. In support of this theory it may be noted that the beetles were found in the superficial roots almost exposed to sunshine at atmospheric warmth. In the lower roots only larvae were found. Furthermore, on his return from the Rhine Palatinate to a colder region the author found only larvae. It is therefore probable that the length of the life-cycle of H. ahietis is governed by the temperature ; in warm regions, like Alsace and the Rhine Palatinate, a short period is possible. The difference in the lengths of the hfe-cycles is not so surprising if it be remembered that even in the case of the long period the larvae are full grown in the autumn of the first year. It is possible that pupation requires a certain degree of warmth. A further question is whether there is also a possibility of two annual generations. If the beetle requires a long maturing period, even the short developmental period can yield only one generation. Dissection of the short-cycle females from the Bienwald showed that the ovaries were quite immature. As regards the swarming and feeding periods, it is poinled out that, though various writers believe oviposition to be spread over the whole year, practical experience shows that there are two chief feeding periods— in the spring and autumn. Undoubtedly the female (as with Pissodes) can oviposit throughout the summer if fresh breeding material is available. Such conditions are found in a virgin forest, but in regulated forestry, spring is the chief oviposition period, owing to the attraction due to winter fellings. In a regulated forest it is, therefore, feasible to restrict most of the oviposition to a given period in the year. The paper concludes with an appeal for co-operation, the chief assistance needed being a supply of infested roots with the exact date of felling. JMeyer (L.). Casit gegen Erdflohe. [The Use of Casit against Flea- beetles.] — Deutsche landw. Presse, xlvii, 1920, p. 5. (Abstract in Centralbl. Bakt., Parasit. u. Infektionskr., Jena, lite Abt lii no. 18-23, 6th January 1921, p. 425.) A commercial preparation, Casit, is recommended by the author, its manufacturer, as the best remedy against flea-beetles, as it is non-poisonous and contains no arsenic. The constant use of arsenicals is considered detrimental to the fertihty of the soil. Independent testimony is given in support of this claim. This official opinion states that three applications of Casit destro3'ed the flea-beetles on older plants, but that for practical purposes success on 3'oung plants is more desirable, as they suffer most from the infestation. KiEFFER (J. J.). Une nouvelle Vari^t^ de Cecidomyie (Dipt.).— 5/^//. Soc. Ent. France, Paris, no. 17, 10th November 1920, pp. 296- 297. [Received 25th January 1921.] A description is given of Silvesirina silvestrii var. cecconiana, n., taken in large numbers on olive fruit in Italy. The type species comes 158 from South Africa — from the fruit of Olea verrucosa, and the branches of Morns alba infested by Diaspis — and from Brazil, also from .1/. alba infested by Diaspis. ^tlAxciiERON (P.). Ennemis et Maladies de la Betterave a Sucre.— Rev. Agric. Afr. Nord, Algiers, xix, no. 77, 21st January 1921, pp. 56-58. The insect pests of sugar-beet mentioned are Atomaria linearis, common in the whole of North Africa ; the larvae of Melolontha and Agriotes ; Grvllotalpa ; Nematodes ; Haliica, common in Algeria, where it also attacks vines ; and Silpha. Nematodes are considered to be the most important. Habermehl ( — ). Beitrage zur Kenntnis der palaearktischen Ichneu- monidenfauna. [Contributions to tlie Knowledge of the Palae- arctic Ichneumonid Fauna.] — Zeitschr. tciss. Insektenbiol., Berlin, xvi, no. 3-4, 31st December 1920. pp. 63-69. This is an addendum to the paper under the same title already noticed [i?. .■!.£., A, ix, 36]. EscHERiCH (K.). Angewandte Entomologie. [AppUed Entomology.] ■ — Reprint from Aus der Xatitr, xvii, no. 1, pp. 7-10. [Received 28th January 1921.] An impression exists that the systematic determination of an injurious species is the duty of the zoologist, whereas combative measures come within the province of the agriculturist or agricultural botanist. This idea must be combated energeticaUy. All the striking successes in pest control throughout the world have been achieved by applied zoologists or applied entomologists. The reason why German forestry has been so successful is that from the beginning zoologists have studied the forest insects. On the other hand, pest control in German agri- culture has suffered because of the erroneous idea mentioned above. This article also pleads for thorough co-operation between zoologists, botanists, chemists, soil-experts, and practical agriculturists. Such co-operation is necessary if agricultural pests are to be mastered. MiEGE (E.). Action de la Chloropicrine sur la Faculte germinative des Graines. — C. R. hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 3, 17th January 1921, pp. 170-173. Observations made to test the action of chloropicrin on the germina- tion of plants show that the effect varies with the kind of plant treated, as well as with the strength and length of treatment. Whilst legu- minous plants are practically immune to the action of the gas, hemp, beetroot, and especially cereals, are greatly affected. The germinative power of wheat may be reduced by at least 30 per cent, as a result. March AL (P.). Utilisation des Coccinelles contre les Insectes nuisibles aux Cultures dans le Midi de la France.— C. R. hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 2, 10th January 1921, pp. 105-107. Colonies of Cryptolaemiis montrouzieri , Muls., predaceous on Pseudo- coccus spp., have been bred and liberated from the insectarium at 159 Mentone. This Coccinellid has now become established in the south of France. Colonies have also been sent to Algeria and Italy. FoNZES-DiACON ( — ). La Toxicity des M^taux. — Pr ogres Agrtc. & Vitic, Montpellier, Ixxv, no. 4, 23rd January 1921, pp. 90-92. Ordinary metals are not in themselves poisonous, owing to the fact that they are insoluble in body secretions and pass through the organism without affecting it. Metals become poisonous when they form soluble combinations ; verdigris is an example of this. Not all soluble copper salts, however, are toxic to the same degree. Copper sulphate (SO4CU) is composed of the ions SO4 and Cu, and a solution of copper sulphate that is only shghtly ionised is only shghtly toxic. Furthermore, if the particles of copper are not present as free ions they are not poisonous. It is not quite correct, therefore, to speak of the toxicity of copper ; a better expression would be " the toxicity of salts contn.ining free ions of copper." The copper salts commonly used by vine-growers are of the latter class, and this explains their toxicity. DiCKERsoN (E. L.) «& Weiss (H. B.). The Insects of the Evening Primroses in New Jersey. — //. A^ Y. Ent. Soc, Lancaster, Pa., xxviii, no. 1, :\Iarch 1920, pp. 32-74, 3 plates. Descriptions, with brief notes on the life-history, of 17 species of insects attacking evening prim.rose {Oenothera) in New Jersey are given, as well as a list of over 80 other species found associated with this plant. Chamberlin (W. J.). Notes on Two little-known wood-boring Beetles, Chrysobothris syJvania, Fall, and Melasis riifipennis, Horn (Buprestidae, Elateridae). — //. A''. Y. Ent. Soc. Lancaster, Pa., xxviii, no. 2, June 1920, pp. 151-157, 2 plates. The eggs of Chrysobothris sylvania. Fall, are deposited in the crevices of the bark of Douglas fir [Pseudotsiiga taxifolia] in April and May. The larvae bore through the bark and cambium into the wood during the summer, autumn and winter. Pupation occurs in March or April in the sapwood, and lasts 2 to 3 weeks. The first adults were seen on 16th April. The natural enemies of this beetle include three undescribed Ichneumonids and the Tarsonemid mite, Pediculoides ventricosus, Newp. Melasis rufipennis, Horn, attacks grand fir ( Abies grandis) and white fir [Abies concolor). All stages were found in April, and observations indicate that the larval stage lasts more than a year. Although one tree was heavily infested for 3 years and a great many beetles emerged, there was no indication of reinfestation of trees near by. No eggs were found. This species occurs in Washington, Oregon and Nevada. Gibson (A.) & McLaine (L. S.). The European Corn Borer [Pyrausta nubilalis, Hb.). — Canada : Dept. Agric, Ent. Branch, Ottawa, Crop Protection Leaflet no. 13, 24th September 1920, 3 pp. [Received 1st February 1921.] Pyrausta nubilalis, which has recently been discovered in Ontario [R. A.E., A, ix, 14], has so far only been found infesting maize. The nature of the injury and the usual remedial measures are briefly described. 160 Ministerial Order quarantining certain Areas on Account of the Euro- pean Corn Borer and restricting the Movement of Corn and Corn Products in said Areas. Notice of Quarantine no. 2 (Domestic). — Canada : Dept. Agric, Ent. Branch, Ottawa, 29th November 1920, 2 pp. [Received 1st February 1921.1 As a result of the occurrence of Pyrausta nuhilalis, Hb., in Ontario, a quarantine measure was passed prohibiting the transportation of maize fodder, maize stalks, including broom maize, whether used for packing or other purposes, green sweet maize, roasting ears, maize on the cob, or maize cobs from any of the enumerated townships in the Province to points outside them, with certain necessary exceptions. This quarantine was to take effect on 29th November 1920. Hewitt (C. G.). Report of the Dominion Entomologist and Consulting Zoologist for the two years ending 31st March 1919. — Canada: Dept. Agi'ic, Ottawa, 1920, 23 pp., 1 fig. [Received 1st February 1921.] As a result of the inspection of foreign nursery stock several species of Coccids, Aphids, Lepidoptera and other potential foreign pests were intercepted, as well as living egg-masses oiHypononieuta malinellus (ermine moth) in a shipment of apple seedlings from France. Owing to careful scouting for and destruction of the winter webs of the brown-tail moth [Nygmia phaeorrhoed], the situation in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick can be regarded as satisfactory on the whole. The field work was greatly assisted through the Governments of these Provinces supplying half the number of inspectors required each winter. No signs of brown-tail or gipsy moth [Porthetria dispar] were found in the counties of Quebec during an inspection made in November 1916. The work of controlling Hyphantria textor (fall web worm) has been in progress for seven years. An unusually serious outbreak in the Lower Fraser valley in British Columbia should afford valuable data for investigations. The outbreak of Malacosoma disstria (forest tent caterpillar) in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has apparently subsided, but studies are being continued in Alberta, where a severe outbreak has occurred, and where the usual parasites appear to be entirely absent. A severe outbreak of the spruce budworm {Tortrix fumiferana) on Douglas fir in British Columbia provided good material for inves- tigation of the parasites of the later stages of this moth. Several colonies of the predaceous mite, Hemisar copies mains, were liberated in British Columbia at points where Lepidosaphes ulmi (oyster-shell scale) is a serious pest. The area of investigation on the natural control of Hemerocampa leucostigma (white-marked tussock moth) has been extended to include the whole of eastern Canada. Conipsiliira concinnata has now been successfully established against it, and Apanteles lacteicolor is distributed in several counties. Calosoma sycophanta has been liberated in Victoria, B.C., for the control of an oak looper, Ellopia sp. In 1917 field work was begun with a view to studying the relation of Lachnosterna spp. to their natural and cultural environment, but owing to shortage of assistance, this work has been temporarily discontinued. 161 Against Phorhia hrassicae (cabbage root maggot) promising results were obtained with bichloride of mercury. Cutworms were most abundant in western Canada during 1917 and 1918, Eiixoa ochrogaster and Feltia venerabilis doing considerable damage in gardens. Wheat and oats were attacked by Sidemia devastatrix (glassy cutworm) and cabbages and turnips by Agrotis ypsilon. Cephus cincius (western wheat-stem sawfly) caused extensive damage to wheat in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Investigations on Oscinid flies affecting western grain and grasses have been continued, and much valuable information has been secured regarding the life-histories and bionomics of several important species. Other insects recorded are Loxostege stidicalis (sugar-beet webworm) ; Macrosiphum granarium (grain aphis) ; Phorbia fusciceps (seed-corn maggot), causing injury to beans and seed corn in eastern Canada ; Itonida tritici (wheat midge) ; Harmolita [Isosoma) tritici (wheat joint worm) ; wireworms injurious to potatoes ; Entomoscelis adonidis, on turnips, cabbages, etc. ; Epitrix cucnmeris (potato flea-beetle), on potatoes and tomatos, particularly in New Brunswick ; Macrobasis unicolor (grey blister-beetle), on potatoes ; Perrisia {Dasyneitra) legu- minicola (clover-seed midge), seriously affecting clover seed production in Ontario ; the alfalfa-seed Chalcid [Bruchophagus funehris], injuring 50 per cent, of the crop in certain localities of British Columbia ; and Neocerata [Dasyneura) rhodophaga (rose midge), very destructive to outdoor roses in Ontario. The insects aflecting fruit crops included : — - A nthonomns quadrigibbus (apple curculio), against which lime-sulphur and calcium arsenate sprays proved effective ; Rhagoletis pomonella (apple maggot) ; Schizura concinna (red-humped apple caterpillar) ; Hyphantria ciinea ; Conotrachelus nenuphar ; Myzus cerasi (black cherry aphis), of which red pepper grass [Lepidiiim apatelum) appears to be the alternative food- plant ; Psylla pyricola (pear psylla), the life-history of which has been further studied ; Polychrosis viteana (grape-vine moth), which is of minor importance under Ontario conditions ; Anarsia lineatella, the most serious pest of peaches in British Columbia, the life-history of which received special attention ; Aristotelia fragariae ; and Aegeria {Synanthedon) rutilans. Insects affecting forest and shade trees included Tortrix ( Harmaloga) fiimiferana (spruce budworm) ; Pityokteines sparsus. Lee, and Pissodes dubius, Rand., associated with balsam disease. Experimental work on the control of Agrilus anxius (bronze birch borer), Cyllenc robiniae, KaliosyspJiinga doJirni, Argyresthia thuiella, Diploiaxis spp., Lophyrus lecontei, and Phylloryder [Lithocolletis) sp., affecting oaks, was also undertaken. The life-histories of Diapheromera femorata on oak and basswood and Prionoxystus macmurtrei on oak were also investigated. Dryocoeies confusus (balsam bark-beetle) and Pissodes strobi (white pine weevil) caused serious injury during 1917 and 1918, as did Tortrix conflictana on poplars and Hemerocampa vetusta var. gulosa, on Douglas fir. Argyroploce [Olethreutes) duplex was less destructive than in previous years. Owing to the reported discovery of certain mites in Canadian grain in England, a study of the conditions affecting grain from the time of harvest until loaded at the seaboard was undertaken, and the results show that under normal condition^ the infestation of grain does not take place in Canada to a noticeable extent. Ephestia kiihmella was found sparingly in accumulations of wheat in empty grain boats, and (2290) N 162 one serious infestation by Tyroglyphus farinae was discovered. Cargoes of grain from Australia were heavily infested with Calandra oryzae, Laemophloeus fcrrugineus and Tribolium castaneum [ferritgincum). The Chalcid, Aplastomorpha praiti, was also found in wheat. Macaroni was especially damaged by Calandra granaria in Vancouver, and the bean weevil [Britchus sp.] occurred in seed beans in Quebec. Wade (J. S). U.S. Bur. Ent. Notes on Ecology of Injurious Tene- brionidae (Col.). — Ent. Neu's, Philadelphia, Pa., xxxii, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 1-6. Tenebrionid larvae are becoming yearly more destructive to newly sown wheat and other grain in the semi-arid regions of the middle and western United States. The most injurious species belong to the genera Eleodes, Embaphion, Blapstiniis, smd Asida. Owing to the destruction of native grasses and other food-plants, species of closely related genera may become dangerous pests. The injury is caused by the larvae destroying the newly sown grain before or during germination in the autumn. The factors affecting the distribution of these beetles are briefly outlined, and it is considered that a carefully worked out system of crop rotation will prove to be one of the best remedial measures. As the adults frequently hide under piles of Russian thistle {Salsola kali var. tenuifolia) and common thistle [Cirsinm lanceolatiim) , their numbers may be greatly reduced by the destruction of all such weeds. Paper is one of the favourite shelters for adults, and is suggested as a cover for poison baits. Although heavy pasturage appears to reduce the number of insects, serious damage often follows when cereal crops are planted on old pasture land or on adjacent land. The presence of cattle in moderate numbers apparently favours the increase of Eleodes spp. While infested fields may contain several species, occasional areas contain a majority of a single one. As a result of the complexity of distribution, it is urged that a more careful stud}^ of the similar habits of different species must be made over an extensive and varied territorv before trustworthv remedial measures can be advocated. Braux (A. F.). Notes on Microlepidoptera, with Descriptions of New Species. — Ent. News, Philadelphia, Pa., xxxii, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 8-18. Heliozela aesella, Chamb., has only been found on Vitis cordifolia in the vicinity of Cincinnati, but elsewhere it produces galls on various species of grapes. The moths appear towards the end of April and early May ; the galls develop at the beginning of June, and the larvae are mature about the middle of that month. There is only one generation a year. The larvae of Argyresthia undulatella, Chamb., mine in the inner bark of the main trunk and branches of red elm ( Uhnus fulva) ; the cocoons are spun early in April in a crevice of the bark. The new species described include : — Telphitsa agrifolia on California live oak [Qiicrcus agrifolia) in California ; Rccnrvaria ceanothiella, the larvae of which mine the leaves of Ceanothiis divaricatns in California, the adult moths appearing from April to May ; and C. duplicis, the larvae mining in seeds of Asier spp. and other Compositae. 163 Lathrop (F. H.) & Black (A. B.). The Western Peach and Prune Root Borer {Sanninoidea opalescens, Edw.). — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta.. Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 59-70, 1 plate. Aegeria (Sanninoidea) opalescens, Edw. (western peach and prune root borer) is the most serious pest of prunes in Oregon. It is probably a native moth, and greatly resembles in life and habits the eastern peach-tree borer [S. exitiosa]. Several kinds of stone fruits are attacked, almonds, peach, apricot, and prune being preferred. Hibernation occurs in the larval stage, the larvae being more or less active during warm periods, and leaving their tunnels in the bark for the gum and frass around the base of the tree. With the approach of spring they become more active and spin cocoons, from which adults emerge during the latter half of June. Oviposition begins about 1st July, unhealthy trees being preferred, though healthy trees also are fre- quently attacked. Each female produces from 300 to 800 eggs ; these hatch within ten days, the young larvae tunnelling in the bark, and later in the inner bark and cambmm. There is only one generation in a year, but owing to the extended oviposition period, larvae of all sizes may be found in the tree at almost any season. Many larvae fail to mature, disease attacking a large percentage. A parasite, Itamoplex tejonensis, destroys about three per cent, of the pupae. Many experiments in artificial control, carried out during 1916-20, are recorded in detail. The old method of digging the larvae from their tunnels is the most reliable yet known ; this should be done before 1st July and in autumn after 1st September. Applications of asphaltum, tanglefoot, etc., to the base of the tree are not recom- mended. Tree protectors, when properly applied, give good results, but are not recommended, as they are apt to stimulate root rot. Whitewash treatments have been found beneficial, a successful formula being 8 lb. quickhme, \ lb. lead arsenate powder, 2 lb. salt, \ lb. glue, 2 oz. 40 per cent, nicotine sulphate, and enough water to make into a thick paint. The soil should be removed from the base of the tree to a depth of 3 or 4 inches. The crown of the tree should be dried and brushed, and then the wash applied with a stiff brush, coating the trunk to a height of 14 to 16 inches. The soil should then be replaced. The first application should be made immediately before 1st Juh', and another should be given in mid- August if necessary. Naphthaline washes gave very good results in 1920, but this treatment cannot be recommended until more is known about its effect on the tree as well as its efficacy. Further investigations will be made, and these recommendations are not regarded as final. Childs (L.) & LcnETT (A. L.). Improved Sprays and Practices in Codling Moth Control.— .3;'i Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 71-81, 4 plates. This paper correlates the results of recent investigations into improved methods of control of codling moth [Cydia pofnonella]. The bulk of the information has been previous^ noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 372, 462]. (2290) N 2 164 Fulton (B. B.). Tne Fruit-tree Leaf-roller. Report on Progress of Investigations. — oyd Crop Pest & Horiic. Kept.. 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 82-88, 4 figs. The fruit-tree leaf-roller [Tortrix argyrospila] was first observed to be destructive in Oregon in 1912, and rapidly became one of the most injurious fruit pests of the State, sometimes defoliating whole trees and spoiling two seasons' crops by preventing the formation of fruit buds. While apple is the preferred food, cherry, plum, prune and pear trees are also attacked, but seldom peaches. The oblique- banded leaf-roller [T. rosaccana] is frequently associated with T. argyrospila, but has not been known to do any serious damage. T. argyrospila passes more than nine months of the ytds in the egg-stage attached to the bark of the tree, and hatches when the buds are in the cluster stage, the young larvae generally entering the blossoms and webbing the stamens together. Later, they fasten the leaves together to form a nest. Pupation occurs within the web, the moths beginning to appear from late June to mid- July, according to the locality, the species occurring in all parts of the State. Seven different para- sites have been bred from this leaf-roller, and a soldier-bug is an active predator, but these enemies are not a sufhcient check. The most successful remedy as yet tried is a spray of heavy miscible oil, 8 gallons to 100, applied after the buds show green at the tip and before the blossom cluster buds begin to spread. Robinson (R. H.). Chemical and Physical Properties of the Arsenates of Lead.— 5r^ Crop Pest & Horiic. Kept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 89-94, 1 plate, 1 fig. The results of various tests with different commercial brands of lead arsenate are given. All those tested were practically the same in chemical composition, safe in use and probably equally efficient. The present investigation into the phj^sical properties indicates that there is an appreciable difference in the size of the particles, in the proportion of large and small particles, and their suspension qualities. The addition of a spreader seemed to cause further sub-division of clusters of arsenical particles and to hold them in suspension for a long time. An efficient spreader should also cause the drops to flatten out and spread over a larger area. Only spraying tests in the field will prove whether the addition of a spreader increases the efficacy of an arsenical spray. LovETT (A. L.). The Pear Thrips {Taeniothrips inconsequens, Uzel). — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Kept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 95-102, 6 figs. Taeniothrips inconsequens (pear thrips) was first observed in de- structive numbers in Oregon in 1919, though it had probably been introduced some years previously. An account of its life-historj'-, habits, food-plants and the injury it causes is given [R.A.E., A, iii, 461. etc.]. Many spraying tests were planned for 1920, but owing to climatic conditions this thrips was not numerous, and spraying was impossible or of little value. Until thorough trials have been made in Oregon, it is proposed to adopt the spraying practices followed in British Columbia, and a spray calendar on these lines is appended. 165 Chamberlin (W. J.). Flat-headed Borers which attack Orchard Trees and Cane Fruits in Oregon.— 3>d Crop Pest & Hortic. Kept., 1915-1920, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta.. Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 103-108, 1 fig. Of the 350 odd species of Buprestids— known as fiat-headed borers —that occur in the United States/ over 50 are found in Oregon. The species here dealt with include Chrysobothris femorata, F. (flat-headed apple-tree borer), C. mali (Pacific flat-headed apple-tree borer) [R.A.E., A. vh, 475] and Dicerca pectorosa (flat-headed prune-tree borer). The last-named is usually found in trees already infested with root-borers. Peach and prune trees are attacked, the native food-plant probably benig wild plum. A similar species, D. horni, also occurs in Oregon, and has many native food-plants. Prevention of attack by these borers is much simpler than remedies, and IS largely attained by thorough cultivation, fertilisation, pruning and spraying. Injured or broken trees should always be carefully repaired and the exposed parts painted over. Wounds made in extracting borers from trees should be similarly treated. Any device that shades the trunk acts as a preventive to oviposition. Trap posts placed in the orchard and coated with a sticky substance catch some of the females when on the wing and seeking places for oviposition. Mechanical protectors in the form of burlap or heavy paper, wrapped securely around the trunks from the ground to the lowest branches, might be apphed when blossoming starts, and removed late in summer' Repellents such as soft soap with caustic potash or washing soda solution may be applied with a brush when the borers begin emerging in the spring. Crude carbolic at the rate of one pint to 10 gals, of wash may be added. Fulton (B. B.). Grasshopper Control in Ovegon.Srd Crop Pest ^ & Hortic. Kept., 1915-20. Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 109-115, 1 plate, 2 figs. Grasshopper outbreaks of importance in Oregon are confined to the great plains of the eastern and southern parts of the State, and are due to Camniila pellucida. Lesser outbreaks, generally of the non-migratory species such as Melanoplns femur-rubrum and M. atlantis, occasionally occur in Western Oregon. C. pellucida breeds chiefly in restricted areas, generally in waste land, and Melano- plus spp. in or adjacent to cultivated fields. A summary is given of the grasshopper outbreaks that have occurred in the State within recent years. A species of Bombyliid is a common insect enemy of the eggs of C. pellucida. Where possible, the egg-beds should be ploughed over or cultivated with a disc or spring-tooth harrow, but this, as a rule, is only profitable where the ground can be sown for a crop^ When this is not practicable, the young hoppers can be poisoned m the spring before they have had time to spread. _ Accounts of various locust campaigns are given ; in one count\' it IS estimated that an expenditure of some £1,200 saved about ;^100,00b in the value of the crop. The essentials in grasshopper poisoning are active organization of the whole district under efficient leadership, perfected early enough for surveys of the egg-beds prior to actual work, estimates for the necessary materials, allowing at least 2 lb. of arsenic per acre on the egg-beds, with other materials in proportion. 166 and the following of proper methods of mixing and spreading the bait. These are described, and the standard formulae recommended by the United States Bureau of Entomology are given. Fulton (B. B.). The Alfalfa Weevil.— orr^ Crop Pest & Hortic. Kept., 1915-1920. Orci^on Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 116-118, 2''ligs. The alfalfa weevil [Hyper a variabilis] first appeared in Oregon about 1919. An account of its life-history and habits and the remedial measures against it are described [R. A.E.,k, vi, 339 ; viii, 128, etc.]. The spray recommended is 2 lb. powdered lead arsenate to 100 U.S. gals, water with a little soap, used at the rate of 100 gals, or less per acre. This should be applied one or two weeks before the first crop is ready to be cut, or when the young larvae have become sufficiently numerous to destroy the growing tips. Experiments are being conducted in Idaho to determine the relative values of dusting and spraying as a remedy against this weevil. LovETT (A. L.j. The Loganberry Crown-borer [Bemhecia marginata, Harris.). — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Kept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 119-120. Pennisetia [Bemhecia) marginata, Harr. (loganberry crown-borer) is one of the most commonh- injurious insect pests of cane fruits in Oregon. Two seasons are passed boring in the crown of the plant. The moths are observed from August until early autumn, and deposit their eggs singly on the lower surface of the leaf margins. These hatch in from 40 to 60 days, that is, in late September or October. The young larvae crawl down the canes to the crown of the plant and tunnel under the bark below the ground surface, forming a cell that appears as a sligljtly raised blister on the crown. In the spring they tunnel upwards, reaching in early summer the base of one of the new season's canes, and tunnel the pith of the new cane for 10 or 12 inches. At midsummer they work their way outwards and girdle the cane beneath the bark, causing it to die. At a point below this girdle they generally tunnel out an opening to the exterior of the cane. In late autumn the borers return to the crown or the root to pass the second winter. In the succeeding spring they are mature, and again ascend a dead stub or cane, where they pupate, the moths emerging in August or later. Sprays against the larvae are useless, as they are inside the plant, and no insecticide has as yet been found that is successful against the eggs, but as the larva twice appears above ground, the following method has been tried and has proved very successful. In early summer, when the canes are being trained up and old ones cut out, any girdled or wilted canes should be firmly grasped, twisted and pulled. The cane will sever at the girdle, often revealing a borer at the spot. A short, thick wire might be inserted into the severed stub to kill any borers there. In very severe infestations the canes should be visited again in late June, and all dead canes and stubs close to the ground should be broken off. The mature larvae that have come up for pupation will thus be destroyed. 167 Childs (L.). Amounts of Spray required on Trees of different Ages in the different Applications. — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Kept.. 1915-20, Oreqon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 121-122. A lack of understanding of the amount of spray material required for trees of different ages has often been the cause of failure to check the ravages of many familiar insects and diseases. In this paper the necessity of recording and studying the average amount used per tree of every spray applied during the season is emphasized. WTiere this is done, it is found that the use of irregular amounts of spray is the cause of decided irregularity in insect control. In the case of autumn applications of Bordeaux mixture, where twigs, branches and trunks must be thoroughly covered, more time and material is required than for the coating of foliage and fruit in summer sprays. About 2 U.S. gals, more spray is required in the autumn on old, bearing trees than is required on the same trees in the simimer. A table shows the average amount of spray per tree applied in well- sprayed orchards of different ages in Hood River Valley, where very satisfactory results have been obtained. Lathrop (F. H.). The Rusty Leaf Mite. — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 123-124,^1 fig. Injury to fruit foliage in Oregon is caused by Phyllocoptes schlcctendali (rusty leaf-mite), which is found throughout the prune, pear and apple districts. The mites hibernate in the winter beneath the bud scales, generally of apple, and when these are swelling in the spring they become active on the buds and opening leaves and continue on the foliage throughout the summer, causing curling and russeting of the leaves. Sometimes the fruit also is russeted, and cracks appear on the surface. Sulphur, either as a dust or liquid, should be used in the summer months when the mites are exposed on the foliage. Fulton (B. B.). Tree Crickets.— 5rt^ Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept. 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 125-126, 1 fig. Tree crickets [Oecanthus spp.J are often the cause of splitting or breaking of raspberry and loganberry canes, owing to their oviposition punctures. Raspberry cane blight fungus also frequently enters the canes at the punctures. If numerous enough to cause serious damage, the affected canes should be cut out and burnt in the autumn or spring. General Insect Notes. — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept., 1915-20, Oregon Agric. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th Januar\' 1921, pp. 127-130, i fig. Xylehorus dispar (shot-hole borer) has been injurious to fruit trees for the past three seasons, prune and pear trees suffering most. It was found that only unhealthy trees affected with sour sap are attacked. Better cultivation and the maintenance of healthy conditions will save the trees from attack. If infestation is observed, 1 U.S. gal. soft or liquid fish-oil soap, with ^ pint crude carbolic acid to 3 U.S. gals. 168 water should be applied in spring, each week for three weeks. Anarsia lineatclla injures prune and peach trees, the lar\-ae tunnelling down the terminal twigs and killing them, and burrowing into the young fruit, causing it to drop. Commercial lime-sulphur (1 : 8) should be used just as the buds are swelling, and if properly applied, is invariably successful. Bud weevils were the cause of injurj- on filbert, pear, prune and other fruit trees, the buds being eaten out as they developed. Mechanical protectors should be tied about the trunks of the trees to prevent the ascent of the wee^'ils, most of which cannot fly, and of climbing cutworms, which are sometimes responsible for similar injur}-. MonopJiadnits [Monophadnoides) riibi (raspberry sawflj-) caused much defoliation of loganberries and raspberries. The adults appear at blossoming time and oviposit within the tissue of the leaf. Sprays of 1 lb. lead arsenate to 25 U.S. gals, of water, applied just after blossoming to the lower surface of the leaf, are an effective remedy. The Ceram- bycids, Xylocrius cribratus and X. agassizi (black gooseberry borers), have seriously injured commercial gooseberry plantations in one county and are also gooseberry pests in California. The beetles appear in late summer, and oviposit on gooseberry stems. The larvae tunnel down the stems to the roots, mature and transform into adults in the following summer. Evidently the life-history varies, as adult beetles have been found in the root tunnels in April. The only method of control at present known is to cut out and burn infested bushes. Great care should be taken to plant only clean stock. Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle) has been the cause of considerable loss to asparagus growers. Beans show injury that is apparently due to Epilachna corriipta, Muls. (bean ladybird). Lygiis gibbosits (carrot beetle) tunnels into the surface soil about the roots of sunflowers, cutting off and devouring the roots and thus killing the plants. As the beetles breed in humus and decaying matter, compost and manure piles and similar breeding- places should be destroyed wherever possible. The Meloids or blister- beetles, Epicauta pardalis, Lee, and E. pundicollis. Mann., damage maize and potatoes, and Cantharis cyanipennis. Say, does serious injury to lucerne. Poison spraj^s will kill these beetles, but are seldom practicable under field conditions. Windrows of straw should be piled along the windward side of infested fields, and these should be set on fire after dusk, the beetles being driven with the wind into the fire by persons walking backwards and forwards across the field, sweeping the tops of the plants. McKay (:\I. B.). A Serious Nematode Disease of Strawberry and Clover in Oregon. — 3rd Crop Pest & Hortic. Rept., 1915-20. Oregon A^yjc. Expt. Sta., Corvallis, 10th January 1921, pp. 139-144, 2 plates. A serious disease of stra\^berry and clover in Oregon is caused by the Nematode Tylenchus dipsaci, Kiihn. The females produce man}' eggs, and the larvae reach maturity in about four weeks, so that increase is rapid, and several generations occur in a season. The larvae work chiefly in the stems and leaves of the plants, producing galls in strawberry, and in clover causing the stems to become swollen and stunted. In hyacinths the disease is known as ring disease. A list of the known food-plants, both in the United States and elsewhere, is given. 169 The chief method of control is proper rotation of non-susceptible crops, and clean cultivation. For two, or preferably three years, such non-susceptible crops as maize, cowpeas, soy ^beans, millet,' sunflower, tomato, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, caritaloupes and celery should be grown, and should be planted in rows to enable weeds to be kept down. In Oregon an effort is being made to eradicate the pest from strawberry fields by cutting out all diseased plants. No strawberry plants should be distributed from infested beds, owing to the danger of carrying the pest in the soil about the plants. Illixg\vorth (J. F.). Monthly Notes on Grubs and other Cane Pests. (Third Senes.)— Queensland Bur. Sugar Expt. Sta.. Div Ent Brisbane. Bull. 10, 1920, 39 pp., 3 figs. ILLINGWORTH (J. F.). Work o£ the Division of Entomology.— 2<9/// Ann. Kept. Queensland Bur. Sugar Exbt. Sta.. Brisbane ig'^O pp. 35-39. These papers collate the information published elsewhere in con- nection with sugar-cane grub investigations, most of which has already been noticed [R.A.E.. A, viii, 62, 79, 132, 164, 465; ix, 9]. MuESEBECK (C. F. W.). A Revision of the North American Species of Ichneumon-flies belonging to the Genus Apanteles.— Proc. U.S. Nat. Mits.. Washington. D.C., Iviii, no. 2349 dd 483-576. ' ^^' Of the 164 Ichneumonids dealt with in this paper, 36 are described as new ^nd include :~ Apanteles bucculatricis, from Bucculatrix on Quercus agrifolia ; A . paranthrenidis, from Paranthrene robiniae, H. Edw. ; A. thurberiae,irom bollworms on Thurberia thespesioides'; A. phthorimaeae from PhtJwrimaea glochinella. Z. ; A. acrohasidis. from Acrobasis caryae, Grote, on walnut; A. calif ornicus, from Recurvana milleri. Busck ; A . diatraeae from Diatraea sacchara'lis, F. ; A. papaipemae, from Papaipema maritima, Bird, and P. nebris, Gn. '; .-1. scutellaris, from Phthorimaea operculella, Z. ; A. plathvpenae, from' Plathypena scabra. F. ; A. autographae, from Phvtometra\ Autographa) brassicae, Riley; A. pyralidis, from various Pvralids, including Loxostege similalis. Gn. ; A. anisotae, from Anisota senator ia. S. & A. ; A. nitens, from Feltia aeneipennis, Grote; and A. tmetocerae, from Eticosma ( Tmctocera) ocellana, Schiff. a' key to the 164 species of Apanteles is given with a list of the hosts of this genus. CusHMAx (R. A.). U.S. Bur. Ent. The North American Ichneumon- flies of the Tribe Ephialtini.— Proc. U.S. Xat. Mus., Washington, B.C., Iviii, no. 2340, 1920, pp. 327-362, 1 plate, 1 fig. Keys are given to the North American genera and subgenera of Ephialtixi and to the species of Ephialtes and Apechthis. The new species include Apechthis pacific us, a parasite of Notolo- phus antiqua, L., in Oregon. A list is given of the species arranged according to their hosts. 170 Leach (B. R). U.S. Bur. Ent. A Study oJ the Behaviour of Carbon Disulfide when injected into the Soil and its Value as a Control for the Root-form of the Woolly Apple Aphis. — Soil Science, Xeio Brunsivick, A'. Y ., x, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 421-452. 2 plates, 8 figs. The methods adopted during these investigations are described. The amount of injury caused to apple trees by the employment of a dose sufficient to rid them of woolly aphis [Eriosoma lanigerum] prohibits the use of carbon bisulphide as a remedy for this pest. The degree of injury to the roots depends on the diffusion of the gas in the soil, but the indirect effect of root injury upon the rest of the tree varies considerably with the season and consequent stage of seasonal growth, and is apparently due to the interference with normal transpiration. " Roebuck (A.). Frit Fly {Oscinis frit) in relation to Blindness in Oats. — Ann. A pp. Biol., Cambridge, vii, no. 2-3, December 1920, pp. 178-182, 1 plate. As a result of observations made during the summer of 1919, three broods of Oscinella (Oscinis) frit are thought to occur on oats. A certain percentage of the intermediate brood is directty connected with blindness of spikelets. From the end of June to end of July larvae were found anywhere amongst the curled-up mass of the panicle, protected from the outside by the enclosing leaf and destroying the enclosed flowers. In some cases only the central axis and branches were left, and these presented a blanched and twisted appearance on unfurling. During 1917 this brood was also found in abundance on stems of winter wheat. Jacksox D. J.). Bionomics of Weevils of the Genus Sitones injurious to Leguminous Crops in Britain. — Ann. App. Biol., Cambridge, vii, no. 2-3, December 1920, pp. 269-298, 6 plates, 6 figs. Sitones lineatus, L., of which all stages are here described, is wideh' distributed throughout Europe. The observations of pre\'io\is authors, both in England and elsewhere, are reviewed. This weevil is common throughout the British Isles, but is most destructive in the South of England. The present field observations were made at Wye, Kent, and in Ross-shire. Peas and beans are the favourite food-plants, and clo^^er is apparently only attacked when other food-plants are not available, but the species may also be found on lucerne throughout the year. The most serious damage to beans and peas is caused by the adults in the spring when they emerge from hibernation. During the winter they may be found sheltering in long grass. The date of appearance in spring varies according to the season and the latitude — from 27th March in 1918 in Kent to the middle of May in Scotland in 1919. They feed principally on young unopened leaves of the terminal shoots of beans until the plant is ready for cutting, but the terminal shoots of peas are only attacked while the plant is small ; when over a foot high the leaves near the ground are eaten. The hibernating individuals may survive until July or beginning of August ; in Ross-shire a few were collected in September, but they have not been observed to live through a second winter, the length of life being 171 from 12 to 15 months. In Kent oviposition began in April and con- tinued to July, the eggs being laid indiscriminatel}- amongst the earth at the base of the plants. Thej^ hatch in about 21 days, and the larvae burrow through the earth to the roots and enter the nodules, on which they feed. The larval stage lasts about 7 weeks. Pupation occurs in a cell excavated in the soil, and lasts from 16 to 19 days, but the weevils remain in the soil 5 to 6 days longer. The first weevils emerge from the soil about July, and begin at 'once feeding on peas and beans. As the plants are full grown, very little damage is caused at this time. When the crop is harvested, most of the weevils disperse, but some are carried with the crops, and a few may be found in the field in midwinter. These adults do not oviposit until the following spring, a fact that has been conclusively proved by a study of the reproductive organs, details of which are described. The natural enemies include birds, a mite {Tromhidium sp.) and the Braconids, PeriliUis rutiliis, 'Nees.Pygostolus falcatus, Nees, and Liophron inuricatus, Hal. var. nigra. The fungus, Botrytis bassiana, is always fatal to the weevils, and experimentally it has also proved fatal to pupae and larvae in all stages. Successful experiments have been made in infecting the weevils with spores of this fungus, and this work is to be continued on a larger scale. A key is given to the British species of the genus Sitones found on leguminous crops, adapted, with some alterations, from Fowler. Ritchie (W.). The Structure, Bionomics and Economic Importance oS Saperda carc/iayias. Linn., "The large Poplar Longhorn."— Ann. App. Biol, Cambridge, vii, no. 2-3, December 1920, pp 299-343, 4 plates, 25 figs. The observations here described were made chiefly in Aberdeen- shire, where Saperda carcharias, L., attacks Popidus tremula. In captivity this beetle feeds readily on many varieties of poplar, and eggs were laid on black Italian poplar (P. monilifera). A descrip- tion is given of the various stages as well as of the "characters of the genus Saperda. The adults appear from July to mid-August. The eggs are laid in the stems of healthy trees, a smooth portion of the bark near the base of the tree being generally selected and the eggs inserted into a sht. If the bast layer is thin, such as on stems between five and twelve years old, the eggs are placed between the cambium and sapwood, but in older trunks they are found between the tissues of the bast. One egg only is inserted in each incision, but in badly mfested trees the incisions may be verv close together. The first wmter is passed in the egg-stage, which lasts about IQi months. The larvae on emerging, about July, feed on the tissues immediately sur- rounding them. They then cut into the sapwood in an horizontal direction for about | to 1 inch and turn downwards, gnawing gradually deeper until the centre of the stem is reached. On reaching the root portion, the larva turns and tunnels up the centre, a hole being bored on the way through the sapwood and bast for the emergence of the adult. The tunnel is continued up the centre of the stem to'a height of about 2 ft. Excluding the hibernation period, the larval gallery takes about ^ months to complete. Hibernation occurs from about October to March. The larval period lasts about 23 months, and the total hfe-C3^cle in Scotland is about 4 years. If many larvae are at work in one stem their galleries may be very irregular, and they often develop 172 cannibalistic habits. Though the chief damage to the tree is done by the larvae, the incisions made bj' the adults for oviposition afford read}^ access to parasitic fungi. All infested trees, whether grown in natural regeneration or in arti- ficial plantations, should be cut down and burned by the end of June before the beetles emerge. All beetles should be collected between July and August. In the case of a few tiees oviposition ma}^ be largely prevented by ensheathing the lowermost portions of the stem for about 18 inches above the ground-level with a close mesh netting or b}- coating with some repellent [R.A.E., A, vii, 301]. The natural enemies of this beetle include an Ichneumonid, but no fungus was observed to infest it. OsHiMA (M.). Formosan Termites and Methods of preventing their Damage. — Hawaiian Forester & AgriatUnrist, Honohiht, xvii, nos. 11 and 12, November and December 1920, pp. 314-321 and 346-355. This is an extract from a paper alreadv noticed [R.A.F., A, viii, 3011. Ehrhorn (E. M.). Division of Plant Inspection. — Hawaiian Forester & Agriculturist, Honolulu, xvii, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 359-361. The pests intercepted during November 1920 included ants, Prenolepis sp., found in yams from Japan, and Lepidopterous larvae in beans from Fiji. PicARD (F.). Les Microlepidopteres de la Vigne, Pyrale, Coehylis, Eud^mis. [The Microlepidoptera of the Vine, Sparganothis pilleriana, Clysia amhiguella and Polychrosis botrana.] — Progris Agric. Vitic, Montpellier, Ixxvi, nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 ; 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th January 1921, pp. 8-13, 41-45, 61-69 and 115- 119. A full account is given of these three important vine pests, the information being largely collected from previous papers in the same journal. The chief morphological distinctions between these moths are described, and it is pointed out that while Sparganothis pilleriana has only one generation in a year, Clysia ambiguella has two and Poly- chrosis botrana three. The larvae of the first-named attacks chiefly the foliage, the other two the fruit only ; 5. pilleriana deposits eggs in masses on the leaves ; C. ambiguella and P. botranalay them singly on the fruit ; S. pilleriana and C. ambiguella fly at night, P. botrana in morning and evening twilight ; 5. pilleriana hibernates as 3'oung larvae, the other two species as pupae. This last fact has a great bearing on the winter treatments and their efficacy ; it must be remembered that in the spring 5. pilleriana emerges from the bark as a larva, while C. ambiguella and P. botrana emerge from the stock in the adult stage. The influence of various factors on the incidence of the pests is discussed ; these include mildew, temperature, humidity, force and direction of the wind, nature of the 173 soil, variety of vine, date of harvest, rivalry of other species, and natural enemies. The insect enemies of these pests are fairlj^ numerous, but none of them can be reared and bred in sufficient numbers to act as a control, and few of them are of any importance. The usual remedial measures are described, the use of bait-traps being discouraged. Garbe (J.). La Lutte contre les Ennemis des Arbres fruitiers. [Reme- dies against Fruit Tree Pests.] — Rev. Agric. Afr. Nord, Algiers, xix, no. 78, 28th January 1921, pp. 77-78. The winter moth [Cheimatohia hrumata] is one of the principal pests of orchards, and may be controlled by adhesive bands applied to the trunks. These may be prepared by thoroughly mixing, while warm, about 13| oz. of train oil scouring, 13^ oz. of fiish oil, and about 2 lb. of colophane. The method of application is described. The bands should be renewed every 8 to 10 days. Against the woolly aphis [Eriosoma lanigerum] lime-sulphur sprays and kerosene emulsions are advocated, for which formulae are given. Wester (P. J.). The Cultivation and Uses of Roselle. — Philippine Agric. Rev., Manila, xiii, no. 2, 1920, pp. 89-99, 5 plates. The insect enemies of roselle {Hibiscus sahdariffa), which is largely cultivated in the Philippines, both as an ornament and for the sake of the products derived from it, include the root-knot Nematode Heterodera radicicola, for which a cheap and effective remed}^ has not been found (it is therefore recommended that infested land should not be planted with this crop) ; Dysdercus suturelkis (cotton- stainer).. which sometimes appears on the ripening calices, but does not seem to do much harm ; Aphids, which are easily controlled by the application of tobacco dust ; and the scales. Coccus hesperidum and Hemichionaspis aspidistrae. Mealybugs cause rather serious damage, and infested plants should be torn up and burnt early in the season. In Queensland the beetles, Nisotra hreweri, Jarv., Lagria cyanea, Macl., and Rhyparida discopunchdata, Lea, are destructive to the leaves, and may be controlled by arsenical sprays. Merino (G.). The Importance of Plant Quarantine Service in the Philippines. — Philippine Agric. Rev., Manila, xiii, no. 2, 1920, pp. 117-125. A plant inspection service for the Philippines was inaugurated in 1915, in view of the necessity for preventing the entrance of further such dangerous pests as the army worms, Prodenia lihira (littoralis) and Spodoptera mauritia, which destroy from 15 to 20 per cent, of the rice and maize in the provinces, red and black beetles, which destroy 23 per cent, of the coconut crop, and Thosea cinereomarginata and Promecotheca cumingi (coconut leaf miner), which in some cases reduce the production of coconuts by 60 per cent. This service, besides plant inspection, undertakes the work of combating insect infestations, and an advisory plant quarantine board has been formed. The general working of the plant quarantine service is described, with the method of procedure necessary for importing or exporting plants or plant products. 174 Lee (H. A). The Prevention of the Importation of Injurious Insects and Parasitic Fungi on Economic Crops from Foreign Countries. — Philippine Agric. Rev.. Manila, xiii, no. 2, 1920, pp. 126-127. Numerous instances are cited of injurious pests and diseases that are not yet present in the PhiUppine Islands, but that would probably cause very serious losses if they ever entered them, and the necessity for a plant quarantine service to guard against their introduction is emphasized. The organisation that is in the course of formation to deal with the question is described [see preceding paper]. Alfieri (E.) . Sopra una Specie probabilmente nuova di Afide gallecolo dell'Olmo e sui suoi Simbionti. [A probably new Species of gallicolous Aphid of the Elm and its Symbionts.] — Boll. Lab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. R. Scuola Sup. Agric, Portici, xiv, 1920, pp. 18-32, 1 fig., 1 plate. [Received 6th February 1921.] It is agreed that in Europe the following Aphids produce galls on the elm [Ulmus campestris] : — Tetraneura alba, Ratz., T. rubra, Licht., T. ulmi, DeG., Eriosoma ulmi, Kalt., and E. lanuginosum. Hart. The galls ascribed to the last-named species are very different from the others, and belong to two distinct types which have been described by Massalongo. A study of these two types leads the author to believe that the closed type of gall is produced by E. lanuginosum, but that the open type (the second type of Massalongo) is due to a new species, which is here described as Eriosoma inopinatum, the differences in antenna and wing between it and E. lanuginosum being figured. In Italy the fundatrix of E. inopinatum begins its gall at the end of April or early in May. By mid-May it is mature within the gall, and produces numerous larvae that mature in 10-12 days, so that parthenogenetic progeny of the latter are found in the gall by the end of May. This second generation increases in number and size in the second week in June. After mid-June swarming begins. During this period the winged migrants begin to deposit yellowish larvae in abundance. The author was compelled to abandon this research before discovering the food- plant chosen for this larviposition. The winged migrant does not seem to become a root-form of the elm itself. Many symbionts of E. inopinatum occur within its gall, the author giving the following list :— Diptera : a Syrphid, Pipizella heringi, Zett., an Agromyzid, Leucopis annulipes, Zett., an Anthomyid, Muscina stabulans, Meig. Neuroptera : Chrysopa perla, L. Coleoptera : The CoccineWids, Propileaquatuordecimpunctata, L., Adalia bi punctata,!^., var. quadrimaculata. Scop., Adonia variegata, Goez., and Scymnus quadripustulatus, F. Rhynchota : Anthocoris nemoralis. Fall. Dermap- tera : Forficula auricularia, L., and F. biguttata, F. Two undeter- mined Hymenoptera were also found, one being a parasite of the fundatrix and the other, an Ichneumonid, a parasite of C. perla. SiLVESTRi (F.). La Mosca della Brionia, Gonyglossum wiedemanni, Meig. (Diptera, Trypaneidae). — [The Bryony Fly, G. wiedemanni.] — Boll. Lab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. R. Scuola Sup. Agric, Portici, xiv. 1920, pp. 205-215, 4 hgs. [Received 6th February 1921.] The Trypetid fly, Gonyglossum wiedemanni, Meig., is redescribed in all its stages. It has been recorded in England, France, Germany, Austria and Italy, and it li\TS in the berries of Bryonia alba and 175 B. dioica. Hibernation occurs in the pupal stage, which at Portici terminates between the end of April and the end of May. The proportion of females to males is as 13 to 17. The eggs are deposited in immature berries, only the epidermis and a portion of the pulp surrounding the seeds being left by the larva. After reaching full development the larva pierces the skin and drops to the ground, into which it burrows for pupation. At Portici the first mature larvae were observed on 2nd June and the last on 8th August. The first pupa was seen on 9th June. Develop- ment from egg to pupa takes about 40 days. Opius testaceus. Wesm., a Braconid parasite of the larva, is re- described from Portici ; hitherto it had only been recorded from Belgium and England. The author thinks that confirmation is required for the opinion expressed by Marshall that Laccoparys villaenovae, Vollnh., is a synonym of 0. testaceus. SiLVESTRi (F.). Contribuzione alia Conoscenza dei Parassiti delle Ova del Grilletto canterino [Oecanthus pellucens, Scop., Orthoptera, Achetidae). [A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Parasites of the Eggs of 0. pellucens.]— Boll. Lab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. R. Scuola Sup. Agric, Portici, xiv, 1920, pp. 219-250 20 figs [Received 6th February 1921.] Salvi's description of Oecanthus pellucens. Scop., is quoted, and the author states that this tree-cricket oviposits in the stems of many herbaceous plants with a soft pith, including Centaur ea dissecta and Daucus carota. Salvi and Perris have also found the eggs in the twigs of Rubus. In central and southern Italy 0. pellucens oviposits from the second half of August to October, and the larvae hatch in mid-June in the following year. From stems containing the eggs the following Chalcids were bred :— Archirileya inopinata, gen. et sp. n., Eurytonia oophaga, sp. n., and Tctrastichus ovivorax, sp. n. A. inopinata has from one to two generations a year. The first develops in the eggs of Cicada plebeja and Tettigia orni, though those of 0. pellucens may also be attacked, and the second in those of 0. pellucens. E. oophaga appears to be the species recorded by Perris from France as E. vagabunda, Gir. Its distribution probably coincides with that of 0. pellucens. It has two generations, with perhaps a partial third. T. ovivorax has at least two generations, both of which parasitise the eggs of 0. pellucens. Parasitism by three other Chalcids, Tetrastichus percaudatus. sp. n., T. dispar, sp. n., and Eurytoma phaenacidis, Mayr, was not established. Grandi (G.). Descrizione di una nuova Blastophaga a Maschi com- pletamente astomi e di una nuova Julianella di Costarica. [Des- cription of a new Blastophaga with mouthless I\Iales and of a new Julianella. both from Costa Rica.)— 5o//. Lab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. R. Scuola Sup. Agric. Portici. xiv, 1920, pp. 251-264, 7 figs. [Received 6th February 1921.] The two new Agaoninae from Costa Rica here described are Blasto- phaga [Julianella) torresi from Ficus velutina, and B. astoma from Ficus crassiuscula. 176 SiLVESTRi (F). Contribuzione alia Conoscenza dei Termitidi e Termitofili dellAfrica occidentale. II. Termitofili. Parte seconda. [A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Termites and Termito- philes of Western Africa. II. Termitophiles. Second Part.] — Boll. Lab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. R. Scuola Sup. Agric, Portici, xiv, 1920, pp. 265-319, 32 figs. [Received 6th February 1921.] In this continuation of an earlier paper on termitophilous insects [R.A.E., A, vii, 142] an annotated list of Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera associated with termites in Western Africa is given. There is also a list of many species of termites found in the nests of other species ; this association seems quite accidental, and neither sought for nor necessary for any given species. The author never found an}^ Rhynchota, but in the Island of Principe, Tennitaphis suhafra, Silv., has been taken from nests of Rhinotermes piitorius, Sjost. Zacher (F.). Schaben als Schadlinge in Gewachshausern. [Cock- roaches as Greenhouse Pests.] — Gartcnflora [Berlin'], 1920, no. 13-14, pp. 165-168, 2 figs. [Received 7th February 1921.] The cockroaches, Blaitella {Phyllodromia) gernianica, L., and Blatta orientalis, L., are domestic pests in Germany, where a few other species, including Aphlebia macidaia, Schaffer, .-1. punctata, Mg., Ectobia lapponica, L., and E. livida, F., are found in the forests. As a general rule cockroaches, especially the larger species, need warmth and are confined to the tropics, but a few, such as Periplancta americana, L., and P. aitstralasiae, F., are regularly found in Germany and are not infrequently noxious pests in green- houses. Besides these, Pycnoscelis surinamensis, L., has occurred in greenhouses in the Botanical Garden at Dahlem (Berlin), not having been known in Germany as a greenhouse pest prior to 1918. In 1910 Raffil recorded this species from London, and in 1917 Zappe reported it on roses in Connecticut [R.A.E., A, vi, 460]. Like Zappe, the author found females only, so that it is probable that parthenogenetic reproduction is possible. Two other species, Nauphoeta cinerea, 01., and N. brazzae, BoL, have been observed in London, and the former has also reached Hamburg from East Africa. Owing to their hidden mode of life, cockroaches are difficult to combat, although their habit of cleaning themselves by means of their mouth-parts may be utilised. For this reason the best results are attained by placing a poisonous dust or liquid near their retreats. A mixture of equal parts of sodium fluoride and flour has been said to give excellent results. A weaker mixture, consisting of one part sodium fluoride to four of flour proved fatal in experimental work. Pyrethrum is less effective, and only the purest and freshest quaUty is lethal. The remedies advised by Zappe [loc. cit.] are quoted. Raffil advocates closing cracks in the walls, especially near hot pipes, with cement. At Kew, tins fi.lled with rape oil have proved highly efficient traps. Garretsen (A. J.). Helopeltis op Sumatra. [Helopeltis in Sumatra.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, i, no. 3, September 1920, pp. 75-76. [Received 7th February 1921.] The presence of Helopeltis antonii and H. theivora on the east coast of Sumatra has been definitely established. No loss to the tea crop has resulted as yet, and in advocating great watchfulness and the 177 immediate application of remedial measures in cases of infestation, it is pointed out that the latter does not necessarily make tea-growing unremunerative. On one estate H. antonii occurred mainly on tea beneath Sesbania aegyptiaca, and the parts most attacked were those in the shade of these plants, which were themselves infested with this and other bugs. There was no infestation in neighbouring plantations where the tea was grown beneath Tephrosia. After felling and burning the Sesbania and uprooting the stumps, collection was prosecuted very energetically, and one-and-a-half weeks later the Helopeltis had entirely disappeared, a considerable loss being thus prevented. Leefmans (S.). Aanteekeningen over Voedsterplanten van Helopeltis. [Notes on the Food-plants of Helopeltis.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, i, no. 3, September 1920, pp. 77-78, 2 plates. [Received 7th February 1921.] Adults and eggs of Helopeltis antonii var. bradyi are recorded on. Fuchsia coccinea, growing at an altitude of approximately 4,800 feet, but no larvae could be found. Though tea was attacked under labora- tory conditions, plants growing about 300 feet away from the Fuchsia remained uninfested. Similar observations have led observers to suppose that Helopeltis is not a fixed pest of tea, but the author does not agree, his view being that too little is known about these Capsids, especially as regards the inheritance of morphological and bionomic characters in the various species or races. For this reason research into the genetics of these bugs would be justified, quite as much so as the quest for remedies. In his garden at Buitenzorg, Dr. Rant found infestation on Begonia, Cuphea micropetala, and Wormia suffniticosa, so that these must be added to the list of food-plants. He also noticed that the upper branches of nangka [Artocarpus] were first attacked, and then the lower branches, the insects finally migrating to Begonia and the other plants mentioned. This leads the author to think that the reason why Helopeltis has not been observed in virgin forests may be the fact that infestation occurs among the tall trees, and that Helopeltis only occasionally descends from such elevated situations. An ex- amination of any injury met with when felling in a virgin forest is therefore desirable. •Circular on Helopeltis in Sumatra. — De Thee, Buitenzorg, i, no. 3, September 1920, pp. 82-83. [Received 7th February 1921.] This circular of the Director of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce for the Dutch East Indies draws attention to the fact that Helopeltis iheivora and H. antonii are now known to occur in Sumatra, and points out the danger attending attempts to conceal the presence of these pests on tea estates. Hansen (D.). The Work of the Huntley Reclamation Project Ex- periment Farm [Osborn, Montana] in 1918. Sugar Beet Root Louse Control. — U.S. Dept. Agric. Washington, D.C., Dept. Circ. 86, April 1920, pp. 16-17. Experiments in connection with the control of the sugar-beet root- louse [Pemphigus betae] by means of increased irrigation were con- tinued in 1918 [R.A.E., A, iii, 578; vii, 141]. the results show (2290) o 178 that irrespective of the number of irrigations, infestation was too sUght to affect the yield, but the general climatic conditions were probably unfavourable to the development of this Aphid. Hunter (W. D.). The Fight Against the Pink Bollworm in the United States.— i7.S. Dept. Agric. Yearbook 1919, Washington, D.C., 1920, pp. 355—368, 4 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] The work and quarantine regulations in connection with the infestation of pink bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella] in Texas are reviewed [R.A.E..K vi, 543; viii, 13, 244, etc.]. The work is to be continued along the original lines, and a period of not less than two years is recommended for the maintenance of non-cotton zones. The remedial measures must be applied to over 22,000 square miles of territory in the United States, if this pest is to be stamped out. The general situation is rather encouraging, and it is possible that the methods employed will prevent the permanent establishment of P. gossypiella in the country. Havilaxd (M. D.). Preliminary Note on a Cynipid Hyperparasite of Aphides. — Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc, Cambridge, xx, no. 2, 1920, pp. 235-238. The Cynipid hyperparasites studied during these observations belong to the genus Charips {Allotria) ; and Macrosiplium urticae, Kalt., parasitised by Aphidius ervi. Hal., was the Aphid used for breeding purposes. Although until about twelve hours before death there is apparently no external sign that the Aphid is parasitised, yet Charips sp. only oviposits in Aphids containing Aphidius sp. and unerringly rejects unparasitised incHviduals. Larvae of Aphidius in the third or early in the fourth instar are generally chosen for oviposition, though eggs may be laid in those of the second instar. In captivity oviposition was occasionally parthenogenetic. The eggs hatch in about three days. Three or four larvae may be found in the same host, but presumably only one reaches maturity. The duration of the first-stage larva varies from two to four days. During the fourth stage the larva is almost fully fed, and makes its way out through the host's thorax ; during the next twelve hours it devours the remains of the host. Metamorphosis occurs within the cocoon already woven by the Aphidius inside the Aphid. Pupation lasts from three to four weeks, and the total period of development probabl}' from 30 to 35 daj's. The adults after emerging feed on the honey-dew secreted by the Aphids. Although these hyperparasites check the destruction of the Aphids by Aphidius, they are not considered of great economic importance. The Cynipid and its Braconid host are also liable to. attack by Chalcid and Proctotrupid hyperparasites, especially in the later broods. Havilaxd (M. D.). On the Bionomics and Development of Lygoccrus testaceimanus, Kieffer, and Lygocerus cauieroni, Kieffer (Procto- trypoidea— ^Ceraphronidae), Parasites of Aphidius (Braconidae). — Qlrly J I. Microscop. Sci., London, Ixv, no. 1, December 1920, pp. .101-127, 18 figs. . The various stages of Lygocerus testaceimanus and L. cameroni are described. The bionomics of these hyperparasites of Aphidius have already been noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 146]. 179 DowNES (W.). The Tree-hoppers of British Columbia.— Proc. Ent Soc. Bnt. Columbia. Victoria. B.C.. Syst. Ser. no. 14 March 1919 (1920), pp. 17-19. [Received 16 February 1921.] The Membracids dealt with are -.— Ceresa hasalis. Wlk on willow golden-rod and herbaceous plants ; C. hubahis. F., causing serious damage to orchard trees by the slits made in the bark for oviposition • Shdocephala pacifica. Van D., on willow; Platvcotis quadrivittata Say, on oak, probably hibernating in the adult stage; Glossonotus umvittatus. Harr., on willow [Salix scouleriana) ; and Campylenchia latipes. Say, on lucerne and sweet clover. Hudson (G. V.). Notes on the Hosts of certain Parasitic Hymenoptera. N.Z. J I. Sci. & Techn.. Wellington, iii, no. 4, November 1920, pp. 222-223. The Ichneumonid, Degithina buchanani, Cam., is recorded as parasitic m the larvae of several species of Porina. ha\'ing been reared from P. cervinata and P. umbracnlata. The male parasite is rare but the female has a remarkable habit of hibernating gregariously in crevices between the weather-boarding of houses and in similar situations Before houses were built in the country, the insects frequently occurred under the large scales on the bark of standing rimu-trees (Dacrydium ciipressmum). As the caterpillars of Porina feed on the roots of grasses m winter, the female Ichneumonid must be active at least during mild intervals, in order to oviposit on its host. Miller (D.). Insects Inhabiting the Gum Fluid of Phormimn.— N.Z. Jl. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 6, 20th December 19'?0 pp. 335-337, 7 figs. The gum fluid of native flax {Phormium tenax) is the natural breeding habitat of the Syrphids, Lepidomyia decessmn and Svrpinis ropalns and a Chironomid. It was thought that these larvae m'ight be respon- sible for 3'ellow-leaf disease of the plant, but observations show that they are of universal occurrence, both in diseased and healthy plants All stages of the larvae of L. decessmn may be found throughout the year, and the larval period is apparently of considerable duration as * individuals were observed from April to October before they pupated Pupation occurs on the dead leaves of Phormium. The larvae of Syrphns ropalus are predaceous and attack many insects, including Xanthorhoe praefectata (flax-grub) and grubs of Vennsta verriculata on cabbage trees {Cordyline australis). Parrott (P. J.). Seasonable Facts of snecial Interest on Orchard Spraymg.— Pwc. 1st Ann. Meeting N.Y. Hortic. Soc. 1919 pp. 51-63. [Received 10th February, 1921.1 Owing to the low temperatures of the winter of 1917-18 orchard pests were far less conspicuous than normalh'. The tussock moth [Hcmerocampa] and the codling moth [Cydia porno nella] were the most conspicuous pests, and redbugs [Lygidea] and apple maegots [Khagoletis pomonella] were injurious in apple orchards. The "pear slug [Erwcampotdes limacina] was surprisinglv abundant, but San Jose scale [Aspidiotits perniciostis] and tent caterpillars [Malaccscma] declined m numbers. It is generally understood that insects can better withstand seasons with steady low temperatures than lho=e (2290) ^ 180 with rapid and wide variations in temperature. The cold seemed to have no detrimental influence on the eggs of the green apple aphis ( Aphis pomi), which was very abundant in some apple orchards, reaching its maximum destructiveness about 15th July. Spraying was begun too late to be really effective. The conclusions reached as a result of organised effort to combat this Aphid are that infestation is generally severest in plantings with considerable succulent growth on trunks and large limbs, or where the orchards adjoined or were interplanted with young trees. In regions where this pest is annually destructive, or where infestation is expected, reliance should be placed on a delayed dormant treatment with lime-sulphur and nicotine sulphate, with a supplementary spraying during midsummer of nicotine sulphate and soap if the Aphids threaten to develop in destructive numbers. While lime-sulphur solution and lead arsenate will probably continue to form the bulk of the insecticides to be applied to fruit trees, a good deal of interest is being aroused in calcium arsenate, which has fre- quently been found a satisfactory substitute for lead arsenate and is economical in use. There is much, however, yet to learn with respect to its manufacture and its effect on orchards under New York con- ditions. Only reliable brands should be used, and manufacturers' directions should be followed ; for the commoner chewing insects the spray recommended is fib. dry calcium arsenate to 50 U.S. gals. Bordeaux mixture or lime-sulphur solution with 2 or 3 lb. of slaked lime. The use and abuse of spray-guns is discussed. The use of dry substitutes for lime-sulphur solution is increasing, and attention is called to several points to be considered in using the various sulphides and polysulphides now on the market. A table shows the dilution required for several of the more widely advertised dry sulphur preparations. Soda and potash-sulphide sprays have proved in the station experim.ents more caustic to opening buds and leaves than lime-sulphur or barium-sulphur preparations. As a general rule, arsenicals should not be used with the former sprays, owing to foliage injury. x^gainst San Jose scale the sulphides and polysulphides of different bases, when used with similar ratios of sulphur, have proved equally effective. Dilutions of one-half the strength at present recommended showed a high rate of toxicit^^ In view of the high price of lime- sulphur, a dilution of one gallon of the concentrate to 15 gals, of water may be relied upon where the spraying can be done thoroughly or where the pest is not serious. Felt (E. P.). European Corn Borer. — Proc. 1st Ann. Meeting N.Y. Hortic. Soc, 1919, pp. 216-218. [Received 10th February 1921.] An account is given of the European corn borer [Pyransta nubilalis] as occurring in Massachusetts [R.A.E., A, vii, 224; ix, 132, etc.], and the danger of its spread is emphasised. Crosby (C. R.). The Control of the Apple Redbugs. — Proc. 1st Ann. Meeting ^\Y. Hortic. Soc, 1919, pp. 220-221. [Received 10th February 1921.] The most injurious species of redbug in New York State is Lygidea mendax, which usuallv hatches while the trees are in blossom. The 181 best time for spraying is as soon "as possible after the bugs hatch or when about three-quarters of the petals have fallen, and the most effective spray is 1 pint of Blackleaf 40 to 100 gals, of spray material, which IS generally dilute lime-sulphur solution and lead arsenate. Many tests were made with dust materials against this pest ; the most effective being a 40 per cent, tobacco, 10 per cent, lead arsenate and 50 per cent, sulphur mixture. When the poison is applied with a hand duster, the redbugs fall from the trees, but apparently are not killed, though many die through failure to return ; applied with a power duster, the material seemed to kill the bugs, though a few were left alive on the trees. The larger bugs seem to'be more resistant to the effect of tobacco dust than the younger ones. Parrott (P. J.). The Apple Maggot.— Pi-cc. 1st Ann. Meeting N Y. Horhc. Soc, 1919, pp. 222-224, 3 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] An account is given of the injury to apples in the Hudson River valley by the apple maggot [Rhagoletis pomonella], which is par- ticularly injurious in neglected orchards. Remedial measures that have been previously noticed are recommended [R. A.E., A, vii, 212], but more information is needed as to the value of these in the locali'ty under consideration. Parrott (P. J.). Higher Reaches in Insect Control.- Proc. 2nd Ann Meeting N. Y. Hortic. Soc, 1920, pp. 26-35, 3 figs. FReceived 10th February 1921.] The benefits of dela3'ed dormant treatment are discussed and many hints are given on safe and efficient methods in spraying. Among new insecticides, chief attention is directed to the merits of calciurn arsenate and the dry substitutes for lime-sulphur solution. Growers are warned not to use the former without having thoroughly tested Its safety for orchard use ; it is considered that for the present it should be regarded as a substitute for Paris green, and for sprajdng potatoes, cabbage and other field crops it will probably be of great value. The insecticidal properties of lime as used against leaf- hoppers on apple trees, have proved particularly effective against the pear psylla [Psylla pyricola], lime-sulphur (1 : 8) being used as the cluster buds are separating at the tips, with nicotine sulphate as the petals fall. For midsummer spraying against the nymphs, lime and copper sulphate without tobacco extract are recommended. China and slip clays, when applied as a thick coating on pear leaves, are nearly, if not quite, as efficient as thick lime wash. Unfortunatel}-, clays are not at present manufactured in a convenient form for the grower. Plum curculio [Conotrachelus ;z^;»/^/wr] has done considerable damage to apples, the punctures made when the apples are forming causing many of them to drop. The attacks by this weevil seem to appear m cycles, the injury always being most severe in neglected orchards. Spraying and cultural practices are the remedies advocated. For leaf-hoppers experiments indicate that Bordeaux mixture containing lead arsenate is the best protection, if both sides of the leaves are thoroughly covered; this requires more nozzles, or a better arrangement of nozzles than is found in the usual potato spray. 182 The cabbage aphis [Brevicoryne brassicae] has been more destructive than at any time since 1913. Experiments demonstrate the dwarfing effects of attack by this pest and the possibility of greatly reducing its numbers by thorough spraying. Whetzel (H. H.). The Present Status of Dusting. — Proc. 2nd Ann. Meeting N. Y. Hortic. Soc, 1920, pp. 45-75. [Received 10th February 1921.] In an attempt to solve the much discussed question of dusting versus liquid spraying for insect pests and diseases of fruit trees, the author has gathered together a mass of data gained experimentally in various parts of the United States and Canada, and under very varied climatic and other conditions. The experimental evidence thus obtained clearly indicates that dusting is quite as effective in the control of apple scab and codling moth [Cydia pomonelld] as is spraying. The opinion of many growers who have been experimenting in dusting is quoted. There are, however, certain accessory problems that require to be solved before dusting can be generally adopted in place of spraying. One is the finding of an effective contact dust that will kill sucking insects in general. One or two such preparations show promise, but cannot yet be adopted for general use. There still remains the problem of an effective dust for the San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus]. Dusting machinery will undoubtedly be greatly improved in the next few years, and other points, such as the best time of day for operating, will be determined by experience. While not attempting to analyse the question of the comparative cost of dusting and spraying, the author is of opinion that in view of the lighter labour involved, dusting will prove the cheaper practice of the two. Stahl (C. F.). Studies on the Life-history and Habits of the Beet Leaf-hopper (Preliminary Paper). — //. Agric. Res., WasJiingto)i, B.C., XX, no. 4, 15th November 1920, pp. 245-252, 2 plates. [Received 12th February 1921.] The various stages of Eutettix tenella, Baker (beet leaf-hopper) are described, and the life and seasonal history as studied in Idaho and California are discussed [cf. R.A.E., A, vi, 480]. The most important egg-parasite is Polynema euteitixi, Gir., which has at least nine generations a year, the complete cycle from adult to adult covering about 35 days. Other egg-parasites are the hyper- parasite, Abbella subflava, Gir., and Anagrus giraidti, Crawf. The parasites of the nymphs and adults have already been noticed [loc. cit. iii, 557]. Cotton (R. T.). Rice Weevil (Calandra) Sitophihis oryza. — Jl. Agric. Res., Washingio)i, B.C., xx, no. 6, 15th December 1920, pp. .409-422, 1 plate. During 1918 Calandra {Sitophihis) oryzae caused serious damage to maize in the southern United States, involving a loss of approxi- mately £6,000,000. The losses due to this weevil are particularly severe in tropical countries where the weather conditions admit of breeding all the year round. In Florida all stages of the weevil are 183 active throughout the year, and there are usually about seven full generations annually ; six from April to November, and one from December to March. Hibernation does not occur. The life-cycle from egg to adult averages 28 days. The adults appear on maize in the field as soon as it reaches the roasting-ear Stage. When the grain has become firm, eggs are deposited in all parts of it accessible to the weevil. In shelled maize the majority of eggs are deposited in the soft germ ; in the field damaged or poorly developed shucks are preferred. In warm weather about 8 to 10 eggs are laid per day. The rate of oviposition decreases in cold weather, and as the weevils get older. The maximum number laid by one female was 576 during 149 days. The eggs hatch in from three to five days, but all stages are prolonged in cold weather. There are four larval instars, each lasting on an average four days. Pupation lasts five days, but during the winter the adults may remain a month in the grain before emerging. The average length of life of the adults is from three to six months. The predaceous mite, Pedicidoides ventricosus, Newp., attacks all immature stages of C. oryzae, which is also parasitised by the Hymenoptera, Cercocephala elegans, Westw., Aplastomorpha vandinei, Tuck. {Neocatolaccus australiensis, Gir.), Catolaccus incertus, Ashm., Meraporus requisitus, Tuck., M. calandrae. How., and M. ntibilis. Tuck., the last two being stated by Gahan to be identical with Lariophagus distinguendus, Foerst. WiLLARD (H. F.). Opius fietcheri as a Parasite of the Melon Fly in Hawaii. — Jl. Agric. Res., Washington, D.C., xx, no. 6, 15th December 1920, pp. 423-438, 13 figs. The activities of Opius fietcheri, Silv., since its introduction into Hawaii as a parasite of Dacus {Bactrocera) cucurbitae, Coq., in 1916, are recorded [R. A.E., A, v, 2 ; viii, 347, etc.], and the biology of the parasite is described. The physiology and anatomy of the various stages are extensively dealt with. Cotton (R. T.). Tamarind Pod Borer, Sitophilus linearis (Hbst.). — Jl. Agric. Res., Washington, D.C., xx, no. 6, 15th December 1920, pp. 439-446, 1 plate. The immature stages of Calandra {Sitophilus) linearis, Hbst., are described. This Curculionid is very abundant in southern Florida, and undoubtedly occurs wherever the tamarind ( Tamarindus indica) is grown. As the food-plant grows only in tropical or sub-tropical climates, the activities of the insect are not interrupted by winter. The injury is confined to the seed pods. The adults enter the pod at the stem end, in which cracks commonly occur owing to the swaying of the pod. They then bore through the pulp into the seed, making a cylindrical cavity in which from 1 2 to 50 eggs are laid. This operation requires from one to two weeks, and as the eggs hatch in three days, the first larvae appear before the last egg is laid. The oviposition period lasts about 84 days, during which time about 180 eggs may be deposited. The larvae begin at once to feed and bore in the seed. The burrows radiate from the egg-cavity to all parts of the seed, but the shell is never broken through. There are four larval stages, covering from 12 to 14 days. Tire prepupal stage lasts one day, and pupation about seven days. The adults remain within the seed, 184 feeding for a few days. Oviposition begins from 7 to 10 days after emergence. In captivity adults have fed on acorns, sweet potatoes and various fruits, but normally only tamarind seeds are attacked. No parasites of this weevil have been reared. Under laboratory conditions the lafvae and pupae are attacked by the predaceous mite,. Pcdiculoidesventricosus, Newp., but under field conditions it is doubtful whether it would be able to penetrate to the larval burrows. Agee (H. p.) &l Swezey (O. H.). Directors' Report.— Proc. 39ih Ann. Meeting Hawaiian Su^ar Planters' Assoc, Honolulu, 8th December 1918; 1920, pp. 142-185. This report has already been noticed elsewhere [R.A.E., A, viii, 72]. Herrick (G. W.). Insects of Economic Importance. — New York, The Macmillan Co., 1920, 172 pp. [Pi'ice .■i;1.75.] This book may be regarded as an introduction to the study of economic entomology. The usual methods of control are enumerated, the insecticides and their application being dealt with in some detail. A short account is given of the more important of the insects them- selves, classified under the crops they attack in order of their import- ance, with notes on the measures applicable in each case. A con- siderable amount of useful information is given in a condensed form, but in the majority of cases the species could hardly be identified from the short description given, if they were not alread}' well known. The insects selected are those of importance in New York State, and, where they are widely distributed, it is the life-history as it occurs in that State that is described. Collins (S. H.). Chemical Fertilizers and Parasiticides. — London, Bailliere, Tindall & Cox, 1920, xii + 273 pp., 8 figs. [Price 10s. 6d. net] This book is divided into six parts, dealing with separate branches of the subject, the last of which is devoted to chemical insecticides and fungicides. Of inorganic poisons the principal insecticides con- sidered are lead arsenate, lime-sulphur and potassium sulphide ; and of organic poisons, carbon bisvilphide, hydrocyanic acid, petroleum emulsions, soap, creosote, naphthaline, tobacco, pyrethrum and helle- bore. In all cases almost the whole of the information given concerns sources and modes of manufacture, but is very convenient for reference from the chemical standpoint. Useful lists of other works dealing with the subject are appended. MiSRA (C. S.). "The American Blight" or "The Woolly Aphis," Eriosoma [Schizoneura) lanigera, Hausmann. — Agric. Jl. India, Calcutta, XV, no. 6, November 1920, pp. 627-635, 5 plates. [Received 12th February 1921.] In view of the probable extension of fruit-growing in the Himalayas, the attention of would-be growers is drawn to Eriosoma lanigerum and the injury done by it. This Aphid was first noticed in India in 1889, when nearly every orchard in Coonoor, South India, was said to be destroyed by it. It is now an established pest in various parts 185 of India, including the Himalayas; a list of localities is given. There is no doubt that it was introduced on .imported apple stocks. In view of the fact that the elm is the primary host, attention is drawn to the need for examining any elms near apple orchards. Spraying against the aerial form and grafting against the root form are the measures mentioned. d'EmmerezdeCharmoy(D.). Report on the Work of the Division of Biology. — Mauritius: Ann. Rept. Dept. Agric. 1919, 1920, pp. 12-13. [Received 14th February 1921.] A fresh infestation of Lachnosterna [Phytalus) smithi was discovered, against which remedial measures are in progress. During the year 69,102,233 beetles were destroyed, the number being considerably smaller than in the previous year ; the parasite, Tiphia parallela, is largely responsible for this. Other pests recorded are Oryctes tarandus on sugar-cane and a gall insect on mango. The Mango-tree Borer (Violin) {Batocera ruhus).— Mauritius : Dept. Agric, Reduit, Leaflet 10, 23rd Julv 1918, 2 pp., 3 figs. [Received 14th February 1921.] The Longicorn beetle, Batocera ruhus, known locally as the mango- tree borer, or violin on account of the peculiar sound it produces when irritated, does considerable damage to mango and other trees in Mauritius, and its partiality for kapok appears to be responsible for the discontinuance of the cultivation of that useful tree in the Colony. Brief notes' on the structure of the adults and larvae" are given. The eggs are deposited singly in cracks in the bark, in which the young larvae remain for the greater part of their life. Their mines are irregular, narrow and sinuous. When they are 40-45 mm. long, they bore large circular galleries in the wood ; when these finally reach the outer surface immediately under the bark, the larvae pupate. Though concealed in the trunk and branches, their presence is be- trayed by the brownish fluid trickling from the wound. When they are under the bark the tree can be saved, but when they are in the wood there is no practical means of destroying them. There is ground for believing that the life of the larva is not less than one 5^ear. The adults are found all the year round, but more abundantly in summer, at which period the attacks of the larvae are first noticed. The beetles may be captured and killed. Trees severely infested with the larvae should be felled and split into pieces and all the larvae destroyed. Logs should not be left on the ground. If a tree is slightly infested the larvae may be cut out. A trained man can in less than a day clear a tree of all its larvae. This pest also occurs in Madagascar, Reunion and elsewhere. Departmental Activities, November, 1920 : Entomology.—//. Dept. Agric, Union S. Africa. Pretoria, ii, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 14-16. An arrangement has been made to have codling moth larvae collected m autumn in Italy and sent to South Africa, with the view of intro- ducing the Italian parasites of this pest. An attempt is also being made to introduce Aphelinus mali from North America, where it 186 parasitises the woolly aphis [E^-Zoso^irt lanigeritrn], and a shipment of the parasitised Aphids has reached Capetown. During November outbreaks of locust hoppers occurred in various districts. In the Transvaal a reported outbreak was found to be due to a remarkable abundance of immature grasshoppers so closely resembling the true locust hoppers that experienced officers at first sight mistook them for the latter ; no similar case has ever before come to the notice of the division. VAN DER Mervve (C. P.). The Tobacco Slug {Lema hilineata. Germ.). — //. Dept. Agric, Union S. Africa, Pretoria, ii, no. 1, Januarv 1921, pp. 28-38, 3 figs. Until recently tobacco has been considered to be free from serious pests in the field in South Africa, probably because no plants of its genus are indigenous there. A potentially serious pest has now appeared in the form of a South .\merican Chrysomelid beetle, Lema bilineata, Germ., probably introduced during the South xVfrican War, when large quantities of forage, etc., were imported from Argentina. The first record of its presence was made in 1911 at the Cedara Agricultural School, Natal, and it was first observed by the author in Durban in 1916, feeding on Physalis lobata, an introduced plant and a common weed. The lower leaves of tobacco in the field are the first to be attacked. The eggs are laid almost invariably on the under-sides of the leaves in close masses of 15-20. At first the larvae are gregarious and attack only the lower surface of the leaf ; later they separate, and eat large ragged holes through the leaf. If many are present, only the midribs are left. In some places the plants, both in the seed- beds and in the fields, have been completely destroyed. Tobacco in the curing sheds, and even in bales, is also attacked, but this only occurs while it is still green. Where it is customary to cut the whole plant and hang it up in the shed, drying takes more than a month, and larvae brought in on the plant have time to mature. The damage done in the sheds is therefore very great ; it can be prevented by other methods of drying, but should be trifling if proper remedies are applied in the field. Observations indicate that the latest date for oviposition is about the end of March. At Durban the period during which the beetles did not feed was found to be about four months. Eggs were found again from 4th September, and beetles were observed to be feeding two days before. The egg-stage lasts four to seven days at Durban, or even less at midsummer. The greatest number of eggs obtained from one female was 2,421, with an average of 1,225. The egg-laying period lasted from 15 to 124 days, with an average of 65, exclusive of the period of hibernation. The larva moults three times, the last moult being when it is six to ten days old. It pupates two to four days later. From 10 to 19 days elapse between entrance into the ground for pupation and emergence of the adult, the full cycle from the egg to the adult varying from 17 to 30 days. As a rule the adults are comparatively long-lived, hibernated females surviving from 194 to 284 days, with an average of 230. Though no males have been kept alive through the winter, it is believed that some hibernate. Paired females may hibernate, and without again mating, lay fertile eggs, being thus able to set up new centres of infestation. 187 Hibernating individuals have been found under stones, in sheds amongst loose and baled tobacco, and in cupboards and other warm places. At Durban the maximum number of generations appears to be eight, but the average from an overwintered female will be smaller, owing to the extended egg-laying period, it being possible for a female to be still ovipositing long after her first progeny has become adult. The observed food-plants of L. hilineata are tobacco, Nicandra physaloides (wild Cape gooseberry), Physalis peruviana (Cape goose- berry) and other species of Physalis. Datura stramonium and D. tatula, whilst Salpichroa rhomboidea is recorded in Argentina. All these are Solanaceous plants, and none are known to be natives of South Africa. Not all Solanaceae can serve as food ; tomato, capsicum, Solanum melongena, and Cesirum aculeata (inkberry) were found unsuitable. A few other plants, such as sweet potato and lucerne, were also refused. Potatoes are attacked, though only slightly compared with Datura stramonium in potato fields. It is not possible to say whether the range of L. 6z7mga/a has been extended in South Africa by natural spread or by traffic. The greatest danger would appear to be in the bales of tobacco. According to some reports wet weather greatly favours this pest, and there is some hope that it will not thrive in the drier parts of the country. As L. bilineata belongs to a genus well represented in South Africa, it is likely that native parasites will adapt themselves to it in increasing numbers. The most eftective enemy observed is the ant, Pheidole punctulata, and at Durban no infestation by larvae has been found on the dry friable soils preferred by this ant. Myrmecaria eumenoides also carries off the larvae. Plagiolepis custodiens is apparently useless. Various Reduviid bugs have been seen attacking both beetles and larvae. Other enemies included spiders and poultry. Though only a few experiments have been carried out, it is thought that this pest can be kept down successfully. The crop at the Piet Retief Experiment Station was kept, entirely free in 1920 by hand- crushing, an expensive but effective method. It is probable that spraying with a stomach-poison, such as lead arsenate, will become more and more popular. Sodium arsenite from the cattle-dipping tanks has been tried, and usually one trial was enough to prevent another, but as good results have been obtained with weak dilutions of this poison it is necessary to utter a warning against its use. The dry application of arsenate of lead powder may prove effective on tobacco, the leaves of which are sticky and hold the dust well. A simple apparatus for this purpose is described. The air should be still and the plants moist with dew or rain. Dusting with fine sifted lime or fine dry earth experimentally reduced the number of larvae, but whether the results would be satisfactory in the field remains to be seen. The tops of young tobacco plants may be dipped in a lead arsenate spray solution prior to planting out, which provides a pro- tection that enables the plants to get a good start. Beesox (C. F. C). The Food Plants of Indian Forest Insects, Part V. — Ind. Forester, Allahabad, xlvii, no. 1, Januarv 1921, pp. 21-25. This continuation of lists previously noticed [R.A.E., A, vii, 534] deals with the Scolytids : — Crossotarsus bonvouloiri. Chap., in Shorea robitsta ; C. coniferae, Steb., in Cedrus deodora and Picca morinda ; C. fairmairei. Chap., in Piniis excelsa ; C. minax, Wlk., in Terminalia 188 hclcrica ; C. sauniersi, Chap., in Cassia fistula, Hcritiera femes, Shorea robusta and Tcnninalia tomentosa ; C. squamitlatus. Chap., in Heritiera fomes and Tectona grandis [previously erroneously re- corded as in Shorea robusta, R.A.E., A, vi, 522] ; Diapus aculeatiis, Blandf., in Onerous incana and Q. semecar pi folia ; D. capillatus. Samps., in Quercus lamellosa ; D. furiivus, Samps., in Shorea robusta and S. talura ; D. impressus, Jans., in Alnus nepalensis, Quercus incana and other trees ; D. quadrispinatus, Chap., in Alnus nepalensis ; D. quinquespinatus. Chap., in Shorea robusta ; Platypus biformis. Chap., in Pinus longifolia ; P. cupulatus, Chap., in Terminalia belerica ; P. cupulifer, Wichm., in Shorea robusta ; P. curtus. Chap., in Shorea robusta ; P. falcatus. Strohm., in Alnus nepalensis ; P. indicus, Strohm.,in Artocarpus infegrifolia ; P. rectangulus. Samps., in Anogeis- sus latifolia ; P. secretus. Samps., in Aesculus punduana and Odina ic'odier ; P. solidus. Chap., in Albizzia lebbek, Butca frondosa, Dalbergia sissoo, Mangifera indica, Tectona grandis and other trees ; P. suffodiens. Samps., in Pitliecolobiuni saman and other trees ; and P. ttncinatus, Blandf., in Heritiera fomes, Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa and other trees. Smith (H. S.). Report of the Pest Control Service, 1919-20.— .l///;/v. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric, Sacramento, ix, no. 10-11, October- November 1920, pp. 417-421, 3 tigs. [Received 10th February 1921.] It is estimated that about ;;^1, 200,000 were spent in California in 1918 for the control of insect pests. The problem of the control of Pseudococcus sp. has been solved by the propagation and distribution on a large scale of its natural enemies. Saissetia oleae, Bern, (black scale) is being gradually reduced by similar means. This scale has been causing a loss to the citrus industry of about /400,000 annually. Vacuum fumigation has proved of great value in controlling pests of dried dates and other food products. The application of liquid insecticides under vacuum is being developed, and shows great promise. The walnut packing houses in southern California are now all equipped with apparatus for the sterilisation of sacks, and the law enacted for the purpose of preventing the spread of codling moth [Cydia pomonella] in walnuts has been effectively enforced. A new prepared bait for grasshoppers will probably prove to be a great convenience. A serious outbreak of Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle) occurred, but w'as checked. Problems in control that still require solution are presented by Dialeurodes citri, R. & H. (citrus whitefiy), Otiorrhynchus rugifrons (strawberry root weevil) and the Mediterranean fig scale [Lepidosaphes ficus]. The possibility of biological control of Chrysomphalus aiiraniii. Mask, (red scale) and Lepidosaphes beckii,^e\wm., requires to be studied. Mackie (D. B.). Report of Field Entomologist (Los Angeles), 1919-20. — Mthly. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric, Sacranwnto, ix, no. 10-11, October-November 1920, pp. 429-435, 1 fig. [Received 10th February 1921.] As explained in the preceding paper, the control of the codling moth [Cydia pomonella'] in walnuts has largely been effected by com- pulsory sterilisation of the sacks, some 983,562 having been treated under the supervision of the field entomologist. 189 A system of fumigation under vacuum is described and illustrated. By this method dates in any form , can be freed from infestation by one hour's treatment, and it is considered inevitable that this system will ultimately be adopted for many kinds of food products. At present lack of equipment has limited experiments to only a few of the possibilities, but insects that have been successfully "treated include Phthorimaea opcrciilella, Z. (potato- tuber moth) in potatoes, insects infesting dehydrated vegetables (which will in future be treated by this method as a regular trade practice), and Merodon equestris (narcissus fly) in bulbs, etc. These" promising results have led to further investigation of this method in the use of liquid insecticides. An application was made with date offshoots for the control of Phoenkococcus marlatti ; these were submerged in the insecticide and the air exhausted ; all air pockets are expanded, and the air rises to the surface in bubbles. As the desired vacuum is obtained, the pressure is released and the insecticide penetrates into all interstices of the plant. The time required is fifteen minutes, and growers report complete destruction of the scale and no injury to the offshoots. The exact procedure for certain Diaspine scales on nursery stock has yet to be worked out. For the destruction of Pseudococciis gahani (citrophilus mealvbug) in empty fruit-boxes a box steriliser has been devised which is automatic in action and is attached to the box dump with which it works, passing the boxes through a hot chamber at a temperature of 200° F. ; this kihs all forms of the scale. Steam has been used as the killing agent, but it is hoped to develop a steriliser using hot air, in which the entire apparatus will be complete in itself, with its own heating unit. The difficulty of applying prompt remedies for grass- hopper invasions has always been that poison bait has had to be freshly prepared to be effective ; a formula has now been devised that can be prepared beforehand and preserved in cans for use when needed. Urbahns (T. D.) . Report of Field Entomologist (Sacramento) 1919-20. —Mthly. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric. Sacramento, ix, no. 10-11, October-November 1920, pp. 435-439, 2 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] The introduction of parasites into California has chiefly been effectual from South Africa, with the object of reducing the black'scale [Saissetia oleae, Bern.]. The distribution of Coccinellids has continued on a large scale, and there is urgent demand for Hippodamia convergens to check the development of Aphids. Field control of insects has included efforts to prevent the recurrence of the enormous loss occasioned annuallv by pears infested with codling moth [Cydia pomonella]. Promising 'results were obtained from thorough spraying, but there are still certain defects in this system to be studied. Against grasshoppers, at least 350 tons of poisoned bait have been distributed annuallv for the past two seasons. Tortrix {Ar chips) argyrospila and T. [A) rosaceana (leaf-rollers) have caused great injury to prune and pear trees. Arsenical spravs were of considerable value, but the project must be carried through the winter for a comparison of winter sprays against the eggs of these moths. Remedial measures against Crioceris asparagi, L. (asparagus beetle) have shown promise, but require further studv ; the results of spraying for Tacnioiiiyips inconsequens {pyri) (pear 'thrips) proved 190 disappointing, partly, perhaps, owing to unfavourable weather condi- tions ; more thorough and effective spraying methods are necessary. Red spider [Tctranychus] has been one of the most destructive pests of the season ; and an educational campaign against it is advised. Pseudococcus maritimus (pear mealybug) is becoming increasingly abundant, and more attention should be given to remedial measures for it. TypopJwrus canellus (strawberry leaf beetle) is a dangerous pest, and its control requires careful consideration. Armit.\ge (H. M.). Report of the Biological Control Work directed against the Mealybugs, 1919-20.— 3/////)'. Bull. Cal. Dcpt. Agric, Sacramento, ix, no. 10-11, October-November 1920, pp. 441-451, 7 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] Much progress has been made in the biological control of the mealybugs infesting Citrus in southern California. To place this work on a sound economic basis it will, however, be necessary to find a cheaper food-plant than potato sprouts on which to rear the mealybugs for maintaining a supply of parasites. The species against which the parasites are used are Pseudococcus gahani, P. citri, P. maritimus and P. krauhniae. Particulars of the production of parasites in the laboratory during the past three fiscal years, as well as for July and August of 1920, are given, the species reared or collected including Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Tanaomastix abnormis, Leucopis bella, Sympherohiiis sp., Rhizohius ventralis, R. lophantae, Hyperaspis lateralis, Novius cardinalis, Panridia peregrina, Orcus chalybaeus and Delphastus sp. A few of the outstanding results of the year's field work include the commercial control of P. citri in Ventura county ; the establish- ment of the internal parasites, T. abnormis, Gir., and P. peregrina, Timb., on Pseudococcus krauhniae (Japanese mealybug) ; the com- mercial control of P. gahani in one locality by C. montrouzieri ; and the complete clearing of P. maritimus b}^ the same predator in another locality and of P. citri in a part of Orange count}-. Sympherobi-us barber i (brown lacewing), liberated from laboratory-grown material, has been a prominent factor in reducing the numbers of P. krauhniae, and T. abnormis was established on several new infestations of its host, P. citri. Considerable numbers of mealybugs have also been destroyed by the native predators, Chrysopa sp. (green lacewings), the Dipteron, Leucopis bella (which clears up egg-masses of P. gahani), and the brown-lacewings, S. barberi and S. californicus. Regarding the relation of ants to the biological control of mealybugs, the author considers that they are a considerable hindrance, and as a rule ant control is demanded of the grower before he is supplied with natural enemies. Further increase in production is necessary if the demands upon the laboratory are to be met. The working of the various insectaries is described. Compere (H.) . Report on the Biological Control Work directed against the Black Scale, 1919-20.-^1/////)'. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric, Sacramento, i.x, no. 10-11, October-November 1920, pp. 451-458, 2 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] This report includes a discussion of the fundamental principles governing natural control of black scale [Saissetia oleae], and an account of the laboratory work and insectary production. The parasite 191 Aphycus loimshuryi, introduced from South x\frica and Australia, has been successfully established in California, and it is hoped to colonise it this year in all districts where scale conditions are favourable. It is necessar}^, however, to make some provision for maintaining it throughout all periods ; in the interior districts particularly it is reduced to insignificant numbers by the continually recurring periods when the scale is not present in a suitable form for food. At these periods it is necessary to supplement its numbers by insectary work or by finding an auxiliary food-supply. In the latter connection it is remarked that at the time when A. lounshiiryi is dying out for lack of food there is an abundant supply of suitable-sized scales on pepper trees and a few ornamental shrubs. If in the summer months a supply of the parasite could be taken from the citrus orchards and placed on the pepper trees, they could thus be maintained, and re- transferred to Citrus when the scales were large enough on them. Satisfactory natural control is only maintained by destroying practically all the scales of each generation. Other beneficial insects used in this work are a Hymenopteron, Scutellista cyanea, of which the larvae are predaceous on the eggs of S. oleae, and Rhizohius vcntralis, a Coccinellid introduced from Australia. The working of the chief insectaries is briefly described. Maskew (F.). Report of the Plant Quarantine Service, 1919-20. — Mthly. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric, Sacramento, ix, no. 10-11, October-November 1920, pp. 459-467, 3 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] The work of the Plant Quarantine Service of the Department of Agriculture during the year ended 30th June 1920 is reviewed, and reports from the various stations are included. NouGARET (R. L.). Report of the Viticultural Service, 1919-20. — Mthly. Bull. Cal. Dept. Agric., Sacramento, ix, no. 10-11, October- November 1920, pp. 487-501, 5 figs. [Received 10th February 1921.] Only those insect pests of the vine that are a serious menace to Californian vineyards, and that cause damage for which no practical control is known, are here mentioned. Phylloxera was introduced into California about 1858, and made much slower progress than in France, some vineyards being infested for as long as twenty years before their cultivation became unprofitable. Very little has yet been done to guard against the pest. The progress of infestation varies largely in accordance with climatic conditions, and a deficient rainfall during the past two or three seasons has been the cause of further weakening of the xdtality and resistance of the vines. If California is to maintain her grape industry, it is clear that resistant stocks only must be planted on soils susceptible to Phylloxera, and it is always these soils that are the best for vine-growing. A survey has been made of the chief vine-growing counties, which demonstrates the susceptibility and immunity of certain kinds of soils and shows the infested localities. Experiments have been carried out over a number of years to test resistant varieties and their adapability to Californian soils. Both propagators and purchasers of rooted vines 192 for planting have been greatly inconvenienced by the enactment of strict regulations regarding the introduction of rooted vines ; it is suggested that a certificate attesting their disinfection, irrespective of where grown, should be considered sufficient guarantee. The grape mealybug, Pseitdococcus maritimus, is less destructive to vines, but its presence in the bunches of grapes renders the fruit unmarketable. Every effort should be made to find a means of eradicating it. The Sphingid, Pholus achemon, occurred in alarming numbers in 1919, but prompt measures checked the infestation ; in 1920 nothing was done to control a fresh outbreak, with the result that three generations occurred, young larvae appearing about 25th May, 6th July and 20th September, and heavy losses were sustained. MacGillivray (A. D.). The Coccidae. — Urhana, III., The Scarab Co., 1921, 502 pp. [Price S6.] This volume gives a very short introduction to the systematic position, life-history, external anatomy, and methods of preparation for study, of the Coccidae. The main part of the volume is devoted to the identification of the sub-families, genera and species by means of dichotomous tables, each sub-family being prefaced by a general account. The sub-family tables dealing with the identification of the first nymphal and adult stages will be found useful by students. In his treatment of the genera the author has erected over 120 new ones, and those that previous authors considered to be sub-genera have been raised to generic rank. Time will show whether the classification proposed here will stand, but it seems as if the author, in his endeavour to assist his students, for whom these tables were originally compiled, had carried what we believe to be an artificial arrangement to its logical conclusion, and in the process has lost sight of the natural affinities of the insects. It is not quite so easy to assign species to their genera as the author's tables would lead one to suppose. The extent of the proposed alterations may be judged from the fact that in the Lepidosaphini there are 17 new genera erected, in the Diaspidini 44, and in the Aspidiotini 53. The value of the work is lessened by the fact that the author has had to rely very largely upon descriptions ; all genera previously founded have apparently been accepted, even although subsequent authors have shown them to be erroneous. A glance at the bibliography suggests that the author has not had access to all the literature. The tables dealing with the species will probably be found useful, inasmuch as they gather into one volume descriptions that have hitherto been widely scattered. In a work of such size it is perhaps expecting too much to have no printer's errors, but many of the genera might have been revised with advantage. van dex Broek (M.) & ScHENK (P. J.). Vijandeii van Tuinbouwge- wassen. [Pests of Horticultural Plants.] — Groiiingen, J. B. Wolters, 108 pp., 27 figs. Price fi. 1.25. This practical little book is intended for use in the winter horticul- tural instruction courses in Holland. Both animal and fungous pests are dealt with, and these are arranged according to the plants they infest. In each case the scientific name is given, and there are short notes on the injury. A brief section deals with the various insecticides in general use. 193 Ferdinandsen (C.) & RosTRUP (S.). Oversigt over Sygdomme hos Landbrugets og Havebrugets Kulturplanter i 1918. [Report on Insect Pests and Fnngoiis Diseases of the Field and Orchard in 1918]. — Tidskrijt Joy Flantcavl, Copenhagen, xxvi, 1919, pp. 683-733. Among the cereal pests Oscinella frit did, as usual, great damage to oats, especially because the spring corn was sown rather late on account of cold and dry weather ; this also caused a great attack of Chlorops taeniopus on barley. Attacks of Mayetiola {Cecidomyia) destructor. Zabrus gihbus on rye, Jassiis scxnotatus on oats and spring rye, Phyllotreta vittula on barley and oats, Tortrix paleana on oats, Contarinia {Cecidomyia) tritici on wheat, and Hadena secalis and H. basilinea on rye and wheat, were also recorded, but were of less importance. The Aphids, Macrosiphum granarimn [Siphonophora cerealis) and Siphonaphispadi { Aphis avenae),-pQ.xi\cn\diAythe\2iiiex, did considexdihle. damage to oats and barley ; rye and wheat were also attacked by them. The infestation appeared in June and July as a continuation of the frit-fly attack, and owing to the dry weather the crops suffered severely. Thrips—Limothrips denticornis on rye and barley and Haplothrips {Anthothrips) aculeatiis on barley — were numerous, but did not do much damage. The mite, Tarsonemus spirifex, was numerous on oats. Calandra gr anuria and Anobium paniceum did some damage in stored grain. Sitona lineata did some damage to peas, on which an Aphid, a thrips Kakothrips pisivora {Physopus robustus), larvae of Cydia {Grapholitha) and Cecidomyiid larvae were also observed. Pests of cabbages, rape, turnips and beets included : — Silpha opaca, Cassida nebidosa, and especially Pegomyia hyoscyami and Aphis rumicis (/)a^«ygrw) attacking beets. Phorbia (Chortophila) brassicae, Meligethes aeneus and flea-beetles did very serious damage to cabbages and rape, while Ceuthorrhynchus quadridens, C. assimilis, C. sulcicollis. Eitrydctna oleracea, Pieris brassicae, P. rapae, Barathra {Mamestra) brassicae and Perrisia {Cecidomyia) brassicae were minor pests of these crops. Carrots were attacked by Trioza viridula, Siphocoryne capreae, Biston zonarius, which in one locality occurred in immense numbers, and especially Psila rosae. Celery was frequently infested with the mines of Acidia cognata, and potatoes in some places were severely attacked by Calocoris hipunctatus ; Hydroecia micans was also recorded from potatoes. On lucerne and clover attacks were recorded of Sitona lineata, Hypera {Phytonomus) nigrirostris, H. (P.) variabilis and Apioii apr leans. Larvae of Hadena strigilis did some damage to cock's-foot grass cultivated for seed. Cleigastra flavipes also attacked grasses. Apple and pear pests included : — Cheimatobia brumata and C. boreata, Olethreutes variegana, Eucosma ocellana, Notolophus {Orgyia) antiquus and especially Anthonomus pomornm and Malacosoma {Gastro pacha) neustria. Larvae of Cydia pomonella {Carpocapsa pomonana) were frequently met with in apples, but very rarely in pears ; those of Hyponomeuta were common on Crataegus but scarce on apple and pear trees. Phyllobius oblongiis, Lyonetia clerkella, Thomasia {Diplosis) oculiperda, 2290 P 184 thrips, tlie bugs Lygus. Calocoris and Atyactodcs mali, and the Aphids Aphis pomi {mali), A. crataegi and Siplionaphis {Siphonophora) padi, were met with on fruit trees. Psylla mali and Paratdranychus pilosiis were controlled by the use of tobacco extract containing 01 per cent, nicotine and 1 per cent. soap. Pests of stone-fruits included Chcimaiobia hyumata on cherries and plums, Diloba cocnileoccphala on cherries and a]>ricots, Hyponomcuia spp. on mirabel, bird cherries, blackthorn, spindle tree and lilac, and Hoplocampa fidvicornis and Tt^ririx funehrana doing great damage to plums and mirabel. The Aphids, Hyaloptcnis arimdinis {pruni). Aphis ccrasi and others, did some damage, but spraying with formalin in the evenings was effective against them. Raspberry pests included Aegeria iSesia) bembeciformis. By turns tomentosus. Anthonomus riibi and Otiorrhynchus ligustici, the latter in one locality doing very great damage by destroying the young shoots. Pests of gooseberries, currants and black currants included Pteroniis [Nematus) ribesii and Pristiphora pallipes (appendiculata), which did great damage in June and July, but against which spraying with Paris green was effective, Abraxas grossidariata, Cheimatobia brumata, C. boreata, Lygus and Calocoris spp., Lecanium sp., Bryobia ribis, Tctranychus sp. and Eriophyes ribis. Aphids on blackcurrants were destroyed by spraying in the evening with 0'25 per cent, formalin. On hazel, Balaninus nucum and Eriophyes avellanae occurred. On strawberries, Anthonomus rubi did great damage. Blennocampa geniculata, Oxygrapha (Acalla) coniariana, Hydroecia micacca and Tarsonemus fragariae were also recorded. Beans and cucumbers were attacked by Lygus, Calocoris, thrips, Smynthurus, Tctranychus altheae and Oniscus, and melons by Aphids and Tctranychus. On asparagus Crioccris asparagi was common, Acrolcpia assectella on leeks and Hylemyia antiqua on onions and leeks. Mines of Phytomyza affinis caused very great damage to the foliage of cultivated Chrysanthemum. As usual, widespread damage was caused by Euxoa ( Agrotis) segetum and other cutworms, Agriotes lineatus, Tipula paludosa, Forficula auricularia, Blaniulus guttulatus and others on various plants. Melolontha melolontha {vulgaris) and Phyllopertha horticola also did some damage. Fritfluer i Vintersaed. [Frit-flies in Winter Crops.] — Vort Landbrug, Copenhagen, 1919, p. 136 ; also Ugeskrift for Landmacnd, xliv, 1919, p. 185. An attack of OscincUa frit on wheat and rye is recorded, after grass had been lately phnighed in, from which it would appear that the frit-fly larvae can leave the grass ploughed under and migrate to young corn. RosTRUP (S.). Krusesyge i Kaalroer. [Curly-leaf Disease in Rape.] — Ugeskrift for Landmacnd. Copenhagen, Ixiv, 1919, pp. 563-564. In 1912 curly-leaf disease in rape and turnip was shown by Taylor to be due to the midge, Contarinia nasturtii, in England, and the same species is now found to be the cause of this disease in Denmark. 195 Gram (E.) Ronnebaermollet. [Argyresthia conjugella.]—Gartner- Itdcnde. Copenhagen, xxxv, 1919, pp. 303-305. A serious outbreak of Argyresthia conjugella on apples in Denmark IS recorded ni 1919. Considerable damage was also done to the service tree, the favourite food-plant of this moth. Jensen-Haarup (A. C). Cikader {llomovieiB).~Danmarks Fauna Nr., 24, Copenhagen. 1920, 190 pp., 79 figs. This is a systematic survey of the Homoptera of Denmark It deals with 226 species, and is furnished with many instructive illustrations. MicHELiNi (G.). La Fillossera della Vite. [The Vine Phylloxera]- Lonsighere dell'Agric, Turin, ix, no. 1, January 192f pp 8-16 7 figs. ^^ A popular account is given of the various forms of Phylloxera vastatnx, the damage it does, and the measures adopted against it. V Stahel (G.). Een wild Cacaobosch aan de Mamaboen-kreek (Boven- Coppename). [A wild Cacao Wood on the Mamaboen Creek Upper Copename.]— Reprint from De Indische Mercnur {sine loco], 24th September 1920, 12 pp., 9 figs. [Received 12th February 1921.] • ^1^^ discovery in April 1920 of an area of wild cacao is recorded m Dutch Guiana. Even if Indians had introduced the plant this must have taken place a very long time ago ; otherwise the occurrence of such extensive areas covered with old trees cannot be accounted for. According to Mr. A. Reyne no traces were found of the pest re- sembling//^'/o/^e/^/s [Monalonion] occurring in Brazil, of the cacao beetle ^teirastomadepressum, or of the cacao thrips [Heliothrips riihrocinctus] The absence of the thrips is remarkable, as it has been found in the neighbourhood on Psidium polycarpon. The only injury noticed was of an occasional character and due to leaf-eating beetles and caterpillars. Krahe (J. A.). Lehrbuch der rationellen Korbweidenkultur. [Text- book of rational Basket-Willow Cultivation.]— Z.»;i6//r" a L Verlag Gebr. Steffen, 6th edn., price 7 marks. (Notice in Zeitschr. Pflanzenkr., Stuttgart, xxx, no. 8, 1920, p. 284.) In the section on insect pests of willow it is stated that ants are injurious owing to the construction of nests and the fact that they foster Aphids. Bostrychus is only a secondary pest. The larvae of various Lamellicorn beetles attack the roots, and cause much harm Leaf-beetles of the genera Phyllodecta {Phratora) and Melasoma [Una) do very considerable injury. Lepidopterous pests are repre- sented by Stilpnotia salicis, L., and Earias chlorana. L. Tibula pratensis. L., is sometimes harmful. 196 VAN Emelen (A.). Combate aos Piolhos das Abelhas. [Measures against Braida cocca.\ — Chacaras e Quiniaes, S. Paulo, xxiii, no. 1, 15th January 1921, p. 55, 1 fig. If Braula caeca is present in large numbers in a bee-hive the best method of chiving it away consists in placing a lump of naphthaline at each of the fo\u- corners. This will have the desired effect in one or two weeks, without injuring the bees. Naphthaline in the form of powder must not be used, as the bees are then able to remove it. Camphor is said to possess the same repellent property, but in a more marked degree. PiCTET ( — ). Observations biologiques sur Psilura monacha. — Mitt. Schweiz. Ent. Ges., Berne, xiii, no. 2, December 1920, pp. 63-64, [Received 16th February 1921.] In 1920 the oviposition of Liparis {Psilura) monacha (nun moth) occurred in June. The eggs aestivate and then hibernate. In the open they hatch in March at a minimum temperature of 8° C. (46° F.). The caterpillars are polyphagous, and in captivity may be fed on most conifers and many deciduous trees and shrubs. Those fed on oak develop quicker than those on larch, the respective times being 35 and 41 days. Schneider-Orelli (0.). Beitrage zur Biologie des pilzziichtenden Kafers, Hylecoetus derniesioides. [Contributions to the Biology of the Fungus-tending Beetle, H. dermestoides.] — Mitt. Sclnveiz. Ent. Ges., Berne, xiii, no. 2, December 1920, pp. 64-67. [Received 16th February 1921.] In Switzerland the Lymexylonidae are represented by tw-o species, Hylecoetus dermestoides, L., and Lymexylon navale, L. . The larvae of the former bore in the sapwood of beech stumps, and are occa- sionally found in the standing trees ; L. navale prefers o'ak. Recent researches have shown that the forked caudal appendage of the larva of H. dermestoides is a tool for removing the debris in the gallery, the sides of which are covered with a fungus on which the larva feeds. The larva was formerly believed to feed exclusively on the bored wood or on bark-beetles in the mine. I The author has been able to study the symbiosis between the larva* and the fungus during the hibernation period, having received in November a piece of beech trunk containing about -20 larvae. No living fungus cells were found in the larvae during the winter, but the intestines of two individuals contained fragments of wood and of shrivelled fungus. A microscopical examination of the mines revealed only a few isolated cells along the sides until the portions near the inner ends were reached ; these were coated with a layer of wood debris and fungus mycelium. The round Ambrosia cells are similar to those from the mines of Xyleborus xylographus {saxescni), but measure 003 mm., or twice as much, across. The material main- tains the fungus during the winter, and as the mines were otherwise free from wood debris, the layer would appear to be prepared by the larvae. 197 GoDET (C). Rapport sur I'Activit^ de la Station d'Essais viticoles a Auvernier. Exercice 1918-1919. — Ann. Agric. Suisse, Lucerne. xxi, no. 2, 1920, pp. 25-112, 6 figs., 4 graphs. The chief vine pest of Neuchatel, Clysia amhiguclla, was rather less destructive than in preceding years. It is noticeable that in vineyards where two apphcations of Bordeaux mixture and nicotine were given against the eggs, the number of larvae was appreciably smaller. Numerous experiments were made with light-traps against the moths, and have led to the conclusion that these have not only not been efficacious, but are a considerable expense. While in some localities they gave apparently favourable results, it is impossible to say whether the success was due to them or to natural conditions. Light-traps placed at 20 yards distance from each other captured more moths than those at 30 yards intervals. For the first generation the height of the traps from the ground seemed to be immaterial ; for the second generation a height of 24 inches from th'e ground was the most successful, especially for the traps placed 30 yards apart. The time and duration of flight of the moths apparently depend entirely upon temperature ; it seems probable that an average day temperature of 59° F. is necessary for the emergence of moths, bvit meteorological conditions do not appear to be the only factors in the great variations observed during their principal flight. Leefmans (S.). Het Cheveluremotje [Miisotima snffusalis, Hamps.). [The Maidenhair Moth, M. snffusalis.] — Teysmannia, Batavia, xxxi, no. 9, 1920, pp. 428-431, 1 plate. The caterpillars of Miisotima suffusalis, Hamps., infesting maidenhair ( Adiantum), are not easy to detect, as they are only ^/^ in. long, green to the naked eye, and usually located on the underside of the leaves. In breeding experiments larval stages of 14 and 19 days were obtained. Before pupating the caterpillar binds the leaves with webs, the cocoon hanging within them. The pupal stage lasted 7 days in most cases observed. The eggs are laid on the underside of the leaves, the egg stage lasting five to six days and the total life-cycle requiring 25-31 days. Under favourable conditions 12 or more generations a year may occur in the Dutch East Indies. Infestation in general is more marked during the wet season, but in the dry season the infestation of maidenhair growing in verandas is greater. Thisis probably due to unfavourable conditions in the open causing the well- watered house-plants to become increasingly attractive. d'Angkemond (A.). Onderzoekingen over het Dooden van Lasioderma serricorne, Fabr., in Tabak, door Middel van I'' Verhitting, 2° Benzine. [Investigations on the Destruction of L. serricorne in Tobacco by means of Heat or Benzine.] — Meded. Proefsi. Vorsten- landsche Tabak, Klaien xxxvi, 1919, 28 pp. (With a Summary in English). [Received 18th February 1921.] When a shortage of carbon bisulphide in the Dutch East Indies was threatened in 1918 owing to shipping difficulties, attempts were made to destro}' Lasioderma serricorne, F., in stored tobacco, by exposure to heat and by fumigation with benzine. Both these methods gave good results. 198 A temperature of 50° C. (122° F.) kills the larvae in three hours and the eggs in five. In practice it is possible to kill L. serricorne, even in the centre of a bale, by heating the latter in a fermentation room to a temperature of 55°-60° C. (13r-140° F.). The tobacco is not injured. This method is practicable on all estates that have a fermenting room. It was found that a dose of \\ litre benzine per cubic metre (about 2 pints per cubic yard), allowed to act over a consecutive period of 96 hours, is sufficient to kill all stages of L. serricorne , even at the centre of a bale. In normal times, however, disinfection with benzine will be more expensive than with carbon bisulphide. Weiss (H. B.). Notes on the Life-history o8 Pachypsylla celtidis- gemma. Riley. — Canad. Ent., London, Out., liii, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 19-21. The nymphs of Pachypsylla celtidis-genima, Riley, a species locally common in New Jersey, form galls on the twigs of hackberry {Celtis occidentalis) . The galls are always formed on the new wood, and in severe infestations almost every bud is deformed. P. celtidis-gemma hibernates in the last nymphal stage, these nymphs emerging from the galls late in May and early in June. They crawl on to the tops of the galls and to the twigs, and give rise to the adults shortly afterwards. The eggs are deposited on the lower leaf-surface close to a vein. First- stage nymphs were not found on the buds until July. Brief descriptions of the development of the nymphs and of the egg are given. LocHHEAD (W.). The Natural Control of Insects. — 12th Ann. Kept.. Quebec Soc. Prot. Plants Insects & Fung. Dis., 1919-20, Quebec, 1920, pp. 10-21, 5 figs. [Received 21st February 1921.] The importance of the natural control of insect pests, including climate, food supply, predatory enemies and parasites, and the necessity for further knowledge of these conditions, is emphasised. Chapais (J. C). A Brief Study of a few Ceeidomyiidae. — 72/// Ann. Kept. Quebec Soc. Prot. Plants Insects & Fung. Dis., 1919-20, Quebec, 1920, pp. 28-31, 1 fig. [Received 21st February 1921.] The information here given on the Cecidomyiids, Mayetiola destructor. Say, Perrisia {Dasyneiira) leguminicola, Lintn. (clover flower midge), Neocerata {D.) rhodophaga, Coq. (rose midge) and Contarinia vir- giniana producing galls on choke cherry {Cerasus virginiana), has been collated from various sources. LocHHEAD (W.). The European Corn Borer. — 12th Ann. Kept. Quebec Soc. Prot. Plants Insects & Fung. Dis., 1919-20, Quebec, 1920, pp. 36-43, 2 plates, 1 fig. [Received 21st February 1921.] The proceedings of conferences on the European corn borer [Pyrausla nubilalis, Hb.] are reviewed ; the bulk of the information has already been noticed [R. A.E., A., viii, 97^ etc.] 199 Leopold ( — ). Economy in Spraying.— i2/A Attn. Rept. Quebec Soc. Prot. Plants Insects & Fung. Dis., 1919-20, Quebec, 1920, pp. 48-50. [Received 21st .February 1921.] The points requiring attention prior to spraying, to ensure the best results, are emphasised. For potatoes a spray of calcium arsenate, with the addition of 5 lb. of hydrated lime to 40 gals, of water, is advocated in preference to Paris green. LocHHEAD (W.). An Important Bioclimatic Law. — 12lh Ann. Rept. Quebec Soc. Prot. Plants Insects & Fung. Dis., 1919-20, Quebec, 1920, pp. 50-53, 3 charts. [Received 21st February 1921.] The advisability of collecting records for Quebec and for the application of the above law in this Province is urged [cf. R. A . E., A, ix, 1261. Weiss (H. B.). A Bibliography on Fungous Insects and their Hosts. — Ent. News, Philadelphia, xxxii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 45-47. A list of references is given to American literature dealing with the fungi inhabited by insects, including some references relating to insects indirectly associated with fungi. Heinrich (C). U. S. Bur. Ent. New Synonymy in a recent Paper on the European Corn Borer (Lepid.). — Ent. News, Philadelphia, xxxii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 57-58. As a result of the examination of the male genitalia, it is stated that Pyyausta cajfycii, Flint & Malloch {R.A.E., A, viii, 450], is a synonym of Loxostege similalis, Gn. The species figured under the name of P. ohumbratalis. Led., is P. ainsliei, Heinr. The precise identity of P. obumbratalis. Led., cannot at present be ascertained. St. George (R. A.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Notes on the Periodical Cicada in 1919.^Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C., xxii, no. 9, December 1920, pp. 227-231. Observations made on the life-history of Brood X of Tibicen septen- decim, L., in Virginia during 1919 are recorded in calendar form. G.^HAN (A. B.). U.S. Bur. Ent. On the Identity of several Species of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). — Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C., xxii, no. 9, December 1920, pp. 235-243. The Chalcids, the synonymy of which is discussed, include the Pteromalids, LariopJiagus distinguendus, Foerst., the synonyms of which include Meraporus calandrae. How., and M. utibilis, Tuck. ; and Meri- sus isosomatis of authors, which is not Stictonotus isosomatis, K\\ey, but M. febriculosus, Gir. The latter is a parasite of various species of Harniolita and of Mayctiola destructor (Hessian fiy). Its distribution ranges from Maryland to Kansas, but it will probably be found to occur over the whole of the United States and Canada where wheat is attacked by joint- worms and M. destructor. 200 Brooks (F. E.). Spotted Apple-tree Borer. - L'^. 5. Dcpt. Af!;ric:. Washington, D.C., Bull. 8S(S, 21st October 1920, 12 pp., 5 plates. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The Cerambycid, Sapcfdci cn'taia, Ncwm. (spotted apple-tree borer), occurs locally throuj^liout the a]ii)le-growing districts of the central and eastern parts of the United States, and is closely allied in its biology to the round-headed apple-tree borer (5. Candida). It appears to be entirely absent from many localities within its general range, while in others it is abundant, occasionally replacing to a great extent the round-headed species. In the vicinity of Lansing, Michigan, the author found it vastly outnumbering Saperda Candida. There it was found in abundance in cultivated and roadside seedling apple trees, and rather less abrmdantly in wild crab-apple and Crataegus. It has also been recorded from juneberry and thorn. The injury is very similar to that of 5. Candida, except that it usually occurs higher on the trees, the central and upper portions of the trunk and the branches being affected. The eggs are placed between the bark and the wood at the side of the punctures made by the female, and on hatching, the larva begins to feed in this situation. Towards the end of the first season or in the spring of the second the larva enters the wood and works its way to the heart of the branch. Badly infested trees are sickly in appearance, individual branches, and occasionally small trees, dying as a result of attack. The adults issue from the wood by day in spring and early summer, and emergence has been observed f-rom 1st May to the end of June. After emergence the beetles feed on the bark of twigs and leaf-petioles, and occasionally on the leaves. Mating occurs about a fortnight after emergence, and oviposition about a week later. The eggs hatch in about three weeks. The larval period may extend from two to four years. In spring the mature larvae enter the pupal stage, which lasts four to six weeks. The adults remain in the pupal chamber for one to two weeks before emerging. Woodpeckers appear to be the most effective natural check on this borer, which feeds in positions easily accessible to these birds. During the author's studies every attempt to rear larvae in unprotected trees met with a loss of all the individuals from this cause. On one occasion a newly-emerged female was found in the jaws of a spider, Xystictis ferox. In several cases larvae of the clearvving moth, Aegeria pyri, Harris, were found as the sole occupants of burrows recently made by S. cretata, and there is good reason for believing that they had devoured the original occupants. There is little doubt that in apple orchards where arsenical sprays arc used many adults may be killed, as they feed freely on exposed surfaces. The beetle has a rather prolonged feeding period prior to oviposition, and this affords a chance to kill it with poison sprays before it has provided for a succeeding generation. While small, the borers may be removed by paring away the bark over their burrows, which can be found by the castings and by the swollen appearance of the wood. Badly infested branches may be removed and burned. Breeding places, such as are provided by neglected seedling apple trees and thorn and wild crab-apple thickets, should not be allowed near orchards. NOTICES. Secretaries of Societies and Editors of Journals willing to exchange their publications with those of the Bureau, are requested to communicate with the Assistant Director. The Annual Subscription, in advance, to the Review, Series A (Agricultural), is 12s. post free ; Series B (Medical and Veterinary), 6s. post free. Orders and subscriptions should be sent direct to the Assistant Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W.7, or through any bookseller. CONTENTS. Africa, North : Pests of Sugax-beet Africa, South : The Bionomics and Control of Lema biliiuaia i> Africa, South : The Importation of Beneficial Insects . . Africa, West : Termites and Termitophilous Insects Algeria : Remedies against Fruit-tree Pests America, North : Notes on New Ichneunionids . . Australia : A Nematode Pest of Bananas in Queensland Australia : Notes on Cosmopolites sordidus in N.S.W. . . Australia : Sugar-cane Pests in Queensland Brazil : Notes on Palm Pests Brazil : Measures against I eery a purchasi . . Brazil : Measures against Bvaula caeca in Beehives British Isles : Notes on Adalia bipunciaia British Isles : Injurious Insects in Ireland during 1916-18 Frit Fly in Relation to Blindness in Oats Binomics of Weevils of the Genus Sitones The Bionomics and Economic Importance of Saperda British Isles British Isles : British Isles : carcharias British Isles : Note on Hyperparasites of Aphids Canada ; A Conference on Grasshopper Control . Canada : Measures against the European Corn Borer . . . .' 147, 159, Canada : Miscellaneous Pests in 1917-18 . . Canada : The Natural Control of Insects . . Canada : Cecidomyiids of Economic Importance Canada : Economy in Spra)nng Canada : The Importance of Data for an Important Bioclimatic Law Canada : The Tree-hoppers of British Columbia Ceylon : Notes on Tea Pests . . Costa Rica : Two New Species of Blastophaga from Figs Cyprus : Insect Pests in 1919-20 Denmark: Miscellaneous Pests in 1918-19. . .. .. .. 193, 194, Denmark : The Relation of Insects to Curly-leaf Disease of Rape Denmark : A List of Homoptera Dutch East Indies : The Maidenhair Moth, Musotima suffusalis Dutch East Indies : Measures against Lasioderma serricorne in stored Tobacco Formosa : Measures against Termites France : The Ejffect of Chloropicrin on Germination of Seed France : The Establishment of Coccinellids against Scale Insects France : A Comparison of the Bionomics of Vine IVIoths Germany : Cockroaches of Economic Importance and Their Control Germany : The Importance of Applied Entomology Germany : Measures against Flea-beetles . . Germany : Pests of Basket Willows Germany: The Broods oi Hyhbius abietis . . Guiana, Dutch : The Freedom of Wild Cacao from Insect Pests Hawaii : The Comparative Scarcity of Fruit Pests Hawaii : Notes on Termites . . Hawaii : Notes on intercepted Pests Hawaii : The Identity of the Species of Adoreius known as the Japane; Beetle Hawaii : Sugar-cane Pests in 1919-20 Hawaii : Pests Intercepted in Quarantine . . Hawaii : Opius fletcheri as a Parasite of the Melon Fly Hawaii : Report on Sugar-cane Pests Holland : Pests of Horticultural Plants [Review) . . India : Descriptions of Coleopterous Larvae India : Notes on Eriosoma lanigerum India : Scolytids infesting Forest Trees India : A new Variety of Cecidomyid on Olivi PAGE 158 186 185 176 173 169 151 151 169 145 145 196 148 152 170 170 171 178 147 198 160 198 198 199 199 179 146 175 146 195 194 195 197 197 172 158 158 172 176 158 157 195 156 195 149 149 149 149 150 172 186 184 192 152 185 185 157 ;^"''^V-V!,^';''>fe'^i^>(t^^ CONTENTS—con/, page Italy : A new Gall-making Aphia on Elm . . . . . . . , . . 174 Italy : The Vine Phylloxera 195 Italy : Notes on the Bryony Fly, Gonyglossum wiedemamii 174 Italy : Oecanthus pellucens and its Parasites . . . . . . 175 Mauritius: Lachnosterna stnithi and other Pests . . 145,185 Mauritius : The Bionomics of Batocera tubus . . . . . . . . 185 New Zealand : Regulations for the Introduction of iBees and Apiary Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 New Zealand : An Ichneumonid Parasite of Porina . . . . 179 New Zealand : Insects inhabiting the Gum Fluid of Pkormium . . 179 Philippines : Pests of Sugar-cane . . . . . . . . . . 150 Philippines : Insect Pests of Roselle . . . . . . 173 Philippines : The Importance of a Plant Quarantine Service . . 173 Sumatra: The Biormcs ol Helopeltis .. .. .. 176,177 Sweden : Notes on Apple and Pear Suckers . . . . . . . . 155 Switzerland : Notes on the Nun Moth . . . . . . . . . . 196 Switzerland : The Symbiosis of Wood-boring Coleoptera and Fiingi . . 196 Switzerland : The Bionomics of Vine Moths . . . . . . . . 197 U.S.A. : Dry Sulphur Compounds for the Control of San Jos6 Scale . . 148 U.S.A. : A New Scolytid from Florida 150 U.S.A.: Orchard Sprays in S. Carolina .. .. .. .. .. 151 U.S.A.: Rhabdopterus picipes a.s an Apple Pest .. .. 151 U.S.A.: Insect Pests in Colorado in 1919 .. .. 153 U.S.A. : Notes on the European Elm Scale, Gossyparia spuria . . . . 154 U.S.A.: Insect Pests in Texas in 1918-19 154,155 U.S.A. : Insect Pests of the Evening Primrose . . . . . . 159 U.S.A. : Two Wood-boring Buprestids 159 U.S.A. : Notes on the Ecology of Tenebrionid Pests of Cereals . . . . 162 U.S.A. : Notes on Microlepidopterous Pests . . . . . . . . 162 U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of Aegeria opalescens . . . . 163 U.S.A. : Improved Sprays for Codhng-Moth . . . . . . 163 U.S.A. ^ The Fruit-tree Leaf-roller in Oregon . . . . . . . . 164 U.S.A.: The Pear Thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequeus, in Oregon. . .. 164 U.S.A. : Buprestids infesting Orchard Trees in Oregon . . . . 165 U.S.A. : Grasshoppers and their Control in Oregon . . . . . . 165 U.S.A. : The Alfalfa Weevil in Oregon 166 U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of the Loganberry Crown Borer . . 166 U.S.A. : Amounts of Spray required on Trees of different Ages . . . . 167 U.S.A. : The Rusty Leaf-mite in Oregon 167 U.S.A. : Measures against Tree-crickets . . . . . . . . • . 167 U.S.A. : Notes on Miscellaneous Pests in Oregon . . . . . . . . 167 U.S.A. : A Nematode Disease of Strawberry and Clover in Oregon . . 168 U.S.A. : The Effect of Injections of Carbon Bisulphide against Eriosotna lanigerum . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . • . 170 U.S.A. : The Sugar-beet Root Louse and its Control . . . . . - 177 U.S.A. : The Fight against the Pink Bollworm 178 U.S.A. : Orchard Pests and their Control in New York . . . . . . 179 U.S.A. : The European Corn Borer in Massachasetts . . . . . - 180 U.S.A. : Orchard Pests and their Control in New York . . . . 180, 181, 182 U.S.A. : The Beet Leaf-hopper and its Para.sites . . . . . . . . 182 U.S.A. : Infestation of Maize by Calandra oryzae . . . . . . . . 182 U.S.A. : The Tamarind Pod-borer in Florida 183 U.S.A. : Measures against Insect Pests in California in 1919-20 . . 188, 189 U.S.A. : Biological Control Work directed against Coccids in CaUfomia 190 U.S.A. : Plant Quarantine Service in CaUfomia . . .... . . 191 U.S.A.: Pests of Grape Vines in California .. .. .. .. 191 U.S.A. : The Life-history of Pachypsylla celtidis-gemma . . . . . . 198 U.S.A. : A Bibhography on Fungous Insects and their Hosts . . - . 199 U.S.A. : New Synonomy in a recent Paper on the European Corn Borer 199 U.S.A. : Notes on the Periodical Cicada in 1919 199 U.S.A. : Notes on the Identity of certain Chalcids . . 199 U.S.A. ; The Bionomics and Control of Sapera creiata . . . . . . 200 Grain Pests 145 Notes on Palaearctic Ichneumonids . . . . ■ • 158 The Nature of Toxicity in Metals . . . . . . . . . . 159 The Chemical and Physical Properties of the Arsenates of Lead . . 164 Insects of Economic Importance (Review) . . . . . . . . . . 184 Chemical Fertilizers and Parasiticides (Review) . . . . . . 185 The Coccidae (Review) . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 192 Legislation against Pyrausla nubilalis in Canada . . . . . . . • 160 itmmiarmmmo at thk a.p.o. /•om TRANamiamioN ro oanaoa ano Nmw^ouNOLANo by HiAaAziNm Pomr TOL. EC. Bw. A. Fart 5.— pp. 201-264. MAY, 1921. THE REVIEW ^ J^N 14 1921 -^ OF APPLIED "^^^^^iiii^ ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AGRICULTURAL. ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. LONDON THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY 41, QUEEN'S GATE. S.W.7. Price 18. 4d. net. All Rights Reserred. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. l>onorarp Comttiittee or management. VISCOUNT HARCOURT, Chairman. Lieutenant-Gjlonel A. W. Alcock, CLE., F.R.S., London School of Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture, Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S., Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.C.M.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C Sperling, C.M.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. General Secretary. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and Editor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, CM.G. Jlssistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W. 7. Publication Office. — 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. 201 Herbert (F. B.). U.S. Bur. Ent. T!he Genus Matsucoccus, with a new Species. (Hemip.-Homop. Coccidae, Subfamily Margaro- dinae). — Proc. Ent. Soc, Washington, B.C., xxiii, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 15-22, 1 plate. The genus Matsucoccus, erected by Cockerell in 1908 for the reception of Xylococcus matsumurae from pine in Japan, is redescribed ; two other species infesting pines in America are included in it, a key to them being given. M. acalyptus, sp. n., was taken from exposed portions of the needles of the single-leaf pinon [Piniis monophylla) in Southern Idaho. M. matsumurae, Kuw., occurs on the twigs of pine [Pinus thunhergii, P. virginiana and P. rigida) in America, where it is causing considerable damage. There is probably only one generation a year, the larvae hatching in the spring and setthng on the growing twigs, where they soon become apodous. The gall formation is probably due to the bark growing over the insect. ilf. fasciculensis, Herbert, recently described from California on pines, has been made the type of a new genus, Americoccus, by MacGillivray. Walton (W. R.). How to detect Outbreaks of Insects and save the Grain Crops. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C.. Farmers' Bull. 835, August 1920, 24 pp., 14 figs. [Received 22nd February 1921.] This is a revised edition of a bulletin already noticed [R.A.E., A, vi, 14]. The same pests are referred to, and the recommendations made are substantially the same. Brooks (F. E.). Pear Borer. — U.S. Bept. Agric, Washington, B. C, Bull. 887, 29th September 1920, 8 pp., 3 plates. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The pear borer, Aegeria pyri, Harris, is a native species rather widely distributed in the eastern United States. The caterpillars commonly attack pear, apple, Sorhus americana (mountain ash), Amelanchier canadensis (juneberry), Crataegus sp. (thorn), and other plants. The burrows occasionally extend from the bark slightly into the sap-wood. Injury may occur at any point above the ground except on the smaller twigs. Places with a rough surface and borders of mechanical wounds or of the mines of other borers are specially liable to attack. Larval activity begins early in the spring, and is marked by the presence of fresh, reddish castings. The caterpillar hibernates in the burrow. Some are mature in autumn, and construct cocoons in spring without further feeding. In West Virginia, caterpillars from early- laid eggs usually transform to adults in the following season, thus having a one-year cycle. Those from late-laid eggs spend two winters in the tree. The burrows are often opened and the occupants removed by wood- peckers. Perhaps 50 per cent, of the caterpillars and pupae are destroj^ed by parasites, including Microhracon sp., Phaeogcnes ater. Cress., Lissonota sp., Itoplectis annulipes, Brulle, Macroccntrus sp., Ephialtes aequalis, Prov., Tetrastichus sp., and Stilbopoides sesiavora, Roh. (2758) Wt.P.3,184 1,500 5/21 Harrow P 202 The burrows are not always easy to locate, but as a rule exuding frass 'or moisture reveals them. The caterpillar may be removed with a knife and the place painted with coal-tar creosote, or white lead. Adhesive material will trap many ovipositing females. Penetrating oily or poisonous liquids kill many borers in their shallow mines, as many as 85 per cent, being destroyed by kerosene emulsion and the standard emulsified oil sprays, with small additions of sodium arsenate. Nicotine sulphate washes are less effective, but some coal-tar products destroyed 90 per cent, of the borers without injuring the bark. WiLDERMUTH (V. L.) & Gates (F. H.). Clover Stem-borer as an Alfalfa Pest.— C7.5. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 889, 25th October 1920, 25 pp., 6 figs., 1 plate. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The clover stem-borer, Languria mozardi, Latr., is often referred to in literature as a pest of red and mammoth clovers, the larvae sub- sisting upon the pith of the stems. During recent years, especially in the south-western semi-arid and irrigated regions, the larvae of this Erotylid beetle have become an important pest of lucerne {Medicago sativa) ; they feed on the centre of the stem, causing it to become woody and liable to break off. The distribution of L. mozardi covers practically all the United States, as well as parts of Canada and Northern Mexico. Besides clover and lucerne, there are numerous other food- plants, many being Compositae. A number of these are weeds, the destruction of which wall aid in checking the pest. The average length of the complete life-cycle in Arizona is about 60 days ; this period is noticeably less during the first generation, owing to the shorter time between emergence and pairing, in spite of the fact that the egg-stage is longer than in July and August. A minimum life-cycle of 50 days has been noted, and a maximum of 70. The observed average duration of the egg-stage was 3'8 days, of the larval stage 34-5 days, and of the pupal stage 9 days. There are three distinct generations in the south-western States. The first begins in early May, the second about mid-Juh^ and the third in autumn, though in the field the last two are not separable. In the eastern United States there is only one annual generation, the hibernat- ing beetles appearing in late April or early May and the new adults in August. Hibernation occurs in almost any place, such as fence rows, ditch banks, etc., providing shelter against freezing temperatures. A few records show that this species can occasionally hibernate in the larval stage. Natural enemies comprise toads, birds, and the Hymenopterous parasites, Hahrocytus langiiriae, Ashm., which often infests 30 per cent, of the larvae, Heterospilus sp., and Eurytonia sp. The value of the last-mentioned is questionable, as it is both primary and secondary, having been also taken from the larvae of H. languriae. This also applies to Eupelmiis allyni, French. The injury to lucerne and red clover can be partly eliminated by destroying sweet clover, weeds and waste lucerne, and by cutting the hay crop before the larvae have developed. Crop rotation, and clean farming, such as burning rubbish, etc., will also check this pest. It is unable to develop where pasturing is practised continuously. 203 Chittenden (F. H.) & Marsh (H. O.). The Beet Leaf-beetle.— U.S. Dept. Agnc, Washington. D.C.. Bull. 892, 25th October 1920, 24 pp., 4'figs., 9 plates. [Received 22nd February 1921.] In the Rocky Mountain States sugar-beets are attacked by the adults, and especially by the larvae, of the beet leaf-beetle, Monoxia pundicollis. Say. Prior to 1897 this Chrysomelid had confined its attack to weeds or wild plants. A description of the various stages is given. M. puncticollis occurs along the Atlantic sea-board of the United States, in California, and in the alkaline regions of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. The favourite food-plants of the adults and larvae are Chenopodium album (lamb's quarters), Dondia spp. (sea- blite) and sugar-beet. The hibernating beetles appear in March and April, and soon begin ovipositing on the under-side of the leaves. The larvae eat holes in the leaves, and when mature burrow into the ground to a depth of a half to two inches and form cells in which the pupae develop in eight to nine days. Two generations and a partial third occur annually in the Arkansas Valley of Colorado. The adult beetles hibernate in alkali areas under tufts of grass, heaps of dead weeds, and other rubbish, and their destruction in their winter quarters has proved an effective and practical method of control. The dead grass and weeds should be burned between mid-November and 1st March, and it is necessary that the work should be thoroughly done. Traps, consisting of heaps of weeds or bundles of straw or hay, may be placed, not later than August, so that they may become well settled before the beetles seek them for winter quarters. Fowls in infested fields will also destroy many of the beetles. The use of arsenicals has not been entirely successful, and is not needed in view of the excellent results obtained by destroying the hibernating pests. Natural enemies are numerous, and include the Coccinellids, Hippo damia convergens, Guer., H. sinuata, Muls., and H. glacialis, F., which feed on the eggs and young larvae of the hibernated beetles until Aphids become abundant. The nymphs of the Pentatomid bug, Perillus biocidatus, F., var. claudius. Say, feed on the larvae, and the adult bugs on the beetles. One species of internal parasite, a Tachinid, Hypostena sp., was reared. This fly is rare. Toads, poultry and wild birds, and a fungous disease are among the other natural checks. Chittenden (F. H.) & Marsh (H. O.). The Western Cabbage Flea-beetle.— 17.5. Dept. Agric. Washington, D.C., Bull. 902, 22nd October 1920, 21 pp., 4 figs., 1 plate. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The western cabbage flea-beetle, Phyllotreta pusilla, Horn, is a most troublesome pest of cabbage, turnips and other cruciferous crops, sugar-beets, other vegetables, and garden plants in the western States. The injury is chiefly due to the attacks of the over-wintered adults during June and July, but more or less injury is done during the growing season. Minute, pit-like holes are eaten in the leaves of young plants, the lower surface being usually selected. Considerable haun is often done to seed-beds. The damage caused by the larvae is negligible. The entire life-cycle from egg to adult rmy be passed in about 30 days in June and July, and there are at least three annual genera- tions. In its more northern range P. pusilla hibernates under clods, (2758) p2 204 heaps of weeds, or rubbish, and appears with the first warm days of spring. In the extreme south the beetles are active throughout the year, but reproduction does not occur in winter. In the laboratory both eggs and larvae seemed so susceptible to excessive moisture that irrigation may prove useful against them and also against the pupae in the field. This pest is singularly free from natural enemies ; these include birds, a Braconid parasite, Perilitus epitricis, Vier., and Nematodes that infest the adult beetles. Numerous experiments were made with various sprays and other remedies. Crops may be protected by spraying with lead arsenate, applied at the rate of 2 lb. powder to 50 U.S. gals, water, or by Bordeaux mixture, 4-4-50 formula, these sprays acting as repellents. Nicotine sulphate, half-pint 40 per cent, solution in 50 gals, water with 2 lb. soap added, or tobacco dust, may be used as deterrents. It is not possible, however, to control this pest when it appears in its greatest abundance. It is desirable to keep the plants thrifty and well-watered ; mechanical traps and trap-crops can be used with advantage. Clean culture is always advisable, especially the destruction of weeds in and near cultivated fields. Kalmbach (E. R.). The Crow in its Relation to Agriculture. — U.S. Dept. Agric. Washington, D.C., Farmers' Bull. 1102, August 1920, 20 pp., 4 figs. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The distribution, abundance, life-history, and food habits of the common crow {Corvtis brachyrhynchos) are dealt with, and methods for protecting crops and poultry are described. The merits and demerits of this bird are considered to be about equally divided. Insects supply about one-fifth of its food. Comprehensive information regarding this portion of its diet has been given already [R. A.E.,K, vii, 202]. Carpenter (C. W.). Potato Diseases in Hawaii and their Control.— Hawaii Agric. Expt. Sta., Honolulu, Bull. 45, 24th January 1920, 42 pp., 14 plates, 7 figs. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The insect pests dealt with in this bulletin are Phthorimaea opercidella (potato-tuber moth), cutworms, army worms, mites and Nematodes, against which general remedial measures are advocated. Carpenter (C. W.). Report of the Division of Plant Pathology. — Kept. Hawaii Agric. Expt. Sta. 1919, Honolulu, 10th September 1920, pp. 49-54, 2 plates. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The mite previously recorded on potatoes and tomatos [R.A.E, A, vii, 196] has been found also affecting sweet peppers in Hawaii. Spraying with sulphur or lime-sulphur proved an efficient remedial measure. Conradi (A. F.). Report of the Entomology Division. — 32nd Ann. Kept. South Carolina Expt. Sta., 1918-19, Clemson College, 5.C., December 1919, pp. 41-44. [Received 23rd February 1921.] The principal project under investigation during the j^ear ended 30th June 1919 was the relation of temperature and moisture to insect activity. Charts covering a period of ten years are now available, and the interpretations obtainable have important economic value 205 in anticipating insect outbreaks. The work in connection with the psrmanent establishment of the Coccinelhd, Novius cardinalis, has been continued. The value of this insect in controlling the cottony cushion scale [Icerya purchasi] has been demonstrated, and it is thought that provision can be made to carry it through the winter. The work of the station as a whole has developed along fundamental lines, and enables the Division to foresee more accurately insect disturbances from year to year and throughout the season. CoNR.\Di (A. F.). Report of the Entomology Tivjis\on.—33rd Ann. Rept. South Carolina Expt. Sta. 1919-20. Clemson College, S.C.. December 1920, pp. 41-43. The work of the station has been continued chiefly along the lines followed in previous years. Much work is being done in con- nection with the cotton boll-weevil [Anthononms grandis] problem. The period from oviposition to the emergence of adults averages \1\ days ; eggs are laid about seven days after emergence, giving a complete life-cycle of 25 days. Petherbridge (F. R.). Frit Fly {Oscinis frit) in Winter Wheat.— Ann. App. Biol.. Cambridge, vii, no. 4, February 1921, pp. 383-366. The experiments here described prove that the larvae of Oscinella {Oscinis) frit are capable of migrating to wheat from grass after the latter is ploughed in. Bastard fallowing is advocated to prevent attack by this pest on winter wheat, although after such a pro- cedure there is always the danger of severe infestation by Hyleniyia (Leptohylemyia) coardata (wheat-bulb fly). Howard (A.). The Influence of Soil Factors on Disease Resistance. — Ann. App. Biol., Cambridge, vii, no. 4, February 1921, pp. 373-389, 5 figs. There seems to be no doubt that the conditions of the active roots profoundly affect the resistance of plants to the attack of pests. Recent experiments confirming this theory are described. Examples are given of the effect of soil aeration in connection with various diseases, and with the insects, Psylla isitis, Buckt., on indigo, and Dysdercus cingidatus, F., on Hibiscus cannabinus, in India. In all cases examined root discolouration precedes and accompanies insect attack. The connection between Aphids and winter irrigation has been observed so frequently that more detailed investigations of the soil, root-system and sap of the affected trees is urgently called for. Examination of the root-system in the case of wheat attacked by termites in Bihar has led to the discovery of the cause and a simple remedy that has since been widely adopted on the indigo estates of this tract. The attack by termites is apparently directly connected with the effect of soil temperature on the plant. Many more examples of disease resistance in other parts of the world must be examined before it is possible to say how far immunity depends on morphological root fitness for the environment and how far it is inherent in the natural resistance of the protoplasm to the invasion of a pest. The object of this paper is to suggest that in future more attention should be paid to general facts of root development and the condition of the absorptive areas of the root-system, both before and durmg the actual period of establishment of disease. 206 DoziER (H. L.). An Ecological Study o! Hammock and Piney Woods Insects in Florida. — Ajih. Ent. Soc. Amcr., Coliimhus. Ohio, xiii, no. A. December 1920, pp. 325-380, 22 figs. In the second part of this paper the relation of insects to the above environment is discussed. Lists are given of those associated with the more important trees. Peterson (A.). Some Studies on the Influence of Environmental Factors on the Hatching of the Eggs of Aphis avenae Fabricius and Aphis ponii De Geer. — An7i. Ent. Soc. Amer., Columbus, Ohio, xiii, no. 4, December 1920, pp. 391-400, 1 plate. Further experiments with eggs of Siphonaphis padi, L. {Aphis avenae, F.) and A. pomi, De G., in relation to moisture, show very similar results to those already noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 45]. During the observations made in the past four years, 1917 to 1920, the percentage of hatchings varied considerably, probably as a result of weather conditions. The percentage is greatly reduced if dry weather prevails during the 10 to 14 days previous to hatching. Conditions producing high evaporation probably make the outer shell of the egg brittle and easily broken by the growing embryo. Early rupture of the outer coat is detrimental, as it exposes the permeable membrane for a longer time to evaporating influences. Observations were also made with regard to the influence of temperature on the rapidity of the splitting of the outer layer, but no definite statement can be made in this connection, as the factors producing evaporation before the eggs were brought into the laboratory may have been different in the two seasons. Reinking (O. a.). Diseases of Economic Plants in Southern China. — Philippine As^ric, Los Banos, viii, no. 4, November 1919, pp. 109-134, 3 plates. [Received 28th February 1921.] In this list of diseases the plants are arranged alphabetically accord- ing to their popular names. Although the paper deals primarily with fungous diseases, borers are mentioned as attacking Citrus spp. and thus predisposing the trees to the attack, of fungi. Aulacaspis pentagona, Targ., is recorded as causing severe damage to peach {Prunus persica). Mendiola (N. B.). a Review of the Rice Investigations at the College of Agriculture. — Philippine Agric, Los Banos, viii, no. 5, December 1919, pp. 145-160. [Received 28th February 1921.] The chief pest studied in connection with rice investigations was Leptocorisa acuta (rice bug), against which several remedial measures that were tried proved imsuccessful. It may be possible, however, by selection, to obtain a strain of rice that would be naturally resistant to the attacks of this bug. Morrison (H.). U.S. Bur. Ent. The Nondiaspine Coccidae of the PhiUppine Islands, with Descriptions of apparently New Species. — Phillippine Jl. Sci. .Manila, xvii, no. 2, August 1920, pp. 147-202, 1 plate, 40 figs. [Received 28th February 1921.] The new species described are : — Lophococcus convcxus, on Pithccolo- biiim sciiiiferum and Peltophoritm ferrugineuni ; Rhizococcus philip- pinensis, on Fictis sp. ; Synacanthococcus hispinosus, on Ficiis sp. ; 207 Tachardia minuta, on mango {Mangifera indica) ; and Saisseiia triangularum on coconut {Cocos niicifera). Keys are given to the Philippine subfamiHes of the Coccidae, the PhiUppine genera of the Monophlebinae, Dactylopiinae and Cocci NAE as well as to the Philippine species of leery a, Pseudococcus, Tachardia, Pulvinaria, Ceroplastes, Coeeus, Paralecanium and Saissetia. Karny (H.). Some Thysanoptera from the Philippine Islands. — Philippine Jl. Sci.. Manila, xvii, no. 2, August 1920, pp. 203-209, 4 figs. [Received 28th February 1921.] The species dealt with are Dinothrips sumatrensis, Bagn, D. menodon, sp. n., and Dicaiothrips bakeri, sp. n. Felt (E. P.) . New Philippine Gall ^dges.^PhilippineJl. Sci., Manila. xvii, no. 2, August 1920, pp. 231-234. [Received 28th February 1921.] The new species described include Lasiapter a paniculi, from panicles of Panicum carinatum ; Toxomyia hrideliae, on leaves of Bridelia stipularis ; and Mycodiplosis spondiasi from Spondias momhin. It is uncertain whether the last-named is a gall-making or predaceous midge. FiGUEROA (J.). Cultivo del Tr^bol. [Cultivation of Clover.] — Rev. Agric. Bogota, v, no. 9-12, September-December 1919, pp. 560-604. [Received 22nd February 1921.] The insects injurious to clover in Colombia include Cantharis erythroscelis. Berg, a native beetle that appears from about November to January and devours the leaves of clover, lucerne, potatoes, etc. It is advisable to cut down and reap as early as possible any infested clover destined for forage, but if it is required for seed, the only remedy is to keep the soil under constant irrigation and cut the crop when required. Lepidopterous larvae, when very numerous, devour the leaves in great quantities ; the best remedy is to take off the crop as lightly as possible, pasturing as many animals as is practicable on the fields. Another method is to mow the clover before it is mature, and a day or two later to pass heavy rollers over the ground, which would kill a large number of the caterpillars. The clover should then be dried and burnt, to destroy the insects in it. One injurious insect [Bruchophagus funebris] has been known in the Republic since 1910, and is sometimes very destructive to clover seed ; fumigation with carbon bisulphide is recommended, after which the seed should be separated by a fanning machine from the dead insects. Bryobia pratensis (red spider) appears in dry summer weather, weaving webs over clover, lucerne, beans, and other plants. These webs should be destroyed with rakes made of thorn branches, and the plants should then be well watered. Poultry are useful in breaking the webs with their feet when allowed to run in the fields. Lopez (A.). La Langosta. [The Locust.]— i^^y. Agric., Bogota, v, no. 7, July 1919, pp. 419-422. [Received 23rd February 1921.] The National Congress has just voted a sum to be used in an anti- locust campaign when found necessary in Colombia. Although locusts do not seem to occur in the inhabited parts at the present time. 208 there is a very great danger of their early migration from the western side of the Cauca River. The cUmatic and topographical conditions likely to lead to such an invasion are discussed. There is a fairl}' general opinion, which the author shares, that locust invasions die out less by reason of the artificial methods employed than as a result of a period of heavy rain. It is known that the insects remain within certain definite zones for a period of years, and only occasionally descend in large swarms into the valleys to the north and south of Colombia. In the author's opinion, it is the rain barrier that exists in the hilly regions all around the locust zones that keeps the insects confined within them. During exceptionally long periods of drought, however, even this barrier region may become dry, and then the locusts will migrate to the valleys, where they find cultivated crops for food and dry conditions favourable to their multiplication. This theory is based entirely upon the influence of rain upon the insects, of which the author has made a personal study. If the theory be true, the obvious remedy is to send a Commission to locate the breeding places, and as an invasion seems to be imminent, work on these lines should be promptly undertaken. Verwendung von Arsenpraparaten gegen Obstbaumschadlinge. [The Use of Arsenicals against Fruit-tree Pests.] — Schweiz. Zeitschr. Obst- u. Weinbau, Frauenfeld, xxx, no. 4, 19th February 1921, pp. 52-56. Arsenicals have only recently come into more or less general use as insectides on the Continent. In France such insoluble preparations as lead arsenate, Paris green, etc., have been permitted by law since 1916, but soluble compounds are prohibited. This article, intended for Swiss orchardists, describes the spraying methods usual with arsenicals. Jaarboek van het Departement van Landbouw, Nijverheid en Handel in Nederlandsch-Indie 1919. [Year-book of the Department of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce in the Dutch East Indies, 1919.]— Weltevreden, 1920, 387 pp. Price 4 florins. [Received 23rd February 1921.] The information here given regarding insect pests has already been dealt with from the reports of the various experiment stations, etc. Cappe de Baillon (P.) . Contributions anatomiques et physiologiques a I'Etude de la Reproduction chez les Locustiens et les Grilloniens. 1. La Ponte et lEclosion chez les Locustiens. — La Cellule, Lierre and Louvain, xxxi, no. 1, 1920, pp. 7-245, 8 plates, 15 figs. This extensive monograph describes the oviposition and hatching of eggs of Orthoptera, both from an anatomical and physiological point of view, and is the result of observations made on over 50 different species. PicARD (F.) & Pagliano (T.). Sur la Biologie de I'Altise de la Vigne [Haltica ampelophaga. Gu6r.).— C. R. hehdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 7, 14th February 1921, pp. 399-401. Observations made on Haltica ampelophaga under laboratorj' con- ditions show that the females are comparatively long-lived. The 209 «^gs are laid at intervals of one to two days from about April to July, generally in small batches of from four to twenty-five. Each female lays a total of about 500 eggs during the season. Adults from eggs laid in April begin ovipositing about 24th June, the generations thus overlapping. In captivity three partial generations were produced, but under natural conditions probably only two occur. Ihe hiber- nating individuals represent all existing generations, with a majority •of members of the last. This beetle cannot live on Salix spp., but will feed readily on purple willow, five-leaved ivy, Epilohmm and several •species of Oenothera. H. Ivthri has been successfully reared on vine. For various reasons it is thought that H. ampelophaga is probably only a subspecies or race of H. lyihri that has specially adapted itself to vine, and it was found possible to raise hybrids between the two. Contra nuestras Hormigas. [A Remedy for Ants.]— Gaceta Rural, Buenos Aires, xiv, no. 162, January 1921, p. 647. It is said that a very simple practice for destroying ants' nests is to pass a straw dipped in water through crystallised perchloride of mercury and thrust it into the nest. As a result the ants almost immediately leave the nest and begin to attack and devour each other. It is suggested that this might prove successful against the Argentine ant [ Iridomyrmex humilis] which is becoming such a pest in Europe and the United States. Observaciones relativas a las Condiciones meteorologicas en que se efeetuaron los Cultivos de Cereales y Legummosas en el Ano agricola 1919-1920, y su Influencia el las Cosechas. [Observations on the Meteorological Conditions influencing the Cultivation of Cereals and Vegetable Crops in 1919-1920, and their Effect on the Crops.]— Bo/. Agric. Tec. Econ., Madrid, xiii, no. 145, 31st January 1921, pp. 36-38. In Mancha and Extremadura locusts and Aphis fabae caused -much damage to cultivated crops; in Cataluna and the Balearic Islands the chief pests were Tinea granella in wheat and rice and Sitotroga [Anacampsis) cerealella in barley; in eastern Andalusia and North Africa Aphis fabae, and in western Andalusia Aeha rosirata, caused considerable damage. In the Canary Islands Bruchids and Aphids have done some injury. Schmidt (R.). Uber die Galle des Oligotrophus {Phegomyia) fagicola, Kieffer (Houard nr. 1158). [On the Gall of 0. fagicola.]— Sitz- ungsber. Natiirf. Ges., Leipsic, xliii-xliv (1916-1917), July 1918, pp. 82-85. The literature concerning Oligotrophus fagicola, which produces galls on the leaves of copper beech, is reviewed. This Cecidomyiid pupates in the ground and not, as Ross has stated, in the gall. Brethes (!.)• Seccion Entomologica.— il/^w. Trabajos Inst. Biol. Soc Rural Argentina {Mav 1919 to 30th April 1920). Buenos Aires, 1920, pp. 57-62. [Received 23rd February 1921.] Much attention has been given during the year to a study of the bagworm, Oeccticus platensis. and its parasite, Parexonsta caridei 210 [R. A.E., A, viii, 298]. Towards the south of Argentina the bagworms- decrease in number, although the damage does not seem to lessen appreciably ; in these regions the bagworms sometimes hibernate until the following spring. As the parasites are inactive during the winter, as many as possible of the hibernating larvae in the bags should be destroyed at that time ; while a few parasites must inevitably be killed in this way, P. caridei will not be injured, as the larvae are then hibernating in the ground. Tetrastichus platensis is another parasite that destroys many bagworms. Diatyaea saccharalis has been found for the first time in Saladillo on maize, though it has already occurred in Tucuman. The lucerne caterpillar [Colias lesbia] has been found to be attacked by a parasite, to which the name Apanteles ayerzai has been given. Many species, both injurious and beneficial, and some that are probably new to science, remain to be studied from the collections sent in during the year. Wakefield (E. M.). Diseases of the Oil Palm in West Africa. — Bull. Misc. Inform. R. Bot. Gdns., Kew, London, 1920, no. 9, pp. 306-308, 1 plate. Oryctes owariensis, P. de B., is recorded as injurious to oil palms in West Africa. The control of this beetle might also reduce the spread of fungous diseases in these palms. Fletcher (T. B.). Report of the Imperial Entomologist. — Sci. Repts. Agric. Res. Inst. 1919-20. Calcutta, 1920, pp. 68-94, 7 plates. [Received 18th February 1921.] Cotton pests of the year included Sylepta derogata, Phenacoccus hirsutus and P. corynibatus. Hibiscus abelmosckus continues to prove a better trap-crop f6r Earias than either H. esculentus or hollyhock. Microbracon lefroyi, which continues to be the most prominent parasite of Earias, is also chiefly found in pods of H. abelmoschus, in company with the bollworms. The species of Acrocercops referred to in the previous report [R. A.E., A, viii, 83] has now been named A. zygonema, Meyr. The question of determining the relative immunity of cotton varieties was continued. Rice borers, as concluded in last year's report, seem to cause relatively little damage in the Pusa district, affecting about 4 per cent, of the crop. The species present include Schoenobius incertellus [bipunctifer) ,. Chilo simplex, C. oryzae and Sesamia infer ens. The Halticid beetle mentioned in the previous report occurs largely on Panicimi miliaceum. It is incapable of injuring plants standing in water, but may cause some damage to dry-land paddy and millets. Sugar-cane pests have been dealt with at length in a previous paper [R.A.E., A, ix, 69]. The lines of work followed since its publication in February 1919 are described. Some further data on the life-histories of the D3''nastid beetles, Alissonotum impressicolle, A. piceum and Heteronychus sublaevis are given ; in normal years these are not serious pests of sugar-cane. Autoserica sp. was observed gnawing sugar-cane shoots in the same manner as the above beetles ; this form of damage maybe caused by many Lamellicorn beetles. The Curculionid, Tany- mecus hispidus, and grubs of Anomala dussumieri w^ere recorded as. attacking sugar-cane roots. Argyria timiidicostalis, Hmpsn., which is one of the most injurious borers in sugar-cane, is now known to occur 211 at Patna, Jorhat, Dacca, and Sadiya. Every precaution should be taken to prevent its transport in canes exported from Assam and Eastern Bengal to other parts of India. New borers discovered during the year in Gramineous and Cyperaceous plants include Hypsotropa tenuinervella. Rag., in stems of Andropogon squanosus and bulbs ot Rosha grass {Cymbopogon schoenanthus) ; Crambus corUcellus, Hmpsn., in stems of Scirpus corvmbosus ; and Chilo tonentellus, Meyr., and a Cerambycid, Lychrosis '^zebrinus, in stems of Saccharum spontaneum. In the search for alternative food-plants of sugar-cane borers, Cotx lachryma-jobi var. aqiiatica was found to be a food-plant ot thiio simplex, and lemon-grass of Sesamia infer ens. Fruit pests of the year include a Lamiid beetle, Batoccra nibus, the larvae of which bore in mango ; a Cecidomyiid, Procontanma matteiana, that makes galls on mango leaves; a Trypetid Dacus [Chaetodacus) zonatus, for which peach trees were sprayed early in the morning each day with a solution of gur and lead arsenate, and affected fruits were collected and destroyed ; a Sphingid, Langia zeuzeroides, on apple ; the Tortricids, Tortrix {Cacoecia) pomivora and Ulodemis trigrapha, Meyr., on apple ; and a new and serious apple pest, Ptocho- rydis rosaria, Meyr., a Xyloryctid moth, the larva of which eats the bark of young apple twigs under cover of a silken tubular gallery. Helopeltis theivora (tea mosquito bug) was unexpectedly found sucking young shoots of apple. Brahmina coriacea, Hope, Holotnchia sp an undetermined Melolonthid, and a species of MicrotricJna were an reported as damaging fruit trees. Among the various insects reared and observed during the year were Achroia grisella, F. (wax moth), infesting the hives of honey bees ; Chlumetia transversa, the larvae of which bore into mango shoots ; the black ants, Camponotus maculahis infuscus, nibbling egg-plants ; the dry-wood borer, Heterobostryclms aequalis ; Sinoxylon anale, which damages wooden packing-cases, brush handles, etc. ; the Longicorn, Stromatimn barbatum, which bores in household furniture ; and the cutworms, Agrotis ypsilon, A.flammatra. and Euxoa spmifera, which have occurred in gram fields. The disease of juar [Andropogon sorghum) known as " khas " is believed to be due to a minute Cecidomyiid. A new species of Antispila, named A. anna, Meyr., was sent from Bengal, where it feeds on Eugenia jambolana. The work on stored grain pests described in a previous paper [R.A.E., A, ix, 78) has been continued. A study of the Dermestid, Trogoderma kJiapra has revealed a long life-cycle, from the end of June 1919 to March and April 1920. The moist weather of the rainy season and cold winter weather retarded the development of the larvae. • i, • a The work of the year connected with bees, lac, and silk is briefly reviewed. KuNHi Kannan (K.). The Life-history of Orthezia insignis (Abstract). —Kept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, in, 1920, pp. 857-858. Orthezia insignis moults three times at intervals of about two weeks. Reproduction begins after from 2 to 2h months, the total life-cycle being about 4^ months. Experiments to test the transmission of the scales by ants were negative. The insect retards the growth ot Lantana, and finally causes its death, a bush about 3 feet high and 4 feet in diameter being killed in three years. In captivity the insects did not thrive on coffee or tea plants in pots. 212 In the discussion following this paper, the opinion was expressed that the introduction of 0. insignis into India as a check on Lantana is inadvisable. KuNHi K ANN AN (K.). The Function oJ the Prothoracic Plate in Bruchus chincnsis (Abstract). — Rcpt. Proc. Srd Ent. Meeting. Piisa. February 1919. Calcutta, in. 1920, pp. 858-859. Recent observations show that the prothoracic plate of Bruchus chinensis is thrust against the egg-shell, the larvae having no functional legs by which they may get a grip that enables them to use their mandibles, and that it is also fixed at various angles to effect the bending of the head. The structure varies considerably in different ■species, and further studies of it are being attempted. D'Abkeu (E. a.). Some Insect Prey of Birds in the Central Provinces.^ Kept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 859-871. As a result of the examination of the alimentary canals of 600 birds, a list of the insects found, arranged under their natural orders, is given. The list of the birds examined includes 161 species. Senior-White (R.). Some Notes towards the Life-history of Comocritis pieria, Meyrick. — Kept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting. Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 872-875. Nothing is so far known of the egg-stage of Comocritis pieria, Meyr. The author has found this moth only on rubber bark. Should a lichen- ous patch be met with, it is also eaten, but the line is not diverted for the sake of the lichen. The burrows generally occur between 5 feet and 30 feet above ground level. Tea is apparently not attacked in Ceylon. A pupal chamber is made at the bottom of the burrow. On trees up to about 10 years old pupation may occur in the branch scars. The first larvae were found in January, and they mature and pupate from the third week in July onwards. The pupal period lasts 26 days, and the last adults occur in September. The natural enemies probably include squirrels, small beetles ( ? Coccinellids) and a Hymenopterous parasite. Fletcher (T. B.) & Ghosh (C. C). Notes on Rearing Insects in Hot Climates. — Kept. Proc. Srd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 875-892, 8 plates. In this paper, which is hardly suitable for an abstract, many points of interest to those engaged in the breeding of insects are dealt with, and much valuable information is given, both with regard to the rearing of specified insects and to the apparatus required. Beeson (C. F. C). Breeding-cages and General Insectary Technique for Wood-borers. — Rcpt. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, Februarv 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 892-895, 2 plates. ' Various breeding-cages have been tested for rearing wood-borers, the galvanised iron pattern having been adopted as the most suitable. The construction and advantages of this cage are described, and the best method of recording the correlation of the emergence records of "wood-borers is discussed. 213 Fraser (F. C). Spiders as Checks on Lepidopterous Larvae. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting. Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 898-900. In observations on larvae of Acherontia styx preyed upon by spiders, it was found that the latter will not attack individuals protected by ants. It is considered that about 86 per cent, of the Sphingid larvae are destroyed as they emerge from the eggs, and about 10 per cent, during the first few weeks of the larval period. Similar observations have also been made on Papilio polytes. Prashad (B.). The Importance of Insects to Fisheries. — Kept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 906-909. The importance of insects as food for fish and also as destroyers of organisms forming the food of fish is discussed. The need for sj^stematic scientific investigations into these questions is emphasised, and co- operation between the fisheries department, entomologists and others for this purpose is urged. Isaac (P. V.). Some Observations on the Life-history of an ErotyUd breeding in Italian Millet. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 919-921, 1 plate. An Erotylid beetle, Anadastus sp., has been causing severe damage to the Italian millet [Setaria italica) crop at Coimbatore. The eggs are laid singly in the stems from 1 to 6 inches above the soil during the second month of growth. Stems in which the central hollow has begun to appear are generally chosen. The eggs hatch in five to six days, and the larva travels about in the hollow, and on reaching the base, it feeds on the lining of the inner wall. On the second or third day it begins to ring the stem, cutting almost through to the epidermis. The object of the ring is evidently to prevent the plant sap from rising, as moisture kills the larva. Several larvae may be found in one stem, but only one in each internode, and they never bore through to an adjacent one. On completing the ring the larva remains above it. Pupation occurs within the stem after 25 days, and lasts 14 days. The beetles remain about lour days in the cell before emerging. SuBRAMANYAM (T. V.). The Lifc-Mstory of the Moringa Stem-borer. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta^ iii, 1920, pp. 922-925, 1 plate. A Lamiid beetle found damaging Moringa pterygosperma is probably a species of Monohamrnus. No alternative food-plants have been found. The eggs are laid in excavated hollows singly or in pairs. Egg laying continues for a number of days. The eggs hatch in from two to three days, and the larva immediately begins to bore into the stem, sealing the entrance with excrement. The larval period lasts from two to four months. Pupation in captivity lasted from seven to ten days, but, contrary to expectation, did not occur in the stem. 214 Ramakrishna Ayyar (T. V.). Notes on the Life-history of the PoUu Flea-beetle {Longitarsiis nigripennis. Mots.) of Pepper. — Rcpt. Froc. 3ni Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919. Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 925-928. Longitarsus nigripennis, Mots., is one of the causes of " Pollu " disease of pepper {Piper nigrum). The eggs are laid singly under the skin of the green berry near its attachment to the spike. The larvae feed on the contents of two or three berries for about 40 to 50 da3^s, and then drop to the soil for pupation ; this occurs at a depth of from 2 to 3 inches and lasts about 10 days ; the adults remain in the soil a day or two longer. After emergence from the soil, they feed voraciously on the tender leaves of the pepper plant. There are appar- ently two generations a year, the adults of one appearing in October, and of the other in January. As the result of investigations still in progress, it is hoped to prove whether a third generation exists, or whether the insect aestivates in the adult stage from March to June. No other food-plants have yet been found. This pest is most commonly found in shady, damp and cool plots. Remedial measures suggested include hoeing in September-October and December-January for the destruction of the pupae. Spraying with deterrents to prevent oviposition appeared to be successful in some plots. Investigations on these lines are being continued. So far no natural enemies have been noticed. Kasergode (R. S.) . On some of the Bionomics of Bruchidae (Lariadae) . — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 928-931. As many Bruchids breed in the field, methods of storing to prevent external infection are not in themselves sufficient to avoid the destruc- tion of pulse seeds, and it may be necessary to fumigate the seed directh'' after harvest. In 1914 various pulse seeds were collected with the object of investi- gating the nature and extent of injury by insects alone to stored seed. The seed was kept in sealed tins, and when inspected after a year, peas, Dolichos lablab and Cajanus indicus were found to be infested with Bruchids, thus proving that infection need not necessarily come from old infested seed of previous years, but may originate in the field. There is no doubt that Bruchids breed in the green pods in the field. The species dealt with during these observations were Bruchus {Pachy- merus) chinensis, B. theobromae and B. a/finis. The last-named is not able to breed in dry seed and has but one generation a year. The other two, however, can totally destroy dry seeds in store. An unidentified Bruchid was found breeding in pods of Crotalaria juncea. It has one generation a year ; the eggs and larvae are found in green pods, in which pupation also occurs. Ramakrishna Ayyar (T. V.). On the Insect Parasites of some Indian Crop Pests. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 931-936. This list of insect parasites is arranged in tabular form, showing the insect host and its order or family, as well as the group or family to Avhich the parasite belongs, with remarks concerning its distribution, •etc. The object of the paper is to draw attention to the importance of 215 the study of Indian parasitic Hymenoptera. During the discussion following the paper the need for systematic workers on Indian parasitic Hj^menoptera and Diptera was emphasised. DE Mello (F.). The Trichonymphid Parasites of some Indian Termites. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Piisa, February 1919, Calcutta, m, 1920, pp. 1009-1022, 3 plates. The present researches deal chiefly with the parasites of Leucoiermes indicola, Wasm. Trichonympha agilis is redescribed and compared ■with the conflicting descriptions of other authors. It is possible that a number of different species or varieties may have been described under this name. Other parasites of L. indicola are Leidya metchnikowi, L. annandalei, L. kempi and L. campanula ; also the Infusoria, Apalina termitis, Balantidium termitis, Nyctotherus fletcheri, Pyrsonympha grassii and Franciella termitis. Brues (C. T.). On the BoUworm Parasite described as RJwgas lefroyi by Dudgeon and Gough. — Kept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, in, 1920, pp. 1026-1028. As a result of recent examinations of material from India, the species described by Dudgeon and Gough from Egypt as Rhogas lefrovi [R. A.E., A, ii, 321] has been found to belong to the genus Microbracon. R. kitcheneri [loc. cit.'] also probabh^ belongs to this genus. Accord- ing to Mr. Fletcher there are at least four or five species of Microbracon parasitising Earias in India. Isaac (P. V.). Some recently noted South Indian Melolonthidae of Economic Importance. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 1028-1029. The species dealt with are Anthracophora crucifera, Oliv., and Protaetia aurichalcea, F., on Lantana and cholam, Popillia chlorion, Newm., the larvae of which damage Cinchona roots, as do also the larvae of Holotrichia repetita. Sharp, and Serica nilgirensis, Shp. A species •similar to H. repetita has proved injurious to Cinchona seedlings in the larval stage. Under laboratory conditions each female laid about 100 eggs. H. rufoflava, Brs., was taken near roots of orange plants. It is thought that the larvae eat the bark just below ground-level, causing the death of the tree. Fletcher (T. B.). Note on Plant Imports into India. — Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, iii, 1920, pp. 1052-1070, 3 plates. The present situation with regard to the regulations governing the importation of plants into India is discussed. The fumigation boxes in use at various ports are described and illustrated. As the ports of entry are very scattered and the importations of plants at some of them are very small and infrequent, an entomological staff cannot be maintained at each, and the fumigation is therefore carried out by the Customs staff. The necessity for periodical entomological supervision at such ports is, however, emphasised. 216 Ghosh (C. C). Some Aspects of Economic Entomology in India.— ^ Rept. Proc. 3rd Ent. Meeting, Pusa, February 1919, Calcutta, 1920, pp. 1073-1081. This paper deals with economic entomology in relation to agriculture in India from the point of view of the Indian cultivator. The ento- mologists' difficulties arising through lack of facilities for proper study, etc., are not apparent to the public, and there is therefore a tendency to belittle the importance of these officers as members of the agricultural department. If the local conditions and current agricultural practices are not taken into consideration when advocating remedial measures against insects, those recommended are often impracticable, and the cultivators lose confidence in the entomologist. Preventive measures are frequently ignored by cultivators, as a result of their ignorance of insect biology, and progress in education in agricultural economic entomology is urgently needed. Beeson (C. F. C). Hoploceramhyx and the Dying-oJf of Sal. — Ind, Forester, Allahabad, xlvii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 68-76, 1 chart. As a result of investigations to ascertain the reason for the dying-off of sal trees [Shorea robusta] in large numbers, it was found that factors- connected with soil aeration were among the primary causes of this. Borers, such as Hoploceramhyx spinicornis, Newm., are essentially secondary factors, though, under epidemic conditions, they may deter- mine the death or survival of a weakened tree. The resistance of the trees is greatly lowered by a series of years of heavy rainfall, which give rise to bad soil aeration. Resistance is marked by a copious excretion of resin that floods the larval galleries and drowns the young larvae. In the case of an epidemic of Hoplocerambyx, the trees attacked should be enumerated as soon after the rains as possible, and all parts of the tree down to 18-inch girth removed from the forest before 30th April of the following 3^ear. In years of exceptional rainfall the parts of the tree down to 12-inch girth should be removed. Attention is drawn to a paper by Stebbing, in which it is erroneously stated that Hoploceramhyx spinicornis does not occur in the United Provinces at all [R.A.E., A, iii, 154]. Jepson (F. p.). Shot-hole Borer Investigations. — Trop. Agric, Pera- deniya, Ivi, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 23-30, 2 charts. A final trial was made in July 1920 of Speyer's paint-mixture on tea bushes infested with Xylehorus fornicatus (shot-hole borer). Details of the experiment are described. After a discussion of the results, it is concluded that in view of the extremely high cost of this treatment, the insufficient benefits derived, and the damage done to the bushes, it is not to be recommended for use against this pest. A further experi- ment is to be conducted to test the value of the castor-oil plant as a trap tree. It is contended by some growers that the compulsory eradication of castor in the tea areas has resulted in the borer turning its attention to tea, but there is at present no confirmation of this. An attempt has been made to limit the reproduction of borers by the removal of infested branches at intervals, but it is feared that if this work is carried out thoroughly more damage will be done by the pruning 217 than by the borers. Manurial experiments are to be arranged to test the effects of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid upon borer incidence, and it is hoped that these will be continued over a series of years. It is also intended to study gallery entrance healing in connection with these experiments. The Drosophilid fly, Phortica xylehoriphaga. has been studied in Its immature stages. Of 1,300 galleries examined on one estate, 6-8 per cent, contained some stage of the fly, and wherever they were present dead borer larvae were found, but it is not definitely known whether death was caused in every case by the fly, or whether the state of decomposition in which the borers were invariably found had attracted the fly to oviposit there. On one estate "a Trogositid, Nemosoma ?, was present in such numbers as to exercise a vigorous control over the borer. An experiment has been planned to try to discover some fertiliser or insecticide that will have a deadly action upon borers in galleries when buried with prunings. The possibility of destroying the ambrosia fungus on which the borers subsist in the galleries is also being considered. LouNSBURY (C. P.). Fumigation with Liquefied Hydrocyanic Acid.— Reprmt from S.A. Fruit Grower, June 1919, 2 pp. TReceived 1st March 1921.] The history of development of the use of Hquid hvdrocyanic acid for orchard fumigation in California is reviewed [cf. "R.A.E., A, iv, 61 ; vii, 228 ; viii, 89]. Until additional means for dealing with'storage and transport dangers are evolved, the liquid form cannot be used for citrus orchards in South Africa under existing conditions. It may, however, be used advantageously for the fumigation of buildings in the larger towns. LouNSBURY (C. P.). Worms in Walnuts.— Reprint from S.A. Fruit Grower, November 1919, 2 pp. [Received 1st March 1921.] In South Africa the codling moth [Cydia pomonella] is almost as serious a pest of walnuts as of apples and pears. In parts of the Oudtshoorn district the damage amounted to 50-60 per cent, of the crop m 1914-15. The present conditions in California are reviewed and remedial measures are advocated [R. A.E., A, vii, 359 ; viii, 238]. Other pests of walnuts in South Africa are Argvloploce leucotreta (false codling moth), the ravages of Which may probably be prevented by measures applicable to C. pomonella, and Myelois ceratoniae, which has been recorded as living in seeds of Rohinia, carob {Ceratonia stliqua) , a.nd chestnut {Castanea vesca) in Central and Southern Europe This moth probably does not attack fresh fruit. Mally (C. W.). The Maize Stalk Borer, Busseola fusca. Fuller.— Union S. Africa Dept. Agric, Pretoria, Bull. 3, November 1920, 111 pp., 31 figs., 4 plates, 1 chart. [Received 1st March 1921.] The object of this report is to record all available information on Busseola fusca. Full, (maize stalk borer), and to serve as a basis for further studies ; a list of the references consulted is therefore given with a brief note in connection with each [cf. R. A . E., A, i, 144 ; v 35 • vi, 153]. ■' > , , , (2758) 218 The chief pests of maize in South Africa are cutworms, Heliothis {Chloridea) obsolcta (ear worm), Heteronychus arator (black beetle), StropJiosomns amplicollis (snout beetle) and Busseola fusca, the last- named being undoubtedly the most serious of these. The results of field observations show that B. fusca is neither two nor three brooded, but a combination of both ; should the moths emerge early in the spring, three generations may occur, but the moths of the third brood will in consequence appear later in the following spring and thus only two broods will occur in that year. Oviposition occurs from the end of October to the end of December according to conditions and locality. The eggs hatch in from 8 to 10 days, and the larval period varies from 30 to 50 days. Pupae of the first spring brood occur from the end of December to January, and adults emerging from them oviposit from the end of January to the first week in February on maturing plants. The larvae reach maturity during March and April. Some of these pupate and emerge as moths, giving rise to a partial third generation. The larvae of these and the remainder of the second brood hibernate in the remains of the plant. The natural enemies include the pupal parasite, Exephanes nigro- maculatus, Cam., which is probably widely distributed in South Africa, but does not control the insect ; the larval parasites, Br aeon sesamiae. Cam., and Stenopleura { Apanteles) sesamiae. Cam.; and the ants, Iridomyrmex humilis and Dorylus helvolus. Diopsis apicalis, Dalm., has been associated with B. fusca, but this fly is probably attracted to maize stalks by the decay induced by the borer. No methods are known whereby any of the natural enemies can be utilised effectively, the only reliable remedial measures being cultural and other operations that directly destro}^ the insect or deprive it of food and shelter. The most suitable line of action must be decided according to local conditions [loc. cit.]. McCarthy (T.). Insects attacking Nut Kernels. — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii, no. 1, 3rd January 1921, p. 9. Plodia inter punctella (Indian meal moth), Tribolium castaneum {ferruginemn) (rust-red flour beetle), Silvanus surinamensis (saw-toothed grain beetle) and Trogosita mauritanicus (cadelle beetle), are the most common species attacking various kinds of nuts, especially when un- shelled. Infestation occurs most frequently in storage in the country of origin, but may also occur as the result of contact with other infested foodstuffs during transit. Froggatt (W. W.). " Khapra," an Indian Wheat Pest. — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii, no. 1, 3rd January 1921, pp. 21-23. The opinions of previous authors as to the economic importance of the Dermestid, Trogoderma khapra, are briefly reviewed [R.A.E., A, V, 126, 359]. This beetle is most injurious to wheat in India during the hottest and driest part of the summer. Owing to the different climatic conditions in Australia, it is thought that the damage caused by T. khapra would be less than that caused by weevils in the event of it being accidentally introduced. 219 Froggatt (W. W.). The Blue Oat Mite [Notophallus hicolor, n. sp.). — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii, no. 1, 3rd January 1921, pp. 33-34, 1 plate. Notophallus hicoloy, sp. n., was found to be the cause of injury to oat crops during August 1920 in New South Wales. The mites appar- ently confined their attention to oats, as adjoining fields of barley and wheat were not attacked. Thistles among the infested oats were thickly covered with the mites, but no other weeds were found to be infested. The moist condition and rank growth existing at the time of discovery appear to suit this pest. In view of the drought of the previous season, the normal food-plant of this mite and its place of origin are still uncertain. A similar mite is reported by French as attacking potatoes, peas, lucerne and other crops in Victoria. Illingworth (F. J.). Cane Grub Investigation.— (^we^ws/aw^ Agric. Jl., Brisbane, xv, pt. 1, January 1921, pp. 29-31. The Tachinid parasite, Ceromasia sphenophori, Vill., has become well established, and has been recovered fully 3 J miles from the original place of liberation. As a result of the activities of this parasite, a recent survey revealed an average of only 1 per cent, of canes attacked by the weevil borer, Rhabdocnemis obscura, Boisd. The burning of trash on all infested land is still advocated, as it apparently does not injure C. sphenophori. The application of dry arsenic to the soil at the rate of 80 lb. per acre has proved an effective method of destrojdng all stages of grubs of Isodon puncticollis, Macl., in gardens. Further experiments for determining the value of poisons against soil pests are progressing favourably. Illingworth (J. F.). Grasshopper Control in North Queensland.— Queensland Agric. JL, Brisbane, xv, pt. 1, January 1921 pp 31-34, 2 plates. As a rule grasshoppers are of minor economic importance in Queens- land, as they are successfully kept in check by natural enemies, but during a recent outbreak remedial measures had to be resorted to at Meringa in the cane fields, and the infestation was successfully checked by the application of Kansas poison bait. Owing to the cheapness of lemons, double the usual number of fruit was used, and this addition apparently increased the attractiveness of the bait. Watt (R. D.). Prickly Pear in V.^.k.— Science & Industrv, Melbourne, ii, no. 11, November 1920, pp. 679-681 [Received 2nd March 1921.] The utilisation of prickly pear as stock food by concentration or desiccation is not advocated, but more attention should be given to the plant in its natural state as a reserve for drought periods. By singeing off the spines it is made more attractive and less harmful"^to stock. In California there is a race of wild cochineal insects that attacks many varieties of Opuntia, including 0. inermis. The species concerned is probably Coccus confusus. (2758) Q 2 220 GowDEY (C. C). Army Fall Worm. — //. Jamaica Agric. Soc, Kingston, xxv, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 16-17. Spraying with lead arsenate at the rate of 2 lb. to 50 gals, of water is advocated against attacks of the fall army worm [Laphygma frugi- perda]. In the case of sugar-cane or maize, the spray should be forced into the bud or centre of the plant. If acid lead arsenate is used, about i lb. of lime should be added to the spray. Poison baits will kill a large number of larvae if the fields are clear of weeds and grass. The pupa may be destroyed by exposure to the sun by means of shallow culti^'ation. In one district a serious outbreak on maize was checked by this means, aided by natural enemies such as the Tachinid, Frontina aletiae, three Proctotrupids and a beetle, Calosoma sp. CoRBETT (G. H.) & PoxxiAH (D.). Alleged Damage caused by Insects on stored Rubber Seed. — Agric. Bull. F.M.S., Kuala Lumpur, viii, no. 2, April-June 1920, p. 95. [Received 3rd March 1921.] The damage to stored rubber seed attributed to insect attack has proved to be of fungous origin, as although Tribolium castaneum, Hbst, (ferrugineum, F.) was present, it has been experimentally proved that this beetle is unable to enter sound seed. CoRBETT (G. H.) & South (F. W.). Negative Results of Experiments in the Control of the Moth of BracJiartona catoxantha, Hamps. — Agric. Bull. F.M.S., Kuala Lumpur, viii, no. 2, April-June 1920, pp. 107-110. [Received 3rd March 1921.] As the result of experiments, light traps and poison baits are not advocated against the adults of Brachartona catoxantha, but the moths should be caught during the day by means of hand nets or crushed in situ on the palm leaves. This must be done as soon as they appear, as oviposition begins about two days after emergence. Several species of fungi and a Tachinid fly check this pest of coconuts to a certain extent, but the degree of infestation is very variable. Bliss (A. J.). The Daffodil Fly.— Gardeners' Chron., London, Ixix, no. 1776, 8th January 1921, p. 15. The daffodil fly [Merodon) was less prevalent during 1920, probably owing to weather conditions. The best method of protecting seedlings up to the first year or two of flowering is to cover the ground during the time the flv is on the wing (from about the middle of May) with tiffany tacked to wood battens 12-14 ft. long. Brotherston (R. p.). Mealy Bug on Vines. — Gardeners' Chron., London, Ixix, no. 1777, 15th January 1921, p. 34. Fumigation, spraying and attention to cultural details are advocated for the treatment of vines infested with mealy bugs [Pseudococcns]. Fumigation with hydrocyanic gas or nicotine should be done before the foliage drops and again before the buds break into leaf. Various commercial washing mixtures and paints are discussed. 221 HiNCHiNGBRooKE (W. P.). Mealy Bug on Vines. — Gardeners' Chron., London, Ixix, no. 1779, 29th January 1921, p. 58. With reference to the preceding paper, successful control of mealy bugs on vines by spraying and dressing with nicotine soap is described. Dunn (D. H.). Mealy Bug on Vines. — Gardeners' Chron., London. Ixix, no. 1781, 12th February 1921, p. 80. At Aberystwyth mealy bugs [Pseudococous] have been controlled by fumigating the house, after the grapes are cut and the foliage ripe, with 4 oz. of potassium cyanide (98 per cent.) to every 1,000 cu. ft. During the winter the rods were barked, ancl then dressed with a strong solution of caustic soda and a little soft soap, working the solution well in with a paint brush. The house was fumigated again with 3 oz. potassium cyanide to 1,000 cu. ft. just before starting the vines. The vines are now dressed annuall}/ with caustic soda solution, and are quite free from the pest. Hartley (R. M.). The Auricula and Woolly Aphis. — Gardeners' Chron., London. Ixix, no. 1787, 26th March 1921, p. 152. Tramia auriculae, a woolly Aphid infesting auriculas, was completely controlled by removing the plants in April from the house in which they had flowered. The flower-stalk and all yellow leaves were pulled off and burnt. The roots were freed from soil, washed in water and then plunged in XL-all liquid insecticide (1 part to 5 of water) for one minute. They were then shaken fairly dry and repotted in pots previously scrubbed with a paraffin and soft-soap mixture, 1 : 30 in hot water. Pteris ( — ). The Raspberry Gall Fly. — Gardeners Chron., London, Ixix, no. 1788, 2nd April 1921, p. 166. In cases of attack by Lasioptera riibi on raspberry canes, the infested portions of the plant "should be cut off and burnt. Early recognition of the presence of this midge should prevent any serious extension of it. Russell (H. L.) & Morrison (F. B.). Pea Moth Investigations and other Insect Pests in 1920. — Wisconsin Agric. Expt. Sta., Madison, Bull. 323, December 1920, pp. 44-46, 1 fig. The first eggs of the pea moth [Cydia novimundi, Heinr.] [R. A.E., A, ix, 100] hatched on 23rd July, and the larvae emerged from the pea pods from 6th to 29th August. Garden and field peas are the only plants at present definitely known to be attacked by this pest. Pods of wild vetch have been found to be infested with a very similar insect, but its identity has still to be proved. The results of experiments with regard to early planting as a preventive measure are not consistent ; some of the earliest plots were more heavily infested than those planted at a later date [cf. R.A.E., A, ix, 15]. the presence of the moth in a field depends to a great extent on the direction of the wind and the location of the field with respect to it. Crop rotation is advocated as a remedial measure. Grasshoppers were unusually abundant in several counties during 1920, the damage in one county amounting to about £20,000. Rye, wheat and oats were attacked, as well as pastures and hay crops. 222 Heavy infestations of army worms were also reported. The necessity for concerted action and organisation among farmers for combating these two pests is emphasised. The reappearance of the Hessian flly [Mayetiola destructor] is probably due to the rapid increase in the acreage of wheat during the last few years. No remedial measures suitable for Wisconsin conditions have yet been found against the pea aphis [AcyrtJiosiphon pisi], which is responsible for a loss of from 5 per cent, to 50 per cent, in some fields. Cotton (R. T.). Four Rhynchophora attacking Corn in Storage. — Jl. Agric. Res., Washington, B.C., xx, no. 8, 15th January 1921, pp. 605-614, 4 plates. The species dealt with ai^e an Anthribid, Araecerus fasciculatus (coffee bean weevil), and the Curculionids, Caulophilus latinasiis (broad-nosed grain weevil), Calandra {Sitophilus) oryzae (black weevil) and C. (S.) granaria. The immature stages are described and illustrated, and keys are given by which the various species may be easily distinguished. Mills (R. R.). The Relation of Birds to Crops. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottawa, viii, no. 1, January-February 1921, pp. 69-71. The value of birds as destroyers of agricultural pests is emphasised, and their protection is advocated. Tower (W. V.). Report of the Entomologist. — Kept. Porto Rico Agric. Expt. Sia. 1919, Mavaguez, 15th October 1920. pp. 21-25. [Received 8th March 1921. J Experiments in connection with the transmission of mottling disease of sugar-cane by several species of leaf-hoppers, Pseitdococcus sacchari (mealy-bug) and Diatraea saccharalis (moth borer) all proved negative. Grape-fruit was heavily infested with thrips, but apparently no injury resulted. CoRDLEY (A. B.) & Jardixe (J. T.). Department of Entomology. — Ret>t. 1918-1920, Oregon Agric. Expt. St a., Corvallis, January 1921, pp. 59-63. Investigations were begun in 1919 in connection with the artificial propagation and distribution of beneficial predaceous and parasitic enemies of the apple leaf-roller [Tortrix argyrospila] and of apple Aphids, and are still in progress. The prune root borer [Aegeria opalesens] causes an annual loss of about £'8,000 in Oregon, but as a result of present investigations it is hoped to reduce this by about 80 per cent. The ravages of Tortrix argyrospila and T. rosacea 7ia may be reduced b}^ from 50 to 90 per cent, by means of oil sprays in April. Calyx spraj^s of oil, lead arsenate and Black-leaf 40 killed about 33 per cent, of the young larvae. Heavy oils give better results than light oils, and the application should be made as near the hatching period as possible. Earlier applications require a higher concentration of the spray. 223 Outbreaks of Aphids were checked by autumn spraying. Aphis sorbi has been experimentally reared on apple throughout the summer without any indication of the appearance of the true sexual forms in the autumn, and all individuals were killed by the severe winter. In the field the winter is passed on plantain. This species has also been found infesting wild crab {Mains rivnlaris). Studies on the relation of the activity of Aphis pomi to environmental factors are yielding valuable information. Minor pests recorded are pear thrips [Taeniothrips inconsequens], codling moth [Cydia pomonella], grasshoppers, filbert bud mite [Erio- phyes avellanae] and a Cerambycid boring in gooseberr}/. Osservatorio Autonomo di Fitopatologia, Turin. Monthly leaflets nos. 1-10, January-November 1920, 48 pp. The injurious insects reported during the year included : — Lepidoptera : Cosstis cossus on apple and birch ; Cnethocampa pityocampa on pine ; Clysia amhiguella and Polychrosis hotrana on vine ; Aegeria (Sesia) asiliformis on poplar ; Cydia funebrana on apricot ; C. splendana on chestnut ; C. pomonella on apple and pear ; C. {Grapholita) nebritana on peas ; Malacosoma {Gastropacha) neustria on pear ; Nygmia phaeorrhoea ( Eiiproctis chrysorrhoea) on chestnut and pear ; Hyponomeuta malinelkis on apple ; Pieris brassicae on cabbage; Porthetria [Lymantria) dispar on pear; Procris {I no) ampelophaga on vine ; and Zeuzera pyrina on beech. Coleoptera : Anthonomus pomorum on apple ; Balanimis nuctim on hazel ; B. elephas on chestnut ; Cetonia hirtella on vine ; Galeru- cella luteola on elm ; Haltica oleracea on cabbage ; Epicometis hirta on pear and vine ; Scolytus (Eccopiogaster) scolytus on elm ; Bnichus [Laria) irresectus in beans ; Lytta vesicatoria on ash ; By discus hetalae {Rhynchites behileti) on poplar and vine ; Saperda carcharias on poplar ; and Scolytus ( Eccopiogaster) nigulosus on cherry. Hymenoptera : Eriocampoides limacina {Eriocampa cerasi) on pear. Orthoptera : Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa on potato. Rhynchota: Aonidia lauri on laurel; Brevicoryne {Aphis) hrassicae on 2iri\c\ioke ; A.fabae on beans; A. persicae on peach; Aspidiotus hederae {nerii) on Aucuba and oleander ; Aulacaspis pentagona on mulberry, lilac, jasmin, mandarin orange and peach ; A . rosae on rose ; Chionaspis euonymi on Euonymus ; Ceroplastes rusci on fig ; Chrysomphalus dictyospermi on lemon ; Chermes { Adelges) abietis on fir ; Eriosoma {Schizoneura) lanigermn on apple ; Leucaspis pusilla on pine ; Lepidosaphis uhni {Mytilaspis pomorum) on pear and willow ; L. beckii {M. citricola) on orange and lemon ; and Physokermes piceae on fir. Diptera : Acidia heraclei on celery ; Contarinia pisi on peas ; and Rhagoletis cerasi on cherry. Mites : Eriophyes avellanae on hazel ; E. vitis on vine ; E. trislriatits on walnut ; E. {Phytoptus) pyri on pear and vine ; and Tetranychtts telarius on vine and horse chestnut. FuLMEK (L.). Die Milbenschwindsueht des Hafers. [The Mite Disease of Oats.] — Nachrichten Deutschen Landw.-Ges. f. Osterr., 1919, no. 1, p. 6. (Abstract in Biedermann's Centralbl., Leipsic, xlix, no 9, September 1920, pp. 349-351.) The oat mite, Tarsonemiis spirifex, has been recorded from France, Germany, Holland and Sweden. In 1918 the author found it in 224 Austrian Silesia. The injury is characterised by the fact that the ears remain totally or partially hidden in the sheath, the whitish transparent mites being found on the inner side of it. The injury usually appears towards the end of June and spreads slowty, continuing up to the harvest. Shade favours the spread of the injury. The damage has been reported as amounting to 2-10 per cent., but in Holland 90 per cent, has been said to occur, and in France a 100 per cent, infestation has been recorded, involving a loss of perhaps three- quarters of the crop. White varieties of oats suffer less than black or late-ripening ones. Winter oats are seldom affected, and only in very dry years. Wheat and barley are not much attacked, and there is no record concerning rye. In wet years T. spirifex is said not to occur. Korff supposes that the mite hibernates in the sheath and is brought to the fields in manure, but it is possible that hibernation also occurs in the field, wild plants allied to oats being the natural food-plants from which the mite migrates to oats. A succession of oat crops increases the trouble. Remedial measures include thorough manuring with saltpetre, irrigation, crop rotation (lucerne, etc.), early sowing (ensuring vigorous growth at the critical time), deep ploughing, and the avoidance of all straw and seed from infested fields. Gleisberg (W.). Gefahren fur den Kohlbau. [Dangers to Cabbage Cultivation.] — Deutsche Landw. Presse, Berlin, xlvii, no. 103, 29th December 1920, pp. 705-706, 2 figs. The gall-midge, Contarinia torquens, de Meij., which destroys the hearts of cauliflowers, causes such serious losses in Upper Silesia that cultivation of this crop has been given up in many cases. As it occurs in other parts of Germany, attention is drawn to the severe outbreaks in Holland between 1897 and 1901. Owing to its preference for sheltered situations, C. torquens does more injury in early beds than in open fields. In 1920 March was a warm month, and the first plants set out were infested, so that the second generation of the midge appeared in June, when the first usually occurs. The resulting increase is a menace to cultivation in 1921. In the district under observation areas treated with lime suffered least. It seems established that the cultural malpractices that favour the disease Plasmodiophora brassicae and the presence of Phorbia {Anthomyia) brassicae (cabbage fly) also favour C. torquens. Success was attained in Holland by spraying once a week with a tobacco decoction (6 parts by weight of tobacco leaves in 100 parts water). This treatment should begin with the first seedlings to prevent oviposition, and seedlings must be carefully watched for any signs of infestation, any affected plants being destroyed. Brethes (J.). La Vaquita de la Acacia. [Chalepus medius, Chap., on Robinia.] — Anales Soc. Rural Argentina, Buenos Aires, Iv, no. 2, 15th January 1921, pp. 39-41, 2 figs. The Hispid, Chalepus medius. Chap., causes considerable damage in Argentina to Robinia pseudacacia, upon which it is found almost exclusively. A general description of the adult beetle 225 is given. A similar beetle is Uroplata costipennis, which lives on Sida rhombifolia. The eggs of both are laid on the underside of the leaves of their respective food-plants, and the larvae feed on the parenchyma of the leaves, being sheltered between the two surfaces. Both species pupate within the leaves. The respiration of the plant is interfered with in this way. The remedy advocated is spraying with Bordeaux mixture. V. Bargen (A.). Heliothis armigera, Hb., bei Hamburg. — Internat. Ent. Zeitschr., Guben, xiv, no. 22, 5th P'ebruary 1921, p. 176. Attention is drawn to the exceptional occurrence of Heliothis ohsoleta {armigera) var. fusca, Ckll., in the vicinity of Hamburg. The species was identified from a moth reared from a larva taken on tomato on 1st August 1920. Pupation occurred on 5th August, and the adult emerged on 28th August. This moth is very rare in North Germany. Menzel ( — ) & Garretsen ( — ). Sluipwespen in Hileud Koeda [Hymenopterous Parasites in Staiiropus alternits.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, i, no. 4, December 1920, p. 110, 1 plate. Tea planters are warned against destro3dng the white cocoons of H^Tnenopterous parasites of the caterpillars, often present during an outbreak of Stauropus alternus. Menzel ( — ) & Garretsen (— ). Eitjes van Sprinkhanen op Thee- bladeren. [Orthopterous Eggs in the Leaves of Tea.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, i, no. 4, December 1920, pp. 111-112, 2 plates. Blister-like swellings on the edges of tea leaves proved on investi- gation to be insect eggs, and the larvae that hatched out were found to be those of an Orthopteron. Palm (B. T.) & Mjoberg (E.). Bestrijding van Rupsenvraat in Deli- Tabak. II. Rijkelijke Bespuiting van plantbare Bibit. [^Measures against Caterpillar Injury to Tobacco in Deli. IL The thorough Spraying of Seedlings ready for Planting.] — Deli Proefstation, Medan, Vlugschrift no. 6, January 1921, 3 pp., 1 fig. The three most dangerous tobacco pests on the east coast of Sumatra are Heliothis, Phytometra [Pliisia) and Prodenia ; the chief injury to leaves is due to them. Their extraordinary fertility and rapid development account for the enormous numbers that appear. Other factors favourable to them are the almost complete absence of natural enemies, the abundance of food during the tobacco season, and the favourable climate. Measures against the first generation are therefore necessary, and the methods hitherto adopted must be improved or changed. The beds containing seedlings ready for planting out on the following day must be copiously sprayed with a solution of 2 per cent, lead arsenate and 3 per mille soft soap until they are white all over. The nozzle must not be held too close or the tender plants may be injured. The coating must be quite dry before the plants are watered prior 226 to planting out, or better still, the seed-beds may be well watered before spraying. This procedure ensures that only protected plants are placed in the field. Under normal conditions this procedure affords protection for 6-8 days. Loos (K.). Zug eines machtigen Nonnenschwarmes fiber das Glatzer Gebirge in die Tscheehoslowakei. [The ^ligration of an enormous Nun IMoth Swarm over the Glatz Mountains into Czechoslovakia.] — Vcreinsschr. Forst-, Jagd- ii. Naturk., Prague, 1920-21, no. 4-6, pp. 60-62. The passage of a huge swarm of nun moths [Liparis monacha] from Prussian Silesia into Czechoslovakia was observed in the after- noon of 18th July 1920. It was estimated to be about 15 feet deep and 600 yards wide, and was observed for 20 minutes. It is note- worthy that the flight occurred by day, with the wind, and over a peak more than 4,000 feet high. Menzel (R.). Ueber die Nahrung der freilebenden Nematoden und die Art ihrer Aufnahme. [On the Nutrition of free-living Nematodes and the Method of Ingestion.] — Verhandl. Natitrf. Ges., Basel, xxxi, 1919-20, pp. 153-188, 5 ligs. The observations and experiments described in this paper confirm those already- made by Cobb with regard to predatory Nematodes. Representatives of the genera Mononchus, Tripyla and Trilohus have been proved to feed on invertebrates, and may be useful for the bio- logical control of species that are harmful to agriculture [cf. R.A.E., A., ix, 97]. Lesxe (P.). Un Foyer de Multiplication de la Mouche des Fruits {Ceratitis capitata, Wied.) aux Environs de Paris. [A Breeding- ground of C. capitata in the Neighbourhood of Paris.] — C. R. hebdoni. Acad. Set., Paris, clxxii, no. 8, 21st Februarj^ 1921, pp. 490-491. Attention is drawn to the fact that Ceratitis capitata, Wied., has apparently become established in the region of Asnieres and Courbevoie. Larvae, presumably of the second generation, were found in a late variety of pear in September. The first generation probably attacked apricots in July. Beri.ese (A.). Acari, Myriopoda et Pseudoseorpiones hucusque in Italia reperta. [Italian Acari, Myriopoda and Pseudoscorpions.] — Redia, Florence, xiv, no. 1-2, 10th February 1921, pp. 77-105. This is a reprint of the index, with revised nomenclature, of the species in the author's work under the above title, begun in 1882 and suspended in 1903. This has been found necessary owing to the abundance of material, and the continuance of the work, at least on the old lines, is scarcely possible. 227 Del Guercio (G.). Specie nuove e nuovi Generi per I'Afidofauna italica. [New Species and Genera in the Italian Aphid Fauna.] — Redia, Florence, xiv, no. 1-2, 10th February 1921, pp. 107-136, 1 plate. Morphological and systematic notes are given on the following Aphids : — Rhopalosiphum trilineatum, sp. n., on wild Chrysanthemum ; Anur- aphis fasciatidrS, sp. n., and Anuriella dorsolineata, gen. et sp. n., on lucerne {Medicago sativa) ; Pentaphis viridescens, sp. n., on the roots of grasses ; P. apuliae, sp. n., on Cichorium intyhiis ; Tetraneura reticulata, sp. n. ; T. flavescens, sp. n., on the roots of Hordeum murinum ; and T. agnesii, sp. n., on the inliorescences of the olive in Liguria. Eucarazzia, gen. n., is erected with E. picta, sp. n., as the t^^pe, and two species of the genus Rhopalosiphtim, R. calthae, Koch, "and R. najadum, Koch, are placed in it. A key to these three species is given. Teodoro (G.). Sulla Embriologia delle Cocciniglie. [The Embry- ology of Coccids.] — Redia, Florence, xiv, no. 1-2, 10th February 1921, pp. 137-141. The author finds that observations published by him in 1915 generally agree with those independentl}^ made by Strindberg and published at a later date, evidently without knowledge of the former work. Attention is drawn to some important conclusions that may be drawn from Strindberg's researches. The author's work dealt with the viviparous species. Coccus {Lecanium) hesperidum, L., and Aspidiotiis hederae, Vail., and with the oviparous ones, Pulvinaria camelicola. Sign, [floccifera. Green), P. vitis, L. [hetulae, L.), Saissetia [Lecanium) oleae, Bern., Eulecanium (L.) persicae, F., and L. corni, Bch. Strindberg studied Saissetia (L.) hemisphaerica, Targ., an oviparous species. Berlese (A.). Centuria quinta di Acari nuovi. [Fifth List of One Hundred new Acari.] — Redia, Florence, xiv, no. 1-2, 10th February 1921, pp. 143-195. One hundred new Acari from various parts of the world are described. Ferriere (C). Un nouveau Chalcidien a d^veloppement poly- embryonique. — Vcrh. Schweiz. Naturf. Ges., Aarau, ci, 1920, pt. 2, p. 226. A new Chalcid, a species of Copidosoma, is recorded as parasitising Depressaria alpigerella, Frey, on Laserpitiiim siler in the Engadine. From 37 to 120 adults may emerge from one larva. This Chalcid is attacked by the hyperparasites, Tetrastickus sp. and Pteromalus sp. Other parasites of Depressaria are Eulophus ramicornis, F., Pezoma- chiis sp. and Phaeogenes planifrons, Wesm. Caesar (L.). Spraying Lesson from 1920. — Canad. Hortic, Peter- horo, Ont., xliv, no. 1-2, January-February 1921, pp. 3-4, 1 fig. As a result of spraying in 1920 some of the crops yielded from 95 to 98 per cent, of absoluteh' clean fruit. Most of the sprays used 228 gave excellent results, and it was found that calcium arsenate may be safely used with lime-sulphur if 3 to 4 lb. of hydrated lime are added to every 40 gals, of liquid. The success of remedial measures depends greatly on weather conditions. It is suggested that dusting should be done in fine weather after 7 p.m. and before 8 a.m. Armstrong (W. W.). Dusting 80 Acres of Peaches. — Canad. Hortic, Peterhoro, Ont., xliv, no. 1-2, January-February 1921, p. 5. Excellent results were obtained against peach curculio [Conoira- chelus nenuphar'^] and other pests by dusting with 80 per cent, sulphur, 10 per cent, lead arsenate and 10 per cent. lime. The first application was made in June ; 16 hours were required to cover 80 acres. A second application was made about eight days later. The ultimate cost of dusting as compared with spraying is about the same. LocHHEAD (W.). A Quarter Century of Lime-sulphur. — Canad. Hortic, Peterhoro, Ont., xliv, no. 1-2, January-February 1921, p. 6. The evolution of the use of lime-sulphur against San Jose scale [ Aspidiotus perniciosus] is reviewed. It is a most valuable insecticide and fungicide, but for use against scale-insects and codling moth [Cydia pornonella] the addition of lead arsenate or calcium arsenate is necessary. Nicotine extract should also be added if Aphids are numerous. Sanders (G. E.). Dusting to Date in Nova Scotia. — Canad. Hortic, Peterhoro, Ont., xliv, no. 1-2, January-February 1921, p. 7. Copper-arsenic dust, made up of 10 lb. dehydrated copper sulphate, 5 lb. calcium arsenate and 85 lb. hydrated lime, has proved to be cheaper than and quite as efficient as a liquid spray in the control of fungous diseases, but no dust mixture has yet proved to have the value of a liquid spray against Aphids, red bug [Heterocordylus], green apple bug [Lygus], etc. MacGillivray (A. D.). The Saw-flies (Tenthredinoidea) collected by the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18. — Kept. Canad. Arctic Exped.. 1913-18, Ottaiva, iii, pt. G., 3rd November 1919, pp. 3g-19g. [Received 8th March 1921.] Of the 18 species recorded, 17 are described as new, including : — Euura ahortiva from galls on leaves of Salix reticulata, adults emerging in July ; E. arctica on S. reticulata ; Pontania atrata and P. lorata on creeping willow (5. arctica) ; P. delicatula on 5. reticulata ; P. quadri- fasciata, cocoons of which were found in old Cerambycid burrows in the bark of white spruce, and P. trifasciata on S. richardsoni. Brues (C. T.). The Parasitic Hymenoptera collected by the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18.— 7\V/>/. Canad. Arctic Expcd., 1913-18, Ottai&a, iii, pt. G., 3rd November 1919, pp. 21g-24g. [Received 8th March 1921.] An Ichneumonid, Diodes modestus, sp. n., reared from galls from Salix, probably produced by a saw-fly, is described. 229 Ferris (G. F). Report upon a Collection of Coecidae from Lower CalilOTma.— Stanford Univ. Pubns., California, Biol. Sci., i, no. 2, 1921, pp. 61-132, 53 figs. Of the 85 species of Coccids dealt with the following are described as new -.—Steatococcus tabernicolus, gen. et sp. n., on Prosopis sp. ; Orthezia caudata on a Composite, probably Encelia palmer i ; Aster o- lecanium cristatum on Heteromeles arbutifolia, Jatropha canescens, and other plants ; Eriococcus paucispinus on Celosia florihunda ; E. tillandsiae on Tillandsia recitrvata ; Fonscolohibia peninsularis on Asdepias subulata ; Xerococcus fouqiiieriae, gen. et sp. n., on Fou- quieria peninsularis ; Phenacoccus franseriae on Franseria sp. and other plants ; Aclerda attenuata on Distichlis spicata and Arundo ; Pulvinaria peninsularis on Philibertia tomentella and other plants ; Tourney ella cerifera on Albizzia occidentalis ; Protodiaspis lagunae on Quercus brandegeei ; Ancepaspis novemdentata on Lysiloma sp. ; Diaspis simmondsiae on Simmondsia californica ; Pseudodiaspis elaphrii on Elaphrium microphyllum ; P. ruelliae on Ruellia sp.; P. magna on an undetermined shrub; P. prosopidis on Prosopis sp.; Chionaspis distichlii on Distichlis spicata ; Lepidosaphes acuta on an undetermined shrub ; L. calcarata on Haematoxylon boreale, Acacia flexicaulis and other plants ; L. obtecta on Atriplex and Acacia ; L. peninsularis on Porophyllum gracilis and Asdepias subulata ; Odonaspis litorosa on Rachidospermimi mexicanum ; (9. fistulata on Distichlis spicata ; Aspidiotiis chortinus on Chaetochloa caudata ; -4. pedilanthi on Pedilanthus macrocarpa, Popuhis and other plants ; Chrysomphalus enceliae on Encelia palmeri ; and C. induratus on Pinus cembroides, Quercus brandegeei, and other plants. Possibly some of these may eventually prove to be identical with species described from Mexico. Departmental Activities : Entomology.^/. Z)^/)/. ^°^;-jc., t7«zo« S. /I/;'?ca, Pretoria, ii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 109-113, 1 fig. Owing to the activities of the parasites Scutellista cyanea and Aphycus lounsburyi, the black scale Saissetia oleae is seldom found in orchards in South Africa. A. lounsburyi has now also become established in California. Consignments of Coccinellids [Novius cardinalis] were sent to Brazil and Ceylon for the control of the Australian bug [Icerya purchasi]. The menace of the pink boll- worm [Platyedra gossypiella] is emphasised by the finding of the pest in a consignment of cotton in Portuguese East Africa [R.A.E., A, ix, 98]. The cotton originated in Angola, where the occurrence of P. gossypiella has apparently not been recognised. There is every reason to think that the parasite [Aphelinus mali] of the woolly Aphis [Eriosoma lanigermn], introduced from America, will become established in Africa. The San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus] has been recorded from four centres in the Orange Free State. Winter spraying and general care of the trees is advocated against this pest. Lema bilineata (tobacco slug) is causing uneasiness amongst growers of Cape gooseberries in the Bathurst district. Cape Province [cf. R.A.E., A, ix, 186]. 230 Felt (E. P.). Insects and the State. — Separate from N.Y. State Mits., Albany. N.Y.. Bulls. 219, 220 (15th Kept, of Director, 1918), 1921, 7 pp. The importance of the insect fauna of the United States is discussed, and the number of species represented in, and the value of, the New York State collection are described. The natural resources of the State offer large fields of investigation to the entomologist. It is remarked that the occasional outbreaks of previously almost unknown and obscure species, such as the importance assumed by Pyrausta nubilalis (European corn borer) — a genus hitherto considered of little or no economic importance — illustrates in a convincing manner the need for studying some of the comparatively unknown or neglected groups of insects in view of possible future emergencies. Theobald (F. V.). The Woolly Aphid of the Apple and Elm {Erio- soma lanigera, Hausm.). Part I. — Separate from //. of Pomology [sine loco], ii, no 2 [n.d.], 20 pp., 8 figs. [Received 10th March 1921.] The introduction and early history of Eriosoma lanigerum, Hausm., in Britain is discussed. As this Aphid is found on wild crab-apple in both America and Europe, the author is inclined to doubt whether it is an introduced species in the latter continent. For many years the life-cycle in Britain was assumed to be known, but the information was imperfect, and the fact that it migrates from the elm to the apple in July alters the correct time for spraying and explains many past failures in treatment. Eriosomatines differ from most Aphids in laying but a single egg, both male and female being produced on the primary food-plant by the alate autumn or return migrants. The correct life-cycle of E. lanigerum with its normal double food- plant has been described in America [R. A.E., A, v, 476]. The author has observed the cycle to be the same in Britain. That is to say, the primary food-plant is the elm {Ulmus), where the egg-stage is found in winter on the wood of suckers and in crevices of the bark near the ground. The eggs hatch from .early March to April, and the larvae wander about until they settle on a tender, unfolding leaf. They grow slowly at first, but by May the majority have become stem-mothers, ensconced in a curled leaf. This curling must not be confused with the elm-leaf curl caused by E. nlmi, E., which migrates to the roots of Ribes and becomes E. fodiens. In June and early July the apterae in the elm-leaf rosettes transform to nymphs, and in July assume wings and migrate from the elm. These are the summer migrants (called in America spring migrants). From this time until September no stage of this Aphid seems to occur on elms. These alatae represent a third generation. They are viviparous, and when transferred to the apple, produce living young that become typical woolly Aphids. This, however, will not happen in every case experi- mentally. During September a certain number of woolly Aphids on the apple become nymphs, and form the return alate females that migrate during September and October, many of them straying, but some settling on elms to continue the life-cj^cle. These return migrants can easily be distinguished by their shorter antennae. On the elm they give rise to living young that develop into the arostrate, oviparous males and females, and these produce the few ova from which the life-cycle starts. 231 This was probably the original and normal life-cycle, but whether the root-system alone of the apple was used as the summer abode, or both root and trunk, is not known. Most of the Eriosomatines certainly pass to a subterranean stage only, and the author believes that this is the normal life of E. lanigerum. From this normal life- cycle others have originated, and the Aphid is known to live in four different ways : — -permanently on the apple above ground, permanently on the apple below ground, migrating between the root and stem of apple, and living between the elm and apple. It has also been observed in America migrating to mountain ash {Pyrus americanus) and to Crataegus. The author has proved experimentally that E. lanigerum can reproduce for at least ten years on apple, without any sexual revival from the elm. An observation is recorded of an egg of E. lanigerum laid on the apple and not on the elm ; this is evidently unusual, but occurs occasionally both in Europe and America. The distinguishing features of the forms of E. lanigerum found on the elm and on the apple are described. Many records of the prevalence of the root form are quoted, though this is very difficult to estimate. Reinfestation from the soil after apple trees have been cleaned by spraying and painting is well known, and no certain method of killing the Aphids in the soil has been devised. Vaporite, naphthaline and carbon bisulphide have all proved unsuc- cessful in this respect. In America, tobacco waste has been found beneficial. Several growers in England have reported much success with tanglefoot bands. If the bands are left on all the year, it seems possible to catch all the normal ascending forms and any that may descend from the progeny produced by the elm migrants. The appearance of Aphids in large numbers occurs spasmodically in certain \^ears, but the factors regulating these general or local outbreaks are unknown. The author is convinced that the soil status has much to do with such increase, in conjunction with certain climatic conditions. The chief means of dissemination of the insect by natural factors include the flight of the alate females, wind carrying the apterae in detached wool from the trees, and birds and insects carrying the Aphids on their bodies. The most important artificial mode of distribution, however, is undoubtedly by means of plants, especially on nurser}^ stock. In examining young stock before planting, it is essential to inspect the root system as well as the rest of the tree. It is believed that until some apple stock has been found upon which the root form cannot subsist, the pest will continue in Britain, and will cause serious general or local epidemics. The relative immunity of different varieties is discussed. Irish Peach, Northern Spy and Winter Majetin are varieties of apple that are reported to be immune from the root form, and Jonathan apples, grown on aphis-proof stock from California are said never to be infested. The damage done by E. lanigerum is described. Natural enemies in Britain seem to be limited almost entirely to birds ; these include tits in winter, the tree-creeper, chaffinchs and sparrows. Insect enemies on apple are almost negligible, but on elm Braconid parasites and Syrphid predators destroy large numbers. From the curled elm leaves, Catabomba pyrastri, Syrphus halteatus and 5. ribesii have been bred. Coccinellid larvae also attack the Aphid colonies on elm leaves to a less extent. 232 Pear trees are occasionally attacked by a woolly Aphid in Britain, but the author has failed to infest them artificially with E. lanigerum. It seems probable that the Aphid on pear is a distinct species, but the point cannot be settled until the alate forms are found. In America, pears are attacked by a quite distinct species, E. pyricola. Baker. CoLLiNGE (W. E.). The Starling : Is it injurious to Agriculture? — //. Ministry Agric, London, xxvii, no. 12, pp. 1114-1121, 4 figs. Owing to its enormous increase during recent years, the starling is becoming a serious menace to agriculturists and fruitgrowers. The injurious insects devoured by it only form 26-5 per cent, of its diet. It has been calculated that 36-5 per cent, of its food is beneficial to the agriculturist, 41 per cent, injurious, and 22-5 per cent, neutral. Suggestions are made for reducing its numbers. Fletcher (T. B.) & Inglis (C. M.). Some Common Indian Birds : No. 6. The White Wagtail [Motacilla alba) ; No. 7. The Magpie Robin or Dayal (Co/)syc///^s saM/ar?s). — Agric. Jl. India, Calcutta, XV, pt. 6, November 1920, pp. 592-594 ; xvi, pt. 1, January 1921, pp. 4-6, 2 plates. Motacilla alba feeds chiefly on small insects, such as beetles, ants and various caterpillars, many of which are injurious to crops. As this wagtail is not a permanent resident and does not breed in India, it is not protected by law, except in Bengal and Burma. The food of Copsychus saidaris includes grasshoppers, crickets, ants, weevils and other beetles, as well as a few bees, wasps and cutworms. The bees are probably not taken alive. Ramakrishna Ayyar (T. V.). Some Local Practices prevalent in South India in the Control of Insect Pests. — Agric. Jl. India, Calcutta, xvi, pt. 1, January 1921, pp. 40-51, 3 plates. The methods of dealing with insect pests practised by the natives in various parts of South India are reviewed. Many of these are apparently empirical, crude, and often meaningless, but some may prove useful as a basis from which scientific remedial measures may be developed. In certain villages grain is kept free from pests by storing it in underground pits. A small quantity of pure mercury placed in the bin is said to be an effective preservative of stored food- stuffs. DiETZ (W. G.). A New Species o£ Coptodisca (Lepid). — Canad. Ent., London, Out., liii, no. 2, Februarv 1921, p. 44. Coptodisca kalmiella, sp. n., is described from New Jersey, mining in leaves of Kalniia angnstifolia. Weiss (H. B.) & Beckwith (C. S.). Notes on Coptodisca kalmiella, Dietz, a Leaf-miner of Kalmia angnstifolia. — Canad. Ent., London, Ont., liii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 44-45. The larvae of Coptodisca kalmiella probably hibernate in their mines in the leaves of Kalmia angustifolia. They drop to the ground prior to pupation, the latter stage requiring about two to three weeks. 233 The adults appear about 20th June. The hibernating larvae probably i-merge from eggs laid in July. In Pennsylvania, as many as 12-14 mines have been noticed in one leaf. Parornix (Or nix) kalmiella is also recorded as mining in leaves of this shrub. The larvae are found in August and September, and the adults in the following May. Gaxdara ^C;.) El Gusano del Algodon {Aldia aniiUacca Hiib.). Desarrollo de la Plaga del Gusano del Algodon en elSur del Estado de Oaxaca, [The Cotton Worm {Alabama argillacea). Its Development in the South of the State of Oaxaca.]— i?ms/« Agric, San Jacinto. D.F., v, no. 5, 1st September 1920, pp. 375-377. [Received 14th March 1921.] The biology of Alabama argillacea (cotton worm) is described. The life-cycle in Oaxaca (Mexico) on an average covers some 60 days, the egg-stage occupying 3, the larval 30, the pupal 15, and the adult, previous to oviposition, 12 daj^s. There may be from three to five generations, according to temperature and we'ather. It is considered very probable that the moth has some alternative food-plant in this region, and by some growers it is thought to be maize, the irrigated crop of which would enable the insect to survive during February, ^larch and April. Nunez (A.). La Palomilla Gelechia cerealella.—Revista Agric. San Jacinto, D.F., v, no. 5, 1st September 1920, pp. 377-379, 3 figs. [Received 14th March 1921.] The successful fumigation with carbon bisulphide of maize infested with Siiotroga (Gelechia) ccrealclla is described. Ruby [].). La Lutte contre les Sauterelles dans les Bouches-du- Rhone. — Progres Agric. & Vitic, Montpellier, Ixxv, no. 11 13th March 1921, pp. 254-259, 2 figs. The remedial measures against Dociostaurus maroccanus undertaken in the south of France [R.A.E., A, vii, 432; ix, 137] are discussed, and it is suggested that poison baits should form the principal remedial measure in future campaigns. The ability to forecast the extent and position of any outbreak in 1921 would be of great value in regulating preventive work. PouTiERs (R.). Contre la Mouche de r01ivier.—i?a'. Hortic. Algiers, XXV, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 1-3. The information here given with regard to the application of the Berlese remedies against the olive fly [Dacus oleae] in Italy has been noticed elsewhere [R.A.E., A, ix, 110, etc.]. Ruby (J). A propos de la Lutte contre la Mouche des Olives.— Rev. Hortic, Algiers, xxv, no. 1, January 1921, pp. 3-4. In support of a recent paper by Turinetti on the cfficacv of arsenical treatment [R.A.E., A, ix, 110] against Dacns oleae, the conclusions arrived at as a result of observations made in 1907-12 are quoted [cf. loc. cit., i, 174]. (275S) R 234 Paillot (A.). Mecanisme de I'lmmunite humorale chez les Insectes. — C. 7^. /ichdoni. Accicl. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 7. 14th la'bnuuy 1921. i^p. :-597 399. As a result of further investigations on the immunisation of the blood of Eiixoa ( Agrotis) segetiiHt against B. melolonthac non-lique- faciens y, it is thought that granular transformation and bacteriolysis may occur irrespective of any cellular activity or even the action of a special antibody. These two phenomena appear to be the last phases of a series of colloidal reactions between the organisms or their products and certain constituents of the blood. Attention is drawn to the striking analogy between the two reactions, viz.,. bacteriolysis and the phenomenon of dispersion. Paillot (A.). Contribution a PEtude de PImmunite humorale chez les Insectes. — C. K. licbdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 9, 28th February 1921, pp. 546 548. Subsequent experiments are said to have confirmed the hypothesis- propounded in the preceding paper. Glillemet (P.). Rational Methods against Locusts in Morocco. — La Colonisation Fran^aise an Maroc, Casabhaica, i, 1920, pp. 4-6. (Abstract in L'Agric. Colon., Florence, xv, no. 2, Februar\' 1921,. p. 116.) The anti-locust methods employed in Morocco are vexatious to the population and insufficient. A new organisation must be created and placed rmder a specialist. The ]:)olicy of employing forced labour must be abandoned. Premiums must be offered for information relating to oviposition and hatching. The apparatus used must be improved ; the flame-throwers developed during the war are much superior to those used up to now in Morocco. An efficient anti-locust ser\'ice will be expensive, but worth the mone}\ OuANjER (H. M.). De " Degeneratieziekten " van de Aardappelplant. [The "Degeneracy Diseases" of the Potato Plant.] — Vakblad voor Biologen, H elder, ii, nos. 7 & 8, March- April 1921, pp. 97-104 & 117-121. Of the five or six existing forms of these diseases, two, leaf-curl disease and mosaic disease, have been studied sufficiently to permit of some information being given here. The experimental work with plant-bugs and other insects has not yet yielded definite results. In this connection no important results have attended attempts to obtain sap, such as Myzoides persicae and other Aphids feed on, from diseased plants, and to transmit the infection by this means. In the case of the mosaic disease of tobacco, which resembles that of the potato, infection by means of sap is easih* accomplished. Dlraxd (A.). Traitements preventifs contre PEudemis et la CochyHs. [Preventive Measures against Polvc/irosis botraiia and Clysia amhiguella.] — La \'ie Agric. c^- Riir., Paris, x\iii, no. 11, 12th^March 1921, pp. 171-173, 2 tigs. The increasing importance of Polychrosis botrana in the \ineyards of Southern France, where formerly Clysia arnbiguella was the chief 235 pest, has made it imperative to practise remedial measures against both of these moths. The usual methods for combating an outbreak, as well as preventive measures, the value of which is emphasised, are described. Newell (W.). Report of the Plant Commissioner for the Biennium ending 30th April 1920, and Supplementary Reports. — Qti-ly. Bull., Florida State Plant Bd., Gainesville, v, no. 2, Januarv 1921, pp. 37-126. The main lines of work indicated in the last biennial report [R. A.E., A, vii, 213] have been continued. The quarantine and other rules passed by the Florida Plant Board are quoted, and the work of the quarantine department is reviewed and summarised in a list including all pests intercepted, with their place of origin. As exports of cotton, cotton seed, etc., to the south have been made from various parts of Louisiana that have been found infested with the pink bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella], further restrictions have been made in this respect. Other important work of the quarantine department has been the prevention of additional introductions of the mosaic disease of sugar-cane and of gipsy moth [Porthetria dispar] and brown-tail moth [Nygmia phaeorrhoea] and other pests and diseases. Nursery inspection has been thoroughly carried out. To prevent the spread of cottony cushion scale [Iceyya piirchasi], all food-plants coming from infested localities are required to be scrubbed with an insecticide before removal. The Australian Coccinellid, Novius cardinalis, is also being distributed in large numbers for its control. The cultivation and distribution of the fungi, Aschersonia aleurodis and A. flavocitrina, for the control of Dialenrodes citri (citrus white- fly) and D. citrifolii {Aleurodes nubifera) (cloudy-winged whitefly) respectively, have been continued. Xylomyges eridania (semi-tropical army worm) threatened severe damage to the castor bean, cotton and sweet potato crops, but the invasion was checked by the efforts of the Plant Board. The sweet- potato weevil [Cylas formic ari us] has been prevented from spreading by the strict enforcement of quarantine rules, destruction of its fodd- plants (particularly morning-glory [ Ipomaea]), the use of weevil-free slips for planting, and fumigation of sweet potatoes before removal from any weevil-infested area. The eradication measures described in the last report [loc. cit.] were repeated. The eradication of the banana root borer [Cosmopolites sordidus] has progressed so satisfactorily that, apart from a few isolated cases,, no infestations are known to occur in the State at the present time. To prevent the introduction of the black fly [Aleurocanthus icoglumi] into Florida, fruit arriving from localities known to be infested with this pest is not allowed to enter if the consignment includes any leaves, twigs or branches, unless such consignment has been subjected to fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas. Platyedra gossypiella (pink bollworm) has not as yet appeared in Florida, but the situation in Texas renders the continuation of strict precautions necessary. It is hoped to obtain a satisfactory degree of control of the boll weeviL [AntJionomiis grandis] along new lines. (2758) R 2. 236 Watson (J. R). Notes on some Florida Weevils.— Florida Ent., Gainsville, iv, no. 3, Januaiy 1921, pp. 33-35. Among a number of Rhynchophora recently collected in Florida were : — Araecerus fasciculatus, De G. (coffee-bean weevil), on avocado and Japanese persimmon ; Epicaerus formidulosus, Boh., which is commonly found on cotton, where it is frequently mistaken for the boll weevil [AntJionomiis grandis],^it is sometimes very destructive to young pepper plants, which it punctures at, or just below, the ground-level, and it also attacks peas, tobacco, velvet beans and several Composites, being active from April to November ; Eudiagogiis yosenschoeldi, Fhs., on oak ; Derelomus basalis, Lee, usually occurring on Asimina parviflora (dwarf papaw), and also taken on wild plum, velvet beans and blossoms of Cephalanihus ; Anthotnus {Tachypterus) qiiadrigihbus, Say (apple curculio), on cotton ; Anthonomus signatus, Sa\', which does not seem to attack strawberries in Florida, but is aliundant in blossoms oiCrataegiis in March ; Ccntrinus pcrscillus, Gyll., on Cassia sp., and reported as feeding on cotton ; Odontocorynus sele- brosus, Casey, on cotton ; and Chalcodermus coUaris, Horn, on maize and cotton. W.\TSON (J. R.). New Thysanoptera from Florida, viii. — Florida Ent., Gainesville, iv, no. 3, January 1921, pp. 35-39. Kej^s are given to the North American species of Hcierothrips, Eurythrips and Haplothrips. Among the new species described is Eitfhrips grandioculus, taken on grass. Severin (H. C). The Plum Web-spimiing Sawfly. — South Dakota State Entomologist, Brookings, Tech. Bull., no. 1, August 1920, 53 pp., 11 figs. [Received 17th March 1921.] The plum web-spinning sawflj^ Neurotoma inconspicua, Norton, is generally distributed over South Dakota, and has been found in the neighbouring states and also in Massachusetts and Southern Manitoba. The larvae feed upon a number of species of Prunus, causing serious damage to plum trees and sandcherry bushes by devouring the leaves and by spinning webs over them. The adult sawflies appear during the latter part of May or early June. The female lays an average of 46 eggs, which hatch in about a week. The larvae are gregarious, and after a destructive feeding period of 13 to 23 days they drop to the ground, enter it to a depth of 1| to 10 inches, and hollow out a cell, in which the remainder of the year is spent. In the following spring the larvae pupate, the pupal stage lasting 7 to 10 days. A Tachinid, Eubrachymera debilis, Towns., is a parasite of the larvae, and may sometimes destroy as many as 50 per cent, of them. An unidentified fungus occasionally kills the hibernating larvae and pupae, and a small mite has been found attached to the larvae and adults, but neither is of importance in controlling the pest. Quite an important role is, however, played by prcdaccous enemies. Larvae of Chrysopa, and nymphs and adults of the bug, Podisus maculiventris. Say, make their way into the webs to feed on the sawfly larvae, and ants, varieties of Formica rufa, L., and Lasius niger, L., attack them both on the ground when they are full fed, and also on the trees if 237 they are not protected by a good covering of web. Spiders occasionally kill the adults, and damsel-flies and ladybirds [Adalia bipunctata, L.) the larvae, but they produce little or no effect in the natural control of the sawfly. Spraying experiments were carried out against A^. inconspiciia, both with stomach poisons and contact insecticides. The former were much more effective in killing the larvae ; Paris green, calcium arsenate, magnesium arsenate and zinc arsenite caused considerable scorching to the trees, but lead arsenate was quite satisfactory. In dust form it was also effective, though it did not penetrate the webs quite so well as the spray. The spray should be made of | lb. of the powder or 1 lb. of the paste to 50 U.S. gals, of water, the dust of 1 lb. of the powder to 15 lb. of air-slaked lime or powdered sulphur. Both spray and dust killed 100 per cent, of the pest. Severin (H. C). Eleventh Annual Report of the State Entomologist of South Dakota for the Period ending 30th June 1920. — South Dakota State Coll., Brookings, 1920, 40 pp., 5 figs. [Received 17th March 1921.] Inspection of nurseries in South Dakota has been thoroughly carried out, and a list is given of the pests found, with their food- plants. The importance of educating the public in economic ento- mology and plant pathology is emphasised, and an account is given of the lectures, etc., given and the publications issued to this end. The research problems that have been dealt with are outlined. Data concerning Neurotoma inconspiciia have been published [sec preceding paper]. Gryllus assimilis, F. (common field-cricket), caused con- siderable damage, especially to seeds and grain. Two egg-parasites of it were discovered, namely, Ceratotclcia marlatti, Ashm., and a new species of Paridris, of less importance. Remedial measures against the crickets include ploughing or disking and harrowing in autumn all fields that have shown injury and the edges of fields and roadsides, in order to destroy the eggs, renovation of lucerne fields in autumn, and the burning of piles of old hay or lucerne where crickets have probably collected. When the crickets are abundant in fields, poison bait should be used [R.A.E., A, v, 382]. Meromyza americana. Fitch (wheat-stem maggot) has been studied. Two parasites, Micro- hracon meromyzae , Gah., and Coelinidea nieromyzae, Forbes, were found destroying the larvae, and the mite, Pediculoides ventricosus, is predaceous on them. The pests of raspberries, blackberries and dewberries include Oberea bimaculata, 01. (raspberry cane borer), of which the life-cycle occupies two years. Eggs are laid in late June or July in the pith of the cane, and the larvae, which hatch in two weeks, feed on the pith and work downward. They pass the first winter in the canes, and in the following spring work more rapidly, gnawing openings at intervals through which the excrement is ejected. Usually before the fruit matures the upper parts of the injured canes are killed. This pest passes the second winter as a full-grown grub in the stem below ground, and pupates in the following spring, the beetles appearing in June and July. If the canes show signs of wilting at the tips in July and are found to be girdled, the tips should be cut off two or three inches below the girdle and burnt. Canes that are a year old and are dying should be cut off close to the ground and burnt. 238 Various leaf-rollers attack raspberries more ])articiilarly, the com- monest being Tortrix {Archips) rosacea na, Harr. (oblique-banded leaf-roller), which passes the winter in the egg-stage on the cane. In spring the larvae hatch from the egg-masses and feed on the foliage, later rolling the leaves to form shelters in which they pupate, and from which the moths emerge. Lead arsenate, 1-| lb. paste or f lb. powder to 25 U.S. gals, water, should be sprayed on the bushes \\'hen the larvae are first noticed, and again a week later if necessarj'. If only a few bushes are attacked, hand-picking should be practised. Monophadnus rubi, Harr. (raspberry sawfly) in the larval stage attacks the foliage of raspberries, and to a less extent of black- berries and dewberries, sometimes causing complete defoliation. These sawflies usually appear early in June and oviposit in the leaf tissues, on which the larvae feed. These are full-grown in South Dakota by mid-July, and descend into the ground to a depth of several inches, where they pupate in the following spring and emerge as adults in June. A spray of 1 oz. hellebore to 1 U.S. gal. of water is recommended against the larvae ; | lb. lead arsenate or 1 lb. paste to 50 U.S. gals, of water is a successful remed}^ but cannot be used when the fruit is ripening. Tetranychus tclarius, L. (red spicier) punctures the leaf-tissues of all three species of cane, causing the leaves to become mottled and die. The usual sprays for this pest are recommended. Occanthus nigricornis, Wlk. (tree-cricket) is the most injurious pest of raspberries, and also injures blackberries and dewberries by the oviposition punctures of the females, which often girdle the canes until they split open or die. The winter is passed in the egg-stage, nymphs hatching in June. All canes bearing eggs should be cut out and burnt, either late in the year, after the first heavy frost, or in early spring before the eggs hatch. All weeds that might serve as sites for oviposition in the ^'icinit3^ should he raked up and burnt before winter. Haseman (L.). Insect Pests o! Field Crops. — Missouri As^ric. Ex pi. Sta., Columbia, Bull. 170, April 1920, 39 pp., 36 figs. '" [Received 18th March 1921.] A brief description is given of numerous insects and the injury they cause, with suggestions for their control. The species recorded as attacking maize are : — Aphis maidiradicis, Forbes (corn-root aphis) ; Diabrotica longicornis, Say ; D. duodecim- pimctata, 01. ; Lachnosterna spp. ; Crambits sp. ; Sphenophorus aeqiialis, Gyl. ; S. parvulus, Gyl. ; Blissiis leucoptcrits, Say (chinch bug) ; and Hcliothis obsolcta, F. (corn-ear worm), Cirphis {Lciicania) u)ii- piincta, Haw. (army worm), and other Noctuids. Pests of wheat are : — Mavctiola (Cecidomyia) destructor, Say (Hessian fly) ; Harmolita : Isosoma) triiici, Fitch (wheat joint- worm) ; Macrosiplutui granarium, Buckt. ; Toxoptcra graminum, Rond. ; Contarinia [Diplosis) tritici, Kby. (wheat midge) ; Laphygma frugiperda , S. tS: A. ifall army worm) ; and Meliana albilinea, Hb. (wheat-head army worm). Forage crops are attacked by Hypcra (Phytononius) punctata, F. (clover-leaf weevil), Loxostege similalis, Gn. (webworm) and Hypsopygia costalis, F. (clover hay worm) ; while the chief pests of grasses are Jassids, Noctuids, the grasshoppers, Melanoplus femur-rubruin and .1/. diffcrcntialis, and Cirp/iis unipwicta. Cotton is attacked by Alabama argillacca 2vS9 (cotton worm), and Hcliothis obsoleia. The pests of stored grain and seeds are :Silvanus sunnamensis (saw-toothed grain beetle) • Calandia granaria igranary wee^'il) ; Tenebroides maimtaniciis ' (cadelle) • Bruchus spp. ; Srtotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth) • Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth) ; Epiiestia kuhniella (Mediterranean flour moth); and Pyralis farinalis (meal snout moth). MuMFORD (F. B). Work and Progress of the Agricultural Experiment Station for the year 1st July 1918 to 30th June IQl^.—Missovti Agnc. Expt. Sia., Columbia, Bull. 172, Tune 1920 48 up -yiies [Received 18th March 1921.] ^^" ^ In the section of this bulletin dealing with the acti\'ities of the lintomological Department the various investigations undertaken am briefly outhned. Experiments for the control of the corn-ear worm iHdwthis obsoleta] show that dusting is cheaper than spraying but that neither method completely destroys this moth, although its ravages in the treated areas are thereby greatly reduced The melon aphis [Aphis gossypii] can be controlled bv sprayin- with nicotine sulphate ; this spray also gave the best results agaiu'.'t the squash stink-bug [Anasa trislis]. A spray consisting of 2 lb lead arsenate and 50 U.S. gals, of water is advocated against the siriped cucumber beetle [Diabrotica vittala]. The best results in the control of codling moth [Cvdia pomonclla\ were obtained with a disc nozzle at a pressure of 85 lb.', the percentaoe of end worms being 1-89, as against 8-74 with a pressure of 200 lb with the same nozzle, or 11-01 with similar pressure and Bordeaux- nozzle. The San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus] is the most serious pest m Missouri, but owing to systematic inspection work and co-operation, it has been practically eradicated from nurseries. Nursery and Orchard Insect VQ^is.—Missonri Agnc Exbt Sta S Mamhl921.r^^ ^''^^''' ^^^^' ^' ^'^■' ^^ ^^'- ^^'''^''^ The insect pests are arranged under the crop attacked, with a brief description of injury and remedial measures. The species dealt with include the apple pests i—fnosoma {Schizoncitra) lanigeriim (root ouse) ; Saperda Candida (round-headed borer) ; Chrvsobothris femorata (tlat-headed borer) ; Scolytus rugulosus (shot-hole borer) ; Aspidiotus permcwsus (San Jose scale) ; Ceresa hubalus (buffalo tree-hopper) • Ubicen septemdecim (periodical cicada) ; Alsophila pometaria Ad Faiacacnta vcrnata (canker worms) ; Thvridoptcrvx cphemcraeformis ibagvvorm) ; Tor^n^ {Ar chips) argyrospila (leaf-roller); Mincola indigmella (leaf-crumpler) ; Empoasca mall (leaf-hopper) ; Empoa rosae ^rose-leaf hopper) ; Lygus pratcnsis (tarnished plant-bug) ; L.ydia {Larpocapsa) pomoneUa (codling moth) ; Conotrachclus nenu- piiay (plum curcuho) ; Enarmonia prunivora (lesser apple worm) ; and Ant/wnomus quadrigibbiis (apple curculio). Enocampoides limacina (pear slug) is recorded on pears ; Aegcria [bannmoidea) exitiosa (peach-tree borer), Anarsia lincateUa (peach- twig borer) and Anuraphis {Aphis) persicacnigcr (black peach aphis) on peaches; Aphis sctariae (rusty brown plum aphis) on plums cherries and peaches ; .1/a-/^s m-asV (cherry aphis) and Aspidiotus forbesi (cherry scale) on plums and cherries. ' Cxrapeswere attacked by 240 Aspidiotus uvac (grape scale), Typhlocyha comes (grape leaf-hopper), PolvcJirosis viteana (grape-berry moth) and Craponiiis inacqualis (grape curculio) ; gooseberries and currants by Pteronus ribesii (imported currant woi-m) and Myzns ribis (currant aj^his) ; raspberries by Oecanthus nigricornis (snowy tree-cricket) ; strawberries by ApJiis forbesi, Ancvlis comptana (leaf- roller), Aiilhonomus signal iis (straw- berry weevil) and Tyloderma fragayiae (crown lx)rer). SuLLRAx (K. C). An Investigation of the Dipping and Fumigation oS Nursery Stock. — Missouri Agric. Expi. Sla., Columbia, Bull. 177, December 1920, 36 pp., 5 figs. [Received 18th March 1921. J As a result of experiments with various dipping fluids for San Jose scale [Aspidiotus perniciosus], details of which are described, the greatest success was obtained with miscible oil at the strength of 1 : 12 or 1 : IvS ; only the tops, however, should be dipped, so as to minimise injury to the plants. Hydrocyanic acid gas is most effective when used upon dry plants at the strength of 1:1:3. Lime-sulphur used at 1 : 9 gave perfect results on pears and plums, but injured the plants. It is advisable to treat all nursery stock that has been sub- jected to attack, even though not actually infested, before placing it on the market. Hasemax (L.). Bagworms destructive in Missouri, — Missouri Agric. Expl. Sla., Columbia, Circ. 92, March 1920, 4 p.p., 4 figs. [Received 18th March 1921.] This is a popular account of the life-history and control of the ever- green bagworm [Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, Haw.] [R.A.E., A, iv, 239]. This moth was very abundant in Missouri in 1919. Haseimax (L.). The European Corn Borer. — Missouri Agric. Expl. Sla., Columbia, Circ. 94, April 1920, 4 pp., 1 fig. [Received 18th March 1921.] The existence of Pyratisla nubilalis in Missouri has not yet been proved, and to prevent its spread from the eastern areas of infestation, a quarantine has been promulgated prohibiting the movement of any material likely to harbour this moth. Special provision is made for the shipment of shelled maize. Federal and State Laws regulating the Propagation and Distribution of Nursery Stock. — Missouri Agric. Expl. Sla.. Columbia, Circ. 99, October 1920, 24 pp. [Received 18th March 1921.] The present Federal quarantines and other regulations affecting the importation of stock from abroad and the transportation of it in the United States, as well as various State laws and regulations, are briefly dealt with. The Missouri State quarantine against the European corn borer [Pyrausta nubilalis] is given verbatim. KxiGHT (H. H.). Hemiptera of the Family Miridae. — Oliio Jl. Sci., Columbus, xxi, no. 3, January 1921, pp. 107-112, 1 fig. This list of Capsid.\e collected by the Katmai expeditions enumer- ates eight species, making a total of 16 species that are known to occur 241 in Alaska. One species is new, one has not before been recorded from the Nearctic region, and two are new records for Alaska. The species of economic interest recorded are Lygns pmtensis oblineattts, say, Plesiocoris riigicoUis, Fall., which has not previously been known from North America, and Irbisia sericans. Stal, which was common on rye grass. The last-named is injurious to rye and oats- in California. Garman I p.). a Study of the Bulb Mite {Rhizoglypkus hyacinthi. Banks.). — Connecticut Agn'c. Expt. Sta., Xeiv Haven. Bull. 225 (Ent. Ser. no. 28), January 1921, pp. 115-132, 3 plates, 3 figs. Inspection in 1919 revealed the fact that a large percentage of the bulbs imported into Connecticut were infested with Rhizoglypluis hyacinthi, Banks (bulb mite). A general description of this mite is given. It is apparently able to subsist on almost any tuber or bulb. Narcissi and lilies offer least resistance to attack, as the scales are loose and the mites easily penetrate to the interior. Tulips are least injured, hyacinths slightly more so ; onions do not seem to be infested unless already partly rotten or bruised. An account is given of the life-history of the mite ; the dimorphic or heteromorphic male is described, and the hypopial form and the causes affecting it& production are discussed. Dissemination is chiefly by means of the hypopial stage, which clings to small flies emerging from the decayed bulbs. While the life-cycle may occupy from 9 to 29 days, it may be extended to a month and a half if the h\'popial stage develops or adverse conditions prevail. The Tjaoglyphid, Histiostoma rostroserratits, is frequently found in company with i?. //^'^c?;?////, a'nd predaceous mites (Laelaptini) doubt- less destroy many of the bulb mites. The larvae of a Cecidomyiid, Lestodiplosis sp., also feed on them. Various remedial measures tried by different investigators are discussed, and a list is given of treatments with many substances. Dipping the bulbs in nicotine sulphate 1 : 400, or nicotine oleate, heated to 122^ F., or even water at the same temperature, is a satisfactory method of killing the mites. Brittox (W. E.) & Clixtox (G. P.). Spray Calendar. — Ccnnecticuf Agric. Expt. Sta., New Haven, Bull. 224, 1921, pp. 67-110, numerous figs. This is a revision of an earlier sprav calendar for Connecticut [R.A.E., A,\[,464]. Blackmax (M. W.). The Spruce Budworm. — Maine Forestry Dept., Augusta, 1919, 10 pp. [Received 16th March 1921.] Tortrix fumiferana, Clem, (spruce budworm) is considered the most destructive pest of spruce, fir and hemlock in Maine. A heavy infestation of this moth reached its climax in 1878 and 1879, occurring chiefly on tMe islands and coastal area ; after that date its activities were comparatively unimportant for more than thirty years. Since 1911, however, numerous complaints ha\'e been made of its depre- dations, and at present the outbreak is far more serious than the previous one, for it comprises not only the coast regions, but practically every wooded area of the State, the inland regions being the most 242 ■severely attacked. The injury is first shown b}- a wilted appearance of new growth at the ends of the twigs of spruce and balsam, the needles or leaves of the new sj^ing growth having been gnawed through at the base by the caterpillars. These become full-grown during the first half of June, and pupate in the shelter of the severed needles, which they have webbed together. The moths emerge in the course of a week or two and fiy during the last week in June and first half of July, depositing eggs in small masses on the sides of the needles. 0\-iposition is completed before the end of July, and the larvae, which hatch about a week later, feed for a short time and then hibernate. It is in the following spring that they do the greatest damage. Few trees are killed in the first year of attack, but after a few years they may be entirely defoliated, while bark-beetles and weevils frequently complete the destruction of already weakened trees. Obser\'ations o'.i the extent of injury in various localities are re- <:c)rded. White spruce seemed to possess some degree of immunity. In balsam fir the larvae of Monochamus (Monohammus) scutcllatiis were almost invariably found in recently killed trees. Many were also infested by the balsam bark-beetle, Pityokfeines sparsus, Lee. ( Ips halsamcus, Lee), and the weevil, Pissodes dubiits, in the trunk, the smaller limbs and twigs harbouring the small bark-beetle, Cry- phaliis balsamens, Hopk. Nearly all dead and dying spruce had the bark riddled by the spruce bark-beetle. Polygraph us ntfipcniiis, Kirby, and many also contained Dvyococtcs affabcr, Mannh. [piccac, Hopk.), and in the tops and limbs Scolytus [Eccoptogaster) piceae, Sw. The weevil, Pissodes nigrae, Hopk., as well as some of the above-named bark-beetles, frequently hastens the death of weakened trees. The present infestation by T . fmniferaha is now decidedly decreasing, and the trees, particularly spruce, are showing great recuperative ability. It is hoped that, as was the case after the previous outbreak, there may be a period of 20 to 40 years of freedom from any serious or widespread injurv. Spraying the trees in spring with 5 lb. lead arsenate to 100 U.S. gals, water is a good remed}', two applications being given with a ten days interval when the buds are just opened, but this is only practicable for ornamental trees. In the woodlands, natural enemies and para- sites must be relied upon to overcome the pest. Woodland owners can, however, lessen the danger of loss by proper logging methods. If the stumps are reduced to the minimum, the tops utilised as far as possible, and the slash properly disposed of, there is less oppor- tunity for injurious insects to breed. Trees killed by T. fmniferana are by no means valueless, as they will remain sound for several years and can be utilised for pulpwood if they are not riddled by wood-boring insects. Blackm.vx (M. W). Tile White Pine Weevil, with Methods of Control and Recommendations for a Modified System of Planting White Pine and Norway Spruce. — Maine Forestry Dept., .A^ignsta, 1919, 12 pp. [Received 16th March 1921.] The southern half of the State of ]\Iaine contains large forest tracts in which white pine is the predominating tree, but the majoritj^ of these have become crooked, scrubby or bushy, owing in part to the action of pine blister rust, and more particularly to the activities 243 of the white pine weevil [Pissodes strobi], an insect native to the country. The hfe-history, which is described, is practically identical with that in Quebec [R.A.E., A, vi, p. 62]. The production of the forked or branched top of pines, owing to the feeding of the lar\-ae, is described. While white pine [Pinus strobus) is the preferred food- plant, Piiiiis banksiana, P. rigida, Picea rubens and Picea excelsa are all occasionally attacked. Young trees from 4 to 20 feet high are the most subject to attack, especially those growing in plantations or open stands. Remedial measures [loc. cit.] are discussed. The author belie\'es that concerted action for several years among all landowners, directed and aided by experts employed by the State, would bring the wee\'il entirely under control. It is suggested that a system of planting white pine can be devised that will give a large measure of protection to 3-oung trees during the period when they are most susceptible to weevil injury. Experimental plots are suggested as a preliminary- stud}' for determining the best system. Jack (R. W.). The Common Fruit Beetle {Pachnoda imprcssa. Gold.). — Rhodesia Agric. JL. Salisbury, xviii, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 71-75, 2 plates ; also Rhodesia Dept. Agric, Bull. 385, February 1921, 7 pp., 2 plates. Pachnoda impressa, Gold., is a well-known pest of fruit and blossoms throughout South Africa, except in the south-west portions, and is the commonest of several allied species. The beetles emerge from the ground about mid-November and occur throughout the wet season, gradually disappearing before April. Oviposition begins early in January, and continues through the wet season, eggs being laid singly in kraal manure in the settled areas, and in decayed vegetable matter in sheltered situations under natural conditions. The grubs, which hatch after 15 to 18 days, feed on this material from Januar\- to June, and then construct pupal cells, in which they rest for a considerable time, pupation occurring about the end of September and lasting from 25 to 28 days. The larval period varies greatly, and in some instances the life-cycle may occupy two years. The pupal cells, made of sand and soil, are found in the ground, sometimes at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. The adults feed upon foliage, blossoms and fruit, their favourite foliage apparently being that of grape ^•ines. Damage has also been observed to roses and other rosaceous flowers, such as late-blooming apples, and to various blossoming trees. The worst damage is done to ripening plums, peaches and apples, ■svhich may be quite covered with the beetles. Enemies of P. impressa include ants of the genus Doryhis, which break open the pupal cells and devour the larvae ; lemurs in capti\'ity eagerly devour the adults. Poisoned baits for the beetles have been quite unsuccessful. Trees can be protected by mosquito netting, but this is an expensive method. Collecting the beetles by jarring the trees, and the use of an insect net as previously described [R.A.E., A, iv, 395], ha\-e proved the best methods of destroying the pest. Quarantine Proclamations Nos. 76 & 77. — Commomi'ealth of Australia Gaz., Melbourne, no. 16, 24th February 1921. By the first of these proclamations, both of \\hich are dated 16th Februar}^ 1921, owing to the existence of pear blight or fire blight 244 {Bacillus amylovonts) in New Zealand, the importation into Australia is prohibited of all plants and parts of plants, including fruit, excepting agricultural seeds and grass seeds, from that Dominion. The second proclamation modifies this into a prohibition against any apple, pear, cherry, apricot, plum, quince or hawthorn tree, or any part thereof, including fruit, grown in any country where B. amyJovorus exists. Pierce (VV. D.). Lectures in Applied Entomology : Vol 1. The General Subject of Applied Economic Entomology — Denver, Colorado, The Mineral, IMetal and By-Products Company, 1920-21, 220 pp. multigraph. This is the first volume of a course of lectures on Applied Entomology. The course is not designed to deal with injurious and beneficial insects in the manner of an ordinary text-book, but rather with methods and principles. The average entomologist has, owing to the vastness of the science, been forced to specialise on only a limited part of economic entomology, and so requires a concise summary of the field before him, in order that he may render the best service. The first volume of the course comprises ten lectures on such aspects of the subject as the first principles of economic entomology, the qualifications necessary for, and the different branches of, the science, and its relation to organised agriculture and other forms of industry. PisAR (C. J.). Use of Insecticides and Fungicides in South Africa. — Commerce Repts., Washington. D.C., no. 241, 13th October 1920, pp. 199-202. [Received 18th March 1921.] Statistics are given of the importation into the Union of South Africa during 1919 of sodium arsenite and other insecticides, and of the area under fruit and vegetables. A list is given of the more usual insect pests of fruit trees in South x\frica, with their food-plants. The remedies used for each pest are described, and the regulations govern- ing the sale of insecticides in the Province of the Cape of Good Hope are quoted. The terms lead arsenate and sulphur, as used commer- cially, are defined, with the regulations for the sale of tobacco extract and cyanides. TicE (C). The Potato in British Columbia.— i5.r. Depf. Agric, Victoria, Bull. 86, 1921, 75 pp., 78 figs. In the portion of this bulletin devoted to insect pests of the potato, it is stated that the Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata], which is established in Idaho and Washington, crossed the boundary into British Columbia in 1919, but was noticed in time and apparently completely exterminated. It would mean a considerable increase of expense, especially to potato-growers in the Dry Belt, where spraying is not at present necessary, if this pest should become generally distri- buted over the Province ; and any suspected insects should be sent at once to the Department of Agriculture for examination. To help identification a brief description of the various stages is given. Blister-beetles [Macrohasis iinicolorP] do some damage to potato- foliage, and they can be destroyed with arsenical sprays, but as the larvae feed on locust eggs, they are probably beneficial on the whole. Wireworms are more or less prevalent e\'erywhere, particularly in land that has previously been meadow, and in moist situations.. 245 Badly infested land may sometimes be cleared of them by deep autumn ploughing, followed by plenty of cultivation and by summer fallow in the following j^ear. In this case the land should be kept clear of weeds, to starve the wireworms and prevent the adult beetles laying their eggs. Another method is to plant balls of rice-meal between the rows to act as traps [R. A.E.. A, vii, 171, 407]. Other potato pests are the larvae of June beetles [Lachnostcrna], flea-beetles and cutworms, the usual remedies for which are described. Newell (W.) . On the Organisation o£ Work in Economic Entomology. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 36-48. The co-operation and co-ordination of all the agencies engaged in economic entomological work is urged. When different agencies work in co-operation, their activities should be regulated by one and the same executive, to prevent duplication of efforts and waste of funds. Suggestions are made for the organisation and working of such a co-operative scheme, and its possibilities are discussed. Fracker (S. B.). a Volunteer Pest Reporting Service. — J I. Econ. Ent., Concord., N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 48-53. The advantages to be gained by the inauguration of a volunteer pest-reporting service are discussed. A similar service has been tried in Wisconsin, and the method of utilising the information obtained is described. The value of the reports depends on the number and dis- tribution of growers sending the information, its accuracy and the promptness of its despatch. The organisation of such a service on a national scale, with the establishment of permanent records, would facilitate the study of insect losses. GossARD (H. A.) & Parks (T. H.). Hessian Fly Prevention. — //. Econ. Eni., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 53-60. An approaching outbreak of Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor] may be foreseen if a wheat survey by entomologists is undertaken just before harvest. Such surveys have been organised annually since 1917 in Ohio, and with the aid of the observations made at fly-emergence stations in selected localities, it is possible to determine the safest date for sowing wheat to prevent infestation. The response to the late sowing campaign in 1920 was almost unanimous, less than 1 per cent, of wheat being sown before the final dates chosen. Up to 14th October no eggs were found on the young plants, but an unexpected appearance of adult flies during mid-October over all except north-eastern Ohio resulted in an infestation by eggs and larvae of about 20 per cent, of the wheat. In spite of this heavy and belated infestation, the efforts made have been fully justified, and it is estimated that the 1921 crop will be twice as large as it would have been had no attention been paid to the pest, Marcovitch (S.). The Potato Leaf-hopper and Tarnished Plant Bug in 1916. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N. H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 61-62, 1 plate. During 1916 in Minnesota the author reached the same conclusions as those of Ball in 1919 in connection with the potato leaf-hopper, 246 Empoasca mali, Le B. [R.A.E., A, vii, 278'. During the author's obser\-atit)ns two other leaf-hoppers, Dcltocephalits inimicus and Cicadiila scxnotata, were found on the plants. The difference of attack by leaf-hoppers and the tarnished plant bug [Lyi^iis pratensis] is described. The hopperdozcr was found useless against E. mali, which could only be controlled by spraying with 2 to 1 or pure kerosene. The latter did not injure the plants, the reason for which was later determined by Moore [loc. cit., \'\, 200]. Haktzell (A.). Further Notes on the Life-history of the Potato Leaf-hopper iEmpoasca mali, Le Barcn). — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, X. H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 62^68, fig 1. In continuing the study of E>npoasca mali, LeB. (potato leaf-hopper) 'R.A.E., A, ix, 31], it has been found that the over-wintering females represent a mixed population, some of them probably being the remnant of the summer generation of the previous year that had emerged too late to complete egg-laying. During the growing season of 1920 one complete and a partial second generation occurred. Field counts indicated about half the number of leaf-hoppers as compared with the previous year. Adults of the summer generation were abundant in the last week in July, but the second brood was insignificant as compared with the first. The development of this generation was probably influenced by the dying of the potato plants during the latter half of August. The remaining adults migrated to curly dock. Insects in all stages were found on this plant as late as 28th October ; when the food-plant failed, the adults entered into hibernation. Attempts were made to rear a complete generation on Carolina poplar {Populus alba), pig-weed {Chenopodium album), broad-leaf plantain {Plantago major) and curly dock (Rumex crispus), but they were only successful on the last- named. This food-plant may serve as a connecting link between the late potatoes in the autumn and early potatoes in the spring. The insect has also been bred on apple, bean and potato. Nj^mphs have been collected from Carolina poplar, sumac {Rhus hirta), rhubarb, hollyhock and dandelion. The adults probably feed somewhat pro- miscuously, and may oviposit on plants that are unable to sustain the earlv stages. Ever (J. R.). The Influence of Leaf-hopper Control on Potato Yields. — //. Econ. Enl., Concord, X.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 69-71. Experiments made in 1919 indicate that Bordeaux mixture partially reduces hopper-burn and increases the yield by 29 bushels per acre ; Bordeaux-lime (4:8: 50) controlled hopper-burn more effectively, but the yield was 12 bushels less. Extensive experiments were carried out in 1920, in which hopper-burn was reduced to a minimum by the application of Bordeaux 4:8: 50 and nicotine 1 : 800. The average gain, as compared with standard Bordeaux, is about 6 bushels per acre, but in view of the additional cost of the nicotine, the advisability of its use in regions where there is comparatively little sunshine during the growing season is questionable. 247 Fexton (F. A). Progress Report on the Season's Work on the Production oJ Potato Tipburn. — //. Ecoii. Ent., Concord, N.H., xW, no. I, February 1921, pp. 71-83, 2 figs. The following are the author's conclusions as given in this paper : — Tipburn or hopper-burn of the potato is produced through the agenc\- of Empoasca malt. All nymphal stages of the leaf-hopper are capable of producing symptoms of the disease. The older the nymphs, the greater the amount of injury done, nymphs in the first and second instars being incapable of producing any effect on the leaf unless in numbers. The greater the number of nymphs on a leaf, the sooner the injury develops and the more rapidl}' the leaf or plant is killed. The- adult hopper is not nearly so effective as any of the nymphal stages, but will produce the disease when concentrated in large numbers on a given plant. The disease is produced to the same extent and just as soon under such diverse environmental conditions as t vpe of soil, amount of moisture in the soil, presence or absence of sunlight, or reduced leaf transpiration. Tipburn as a disease is localised, being confined te> that part of the plant exposed to the attack of the leaf-hoppers, whether this be a leaflet or entire branch. Other insects known to feed on potato, such as nymphs of the buffalo tree-hopper [Ceresa hubalus], tarnished plant-bugs [Lygns praiensis^ Aphids and flea-beetles, produce a type of injury characteristic of the individual species concerned, but in no way resembling tipbiu'n. Bordeaux mixture prevents tipburn by repelling the ovipositing female leaf-hoppers. Flint (W. P.). Chinch-bug Resistance shown by certain Varieties of Com. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, \.H.,x\y, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 83-85. Certain strains of maize show greater resistance to attack bv chinch- bugs [Blissus leucopteriis] than others, but it is apparently impossible to develop a strain that will be sufficiently resistant to the attack of the nearly full-grown insects of the first generation when they leave the wheat fields at har\'est time. If the resistant strains are grown on fertile soil and protected from attack by the first brood, moderate yields may be expected. So far " White Democrat " maize shows the greatest resistance, but further tests are to be conducted. Felt (E. P.). European Corn Borer in New York State. — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 85-89. Observations made in New York State during the past season indicate a continued, though not excessive, spread of the European corn borer [Pyrausta nuhilalis]. Special attention is being given to improviui;- the method of handling the maize crop in order to anticipate possible serious damage, and quarantine measures are being enforced in co-operation with the Federal Government. The amount of injury does not necessarily stand in direct relation to the amount of stubble infestation, the direction of the prevailing winds and the proximity of earlier infested fields being important factors in this connection. 248 ^IcCoLLocH (J. W.). The Corn Leaf Aphis {Aphis maidis. Fitch) in Kansas. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord. N.H., \iv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 89-94, 2 plates. Aphis maidis. Fitch, is a serious pest of mai/.c and various sorghum crops in Kansas. The Aphids may be found towards the end of June and beginning of July feeding on the tender parts of the leaves, leaving them for the tassel as it develops. Various forms of injury may occur ; the entire tassel may be so heavily infested that it fails to function and the shedding of pollen may be greatly reduced or completely stopped. Asa rule the leaves show little injury, but they may become yellow and die. Occasionally the Aphids feed on the silks and soft grains, thus hastening maturity and producing small and poorl\^ filled ears. The honeydew secreted by the Aphids also attracts other maize pests, and there is the possibility that A. maidis transmits the physodermal disease of maize. All kinds of sorghum are attacked, but the degree of injury apparently varies. A reddish discoloration, due to bacterial infection, is generally associated with A. maidis. The injury to maize increases with delaj-ed planting until about the middle of May. Certain varieties are more injured than others, the degree increasing with the lateness of the variety in the majority of cases. Further studies on these lines are indicated. The Aphids were successfulh' killed experi- mentally by spraying with nicotine sulphate, but this method is not applicable to fields of maize or sorghum. Fluke, Junr. (C. L.). The Pea Moth in Wisconsin. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H.. xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 94-98. The annual infestation of pea-pods by Cydia {Laspeyresia) novimundi [R.A.E., A, ix, 100] in Wisconsin amounts to from 2 to 50 per cent. The larvae bore into the pods and feed on the peas, without any external indication of injury. At present this pest is known to attack only field and garden varieties of peas, more especially those grown for seed. Hibernation occurs in the larval stage. The larvae emerge from the pods in the autumn and enter the soil. The first pupae occur about 15th June, the moths emerging from three to four weeks later. During 1920 they were seen in the field up to 28th July. An average of 18 eggs per individual was obtained in the experimental cages. In the field the majority of eggs are found on young pods or leaves. Incubation lasts from seven to nine days, with an average of eight days ; the first eggs hatched 23rd July, the last 1 1th August. Under insectary conditions the larvae emerged from 6th to 29th August. No practical method of controlling C. novimundi has yet been found, but there is a possibility of checking this pest by a proper rotation of crops. Experiments may also reveal a satisfactory ovicide. Baerg (W. J). A Girdler on Artichoke and other Little-known Insect Pests. — //. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, Februarv 1921, pp. 99-100. The Cerambycid, Mecas inornata. Say, oviposits on artichoke ( Heli- anthus tuberosus) early in July in Arkansas. Two girdles are made by the adult females, about 1-1 r^ inches apart and about 6 inches from the top of the main stem. The egg-puncture is immediately above the lower girdle. As a result of the injury the leader in the plant dies. The larvae feed between the girdles, and later proceed to the base 249 of the plant, feeding chiefly on the pith. They are full-grown some time in November, and the adults appear early in July. Pupation probably occurs in May or early in June. The common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is an alternative food-plant. In certain localities about 10 per cent, of the foliage of strawberry plants was destroyed by the Arctiid, Haploa colona var. reversa. Stretch. The larvae appeared early in April and were nearly full-grown by the 19th of the month. The Tenebrionid, Eleodes tricostata. Say, causes serious damage in new strawberry beds. The larvae attack the crown and the roots immediately below it. The adults appear late in July. Section on Apiculture. — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 101-137. The papers dealing with apicultural problems are : The Value of good Queens, by F. B. Paddock ; The Problem of Controlled Fertilisa- tion of Queen Bees, by L. V. France ; Further Notes on the Yalue of Winter Protection for Bees, by J. H. Merrill ; Some Bee-keeping Problems for Experiment Stations, by F. C. Pellett ; Stopping the Distribution of American Foulbrood at its Source, by S. B. Fracker ; Mixed Infection in the Brood Diseases of Bees, by A. P. Sturtevant ; and Legislation for Control of Foulbrood, by M. C. Tanquary, containing suggestions for the framing of a State foulbrood law. Parker (J. R.) & Seamans (H. L.). Experiments with Grasshopper Baits. — Jl. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, pp. 138-141. As a result of experiments with materials that would possibly prove more effective and cheaper than those now in use for grasshopper baits, lemons appear to be the least attractive of the substances tried. Salt was more attractive than lemons or oranges, and was just as effec- tive alone as with the addition of molasses.. The most attractive substance proved to be amji acetate. It has the additional advantages of being cheap, ready for use, easy of transport, and of keeping indefi- nitely. The experiments described were conducted against Camnida pellucida, Scudd. Since the writing of this paper, amyl acetate has been successfully tried on a large scale. Sanders (J. G.). Imported Pine Sawfly.— //. Econ. Ent., Concord. N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, p. 141. Diprion simile is recorded from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. ^loRRiLL (A. W.). The Thurberia or Wild Cotton Boll Weevil.—//. Econ. Ent., Concord, N.H., xiv, no. 1, February 1921, p. 141. Anihonomus grandis var. thurheriae. Pierce, is recorded from the cotton fields in Arizona. Though this weevil has previously been noted on experimental cotton and as a potential cotton pest [i?. yl.f., A, ii, 78, 272, etc.], it has not previously been recorded as attacking this crop when grown commercially. (2758) s 250 Froggatt (W. W.). Orchard and Garden Mites. No. 2.-Spinning Mites (Family Tetranychidae). — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii. no. 2, Febnuiry 1921, pp. 130-135, 3 figs. This article mentions several species of Tetranychids found in various parts of the world and gives a short account of Tetranychus ■telarius, L. (red spider), and Bryohia pratensis, Garm. (apple-stem mite). In consequence of the long dry spring, the roses in suburban igardens near Sydney were considerably injured by T. telarius in 1920. On the stems of fruit trees in winter, the eggs and young mites can be destroyed with lime-sulphur, and as this is a winter spray largely used by commercial orchardists, this pest does not cause them very much trouble. Dusting the infested foliage with flowers of sulphur is effective on rose bushes and other small garden plants. Davidson (W. M.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Observations on Psyllohora taedata, Le Conte, a Coccinellid attacking Mildews (Col.). — Ent. News. Philadelphia, Pa., xxxii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 83-89. Psyllohora taedata, a common Coccinellid in California, is found to be associated in all stages with fungous infestations of the mildew type, and it appears to be especially attracted to rose and apple powdery mildew [Sphaerotheca pannosa and Podosphaera oxycanthae). The adult beetles issue from hibernation in April, and breeding continues until November or even December. In midsummer the life-cycle lasts about a month, but varies very much according to the temperature, so that there are probably not more than five generations a year. In the field the eggs are always placed near a fungus infestation, and all through their larval existence the insects under observation fed on the fungi. On an average, the larval stage lasts about 19 days. P. taedata has been reported as feeding on Aphids, red spiders {Tetranychus) and scale-insects, but experimentally the larvae were found to starve rather than partake of such animal foods. Similar results were obtained with adult beetles, except that they can live for considerable periods without food. The author suggests that the peculiar form of the mandibles in this beetle may be an adaptation to assist the larvae to grasp the tissues of the fungus. CouRTiNE (E.). A Propos des Vers Blancs dits a Hanneton. [Concern- ing White Grubs said to be of Cockchafers.] — Rev. Agric. Afrique du Nord, Algiers, xix, no. 84, 11th March 1921, pp. 198-199. A serious outbreak of Coleopterous larvae, thought to be those of Rhizotrogus sp., over a large area sown with cereals is recorded. On a former occasion, in 1910, the grubs caused serious damage in the year preceding their metamorphosis into adults, without anything being done to check them, but in the following year, when the adults began to emerge from the ground, hand-collection was tried and some 40 to 60 lb. of the beetles were collected each evening, without apparently diminishing their numbers to any great extent. A spray of \ lb. sodium arsenite to 20 gals, of water was then applied to some 125 acres of cereals, hand-collection being stopped. After two or three days no more beetles appeared, and the land treated has now been free from white grubs for ten years. 251 Thomas (G.). La Fourmi d'Argentine. [The Argentine Ant.] — //. d'Agric. Pratique, Paris, xxxv, no. 11, 19th March 1921, pp. 211-213. As a consequence of the appearance of Iridomyrmex humilis (Argen- tine ant) in the south of France [R. A.E., A, viii, 326 ; ix, 56], a study has been made of the arsenicals that may be used against this pest within the scope of the decree of September 1916 [R.A.E., A, v, 47]. It is suggested that a mixture should be obtained containing 3 grammes of sodium arsenate, 30 grammes of talc and 0-5 gramme of colouring matter. A mixture consisting of 1,000 grammes of brown sugar, 500 grammes of water and 1 gramme of sodium benzoate should then be boiled slowly for half an hour, adding water to maintain the original volume of liquid. The above mixture is then thoroughly mixed in. A project brought forward by the prefect of the Maritime Alps is given verbatim, the use of poison baits having been recognised as legal for the purpose in question. In accordance with this project, ants are to be destroj/ed in nurseries and buildings by the owners or persons using them, and inspection of premises is to be allowed. The methods to be adopted are poison baits, where their use is authorised ; the use of repellents ; winter treatments, consisting of shelter traps containing decomposing matter and subsequent destruction of the ants with carbon bisulphide ; and disinfection of pots from infested nurseries containing plants for sale. DuFRENOY (J.). Les Entomophytes d'/lwoma/fla^w^a. [Entomophytic Fungi of Anomala aenea.] — Rev. Zool. Agric. & AppL, Bordeaux, XX, no. 1-2, January-February 1921, pp. 12-13, 1 fig. During an infestation of the small cockchafer, Anomala aenea, on nut-trees and birches, of which the lower leaves were badly riddled, it was found that in one locality the beetles were being rapidly destroyed by a fungus ; this practically cleared the trees by 14th July, while in a neighbouring locality, where it did not occur, the cockchafers persisted until the end of July. The history of the fungus accords with that of the species of Beauveria studied by Picard, but the character of the disease produced in the insects resembles that caused by Verti- cillium sp. The fungus has not yet been cultivated, and attempts to produce an infection in Chrysomela gloriosa gave doubtful results. Feytaud (J.). Traitement d'Hiver centre les Cochenilles de la Vigne.— Rev. Zool. Agric. & AppL, Bordeaux, xx, no. 1-2, January- February 1921, pp. 13-14. Among the principal Coccid pests of vines in France [R.A.E., A, iv, 492] is Eulecanium (Lecanium) persicae (oblong scale), which is very widespread in the south-west. The signs of its presence are the empty skins of the females frequently left fixed to the bark, the sooty mould that often covers the branches, and the young scales that may be found under the leaves in summer and on the branches in winter. Although there is only one generation a year, multiplication is very rapid. One of the most effective treatments is whitewashing the trunk and branches with a mixture of 5 lb. heavy tar-oil and 20 lb. stone lime to 10 gals, of water. The method is to pour a little water on the lime, and then pour on the oil, which is gradually absorbed if occasionally (2758) s 2 252 stirred with a stick. This mixture is then added to the rest of the water. The whitewashing is done in winter, after pruning, special attention being given to the current year's growth and to the lower side of the stems. Baer (W.). Die Tachinen als Schmarotzer der schadlichen Insekten. Ihre Lebensweise, wirtschaftliche Bedeutung und systematische Kennzeiclinung. [Tachinids as Parasites of Injurious Insects. Their Life-history, Economic Importance and Systematic Characters.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, nos. 1 & 2, Septem- ber 1920 and February 1921, pp. 97--163 and 349-423, 30 figs. The general section of this paper has already been noticed [R. A.E., A, ix, 61] ; the present part is an attempt to meet a growing demand for a key to the Central European Tachinidae and for a systematic work on these flies that would also be suitable for a non-specialist. After discussing the morphology of these flies, a systematic review of the subfamilies is given, followed by a key to the Central European genera. The various genera of Tachinidae are listed, specific keys being included where required. Brief notes are given regarding each species, its occurrence, and its hosts. A systematic list of the hosts, with their Tachinid parasites, follows. WiLLE (J.). Chlorpiki'in in der Schadlingsbekampfung, insbesondere im Kampf gegen den Komkafer [Calandra granaria, L.). [Chloropicrin against Pests, especially C. granaria.] — Zeitschr, angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 296-310. As a result of a series of experiments chloropicrin (CClgNOo) is recommended against Calandra granaria, L., which is killed in six hours if a strength of 30 c.c. of the liquid per cubic metre of space is used. When the weevils are in heaps or bags of grain, 40 c.c. must be allowed to act for 24 hours if the destruction of all stages is to be absolutely ensured. As slight traces of this substance irritate the eye, nose and respiratory organs, the operators should be protected by an ordinary gas mask with a special respirator of large capacit}'. The germinating quality of fumigated grain is reduced about 30 per cent., but this is not a drawback in practice, because infested grain is seldom used as seed. The baking quality of the grain and flour is not affected. Feeding experiments with mice and rabbits showed that treated corn can be used with impunity. Metals are acted upon by chloropicrin in the presence of aqueous vapour ; in the absence of humidity they remain unchanged. Fabrics and colours do not suffer in any way. The fumes disappear in about six hours, so that large buildings may be expected to be habitable in 24 hours at the outside. In the case of other insect pests, the cockroaches, Blattella {Phyllo- dromia) germanica. Blatta (Periplaneta) orientalis and B. (P.) americana. were kiUed in two hours, 10 c.c. per cubic metre being used. The various stages of the flour beetle, Tenehrio molitor, were more resistant, especially the pupae, six hours at 20 c.c. being necessary. The meal moth, Ephestia kuhniella, succumbed to an exposure of four hours, 30 c.c. being used. The hed-hn^, Cimex lectidarius, was more resistant by comparison ; adults and larvae were killed in six hours with 20 c.c, but 30 c.c. acting for two hours failed to destroy individuals inside rolled-up carpets. Compared with hydrocyanic acid gas, chloropicrin is slow in penetrating obstacles to diffusion and is more readily absorbed by fabrics. 253 Rebel (— ). Nonnenvermehrung im Hofoldinger Forst 1899-1902. [An Outbreak of the Nun Moth in the Hofoldmger Forest in 1899- 1902."' — Zeitschr. angew. Ent.. Berlin, \\i, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 311-333. The details of the outbreak of the nun moth [Liparis monacha] here described were officially reported at the time, but have not hitherto been made public. The best method of ascertaining the extent of infestation is by means of caterpillar counts. One method consists in banding a group of trees (covering 120-240 square yards) in all older stands, and collecting the caterpillars below the bands on each second day, their number, the weather, and parasitism by Tachinids being noted. In another method two similar! \^ banded plots, each of 120 square yards, are isolated by sticky barriers (smeared poles laid on the ground), and Ihe caterpillars on the ground and on the trunks beneath the bands are collected daily. The living soil covering is removed and the trunks numbered, the daily catches and the Tachinid parasitism being recorded. This method is the more accurate, and is preferable in every way. At the end of the season the trees were climbed and the caterpillars still remaining on the branches collected. In the Hofoldinger forest 1 per cent, of the area was examined. This is quite unnecessary, and in the case of fairly extensive areas of a uniform character the second method only requires to be applied to ^joW of the area involved. JVIoth collection, even in the most favourable circumstances, only accounts for 10-13 per cent, of the individuals capable of injury. Heavy rain, especially when nocturnal, combined with a low temperature, destroys large numbers of them. Great attention must be paid to natural enemies, and if they are likely to be present in insufficient numbers, banding must be applied in the very first year of the outbreak. A large number of apparently healthy caterpillars and pupae were placed in extemporised cages. The result was surprising, for 88 per cent, failed to develop. Qf these, 13 per cent, were shrivelled or otherwise destroyed ; 5 per cent, were infested by Ichneumon disparts and Tragus flavatorius ; 30 per cent, by the Tachinid, Parasetigena segregata ; and 40 per cent, were infested by what was probably Sarcophaga pahidans, Fall., which is a pupal parasite. Some larvae of Anthomyia processioneae (?) were seen, and Pimpla spp. destro\'ed some pupae. Sedlaczek ( — ). Fangbaummethoden fiir die verschiedenen Borken- • kaferarten. [Tree-traps suitable for the various Species of Bark- beetles.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, Februarv 1921, pp. 334-339. The subject of the attractiveness of withering timber to bark-beetles still requires a great deal of study. This paper only aims at recording characteristic observations as a guide to an}' measures contemplated against the more important species. Lack of sap is due to a variety of causes, and soon shows itself in a fallen tree. In such cases, and especially after a summer drought or in a windbreak, the following bark-beetles, all of which like dry surroundings, are to be found : Ips ( Tomicus) typograpkus and /. ( T.) >chalcographtts in spruce ; /. ( T.) curvidens and /. ( T.) vorontzowi in 254 fir, Pityophthorus spp. occurring in the branches ; /. ( T.) bidentatus' and Pityogenes spp. in the branches of pine, with /. {T.) sexdentatus in the trunk. A blocking of the sap-flow, which results in decomposition, occurs after defoliation, which may be due to insect infestation. Injury to the crown, as is seen in stumps standing in windbreaks, is also respon- sible for this condition, and it occurs in trunks that have been felled and deprived of their branches in early spring. Such damp timber attracts the following beetles :^ Hylesinus palliatus and Ips {Tomicus) autograph us in spruce ; Cryphalus piceae in fir ; Myelophilus spp., Hylastes spp., and Hylesinus palliatus in pine. /. {T.) lineatus appears in spruce and fir if the wood is damp enough to ensure the formation of the fungus la3'er in the mines. The preparation of trap-trees must be carried out on this basis. For standing trap-trees, two rings are cut round the trunk, with a space of a hand's-breadth between them. The bark between the rings may be left (double ringing), or it may be removed (girdling) ; the crown of the tree may be sawn off, or the branches may be lopped off. In spite of the high attractiveness of standing trap-trees, they are not often used, because their preparation is troublesome, the attack and development of the beetles are difficult to observe, and, especially, because a period of from one to two years elapses before attractiveness begins. For practical work felled trunks are used as traps. Their attractiveness may be increased materially by scarif3dng their upper surfaces longitudinally, the resulting resinous odour attracting species such as Hylastes, Pissodes and Hylohius. In such a scarified trunk the brood often fails to develop because the bark soon dries and large numbers of parasitic and predaceous enemies appear. The position of the tree and the character of its surroundings are important factors in the selection of a trap-tree. The season of the year must also be considered. Trees felled in winter usually become attractive in the following flight period, whereas trees felled in spring or early summer are rarely ready in the same year, and by the next season are already too much decomposed to prove attractive. The following data apply to a region with an average annual tempera- ture of 42°-46°F., where felling is done in winter, where girdling standing trees is not much practised, and where beetles occur in normal, abundance. Spruce. Hylastes cunicularius : Double rings a few months before felling, removal of strips of bark after felling, examination of the side touching the ground after a few months ; in sheltered positions the branches must be lopped off ; in exposed ones they must be left. H. palliatus : Felled trunks with branches in exposed situations and lopped in protected places ; standing trunks without crowns or entireh- lopped. Polygraphus poligraphus : Girdled trees to be felled in spring,. the branches being left and strips of bark removed ; standing trunks to be girdled or double-ringed ; these require a long time to become attractive, but then become very effective. Ips (T.) chalcographiis : Faggot-wood or billets are best ; felled trunks must be lopped except in shaded situations ; standing trees must be girdled or double-ringed. /. {T.) amitinus : Felled trunks with branches; standing trees to be double-ringed. /. [T.) typographus : Trees, preferably girdled in the previous autumn, must be felled in winter or early spring, ungirdled ones must be scarified ; in exposed situations they must be 255 lopped; standing trees must be girdled. /. {T.) lineatus : Felled trunks must be lopped, the bark being left entire ; the branches or the crowns of standing trees must be removed. Fir. Cryphalus piceae : Felled trunks must be lopped ; standing trees must be girdled. /. ( T.) curvidens : The branches of felled trunks . must be left only in very exposed situations — trap-trunks are seldom of use in sheltered positions ; standing trees in exposed situations must be double-ringed. Pine. Hylastes ater : Felled trunks in protected places, with strips of bark removed — especially on the lower side. H. palliaius : Felled, lopped, trunks in protected situations ; standing trees without crowns or lopped. Hylesinus piniperda : Felled trunks must be lopped ; standing trunks must be girdled or double-ringed, but are eftective only beneath the rings, which must therefore be placed as high as possible. H. minor : Felled, lopped trunks ; standing trees must be girdled or double-ringed and the crowns must be removed — the infestation of standing trunks is uncertain and tardy. Ips {T.) sexdentatus : Felled trunks, lopped in protected situations, and with branches in exposed ones. /. ( T.) proximus : Felled trunks, lopped in exposed situations, and with branches in protected ones ; double- ringing and scarification is advisable, because every help to rapid drying — except direct sunshine — is valuable ; felled trunks are more readily infested than standing ones ; the latter must be double-ringed or have their crowns removed. /. {T.) lineaUts : Same treatment of the traps as in the case of spruce. Nagel (W.). Bekampfung von Anohium striatum, Oliv., mittels Cyanwasserstoffgasen. [Combating A. striatum by means of Hydrocyanic Acid Gas.] — Zeiischr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 340-348. The Anobiid beetle, Anohium striatum, Oliv., is one of the most dangerous pests of timber. The adults mate when the weather turns warm, and the eggs are laid in wood in cracks or in old bore-holes. A few weeks later the larvae begin to do damage, and this continues through the summer. After hibernating, thej^ begin feeding again in spring and pupate in early summer. The beetles emerge a fort- night later. The remedial measures hitherto tried have failed owing to the inability of the substances used to penetrate wood. Nor is the use of hydrocyanic acid gas as practised in flour mills more successful, because only a minimum amount of gas is able to penetrate. Satisfactory results have been attained by placing infested articles in a vacuum chamber, exhausting the air until a reading of 47 cm. was reached, and then pumping in the gas until the vacuum decreased to 45-45-5 cm. It was found that a strength of 3-4- volumes of HCN. per 100 of space killed all stages with a minimum exposure of 24 hours. Treated articles must then be left for some hours in an open room or, better still, the traces of poisonous gas may be extracted in the vacuum chamber. The various experiments are described ; one of these proved that a vacuum, by itself, is not harmful to the larvae. 256 LiNDiNGER (L.) Tatigkeitsbericht der Schadlingsabteilung des Instituts fiir angewandte Botanik zu Hamburg fur die Zeit vom 14 Februar bis zum 30 Juni 1920. [Report of the Pest Division of the Jiamburg Institute for Applied Botany for the Period 14tli February-30th June 1920.] — Zeiischr. angeiv. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 424-440. One section of this report deals with the original habitat of, and measures against, the vine louse [Phylloxera vastairix]. The author is of opinion that there is no evidence to justify the popular idea that North America is the original home of this pest. The home of Vitis vinifera is known to some extent, but little information is available regarding the pests of wild vines. The author has investigated the Coccids found on Vitis vinifera cultivated in the Old World, as regards their country of origin and their infestation of other plants. Of these, the only one that seems to throw any light on the question is Targionia vitis, which occurs on Arbutus, Quercus arid Vitis. In connection with the oak-infesting species of Phylloxera the author is inclined to connect the home of both P. vastatrix and the vine with that of the European-Mediterranean species of Quercus. The occurrence of T. vitis on Arbutus indicates the south of this region. The vine grows wild on the shores of the Black Sea, and the author believes that region to be the original habitat of P. vastatrix. He thinks that P. vastatrix and the species infesting oak belong to the same genus. The fact that P. vastatrix has been found on the vine only does not prevent it from being a migratory species, in the development of which a species of Quercus plays a role. Consideration of the Coccid fauna tends to support this view, and it is highly desirable that the pests of wild vines and of plants allied to them should be ascertained in various places. One such locality is the Bulgarian forest called Deliorman, on the Rustchuk-Schumen line. Attention is also drawn to the fact that the distribution of Phylloxera in the Caucasus points to its probable place of origin being in that region, where the increasing clearing of forests and la3dng-out of vineyards brings the vine nearer to the forests and increases the possibility of infestation. The section dealing with remedial measures refers solely to the use of American stocks. These are preferred on account of their vigorous growth and greater immunity. In recent years, however, cases of severe infestation have occurred on them. The author believes the less vigorous growth of cultivated vines to be due to artificial propa- gation during thousands of years. Sufficient attention has not been given to the fact that on certain soils — such as some Hungarian sandy soils — Vitis vinifera remains uninfested. This is not to be ascribed to any chemical property of the soil, but simply to the fact that the roots are able to go down to a considerable depth. Like all Rhynchota, P. vastatrix requires a certain amount of air, and therefore lives near the surface. If the roots are able to reach a safe depth before sus- taining severe injury, they are able to escape the parasite higher up by developing a stout bark. If a subsoil layer of slate, etc., is present, the roots are forced to spread out near the surface, and the vine is helpless against infestation. The author agrees with the observations of Popoff and Joakimoff [R.A.E., A, v, 533], though he advises that vines should be trained in an horizontal direction at not too great a height. 257 EscHERicH (K.). Angewandte Entomologie und Phytopathologie. [Applied Entomology and Phytopathology.]— Zej7sc//r. angew. Ent., Berlin, v'n, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 441-447. The author expresses his agreement with the views stated in a paper by Dr. L. 0. Howard [R.A.E., A, iii, 353], and explains his reasons for claiming an independent and authoritative position for applied entomology. Some of these have already been noticed [R.A.E., A, ix, 158]. Reh (L.). Die Ausbildung der praktischen Zoologen. [The Training of Apphed Zoologists.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 447-450. Except as regards forestry, the official scientific plant protection service in Germany has been directed by botanists and, sometimes, by chemists ; zoologists have only held subordinate positions. The view here expressed is that botanists, even applied botanists, have no claim whatever to be consulted as regards the training of the applied zoologist. The latter needs a thorough knowledge of zoology, especially entomology in all its aspects, and such a knowledge absolutely outweighs a preliminary knowledge of botany and agriculture, though , the latter subjects are naturally desirable. The ideal training would comprise a thorough knowledge of zoology, then chemistry and botany. During or after these studies, lectures on applied zoology and agri- culture in general should be taken at an agricultural college. This should be followed by a summer's practical work on a large agricultural or horticultural estate. EscHERicH (K.). Der Pflanzenschutz an den Munchener Hochschulen. [Plant Protection at the Munich High Schools.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 450-452. The methods of teaching applied zoology followed at the University and Technical College at Munich are briefly described. The lectures on forest entomology lay stress on the relation between forestry, soil, climate, etc., and the occurrence of pests, attention being given to natural enemies. The lectures are supplemented by practical work, including identification of insects and excursions into forests. Since 1917, lectures on the animal pests of agriculture have been given, and recently the training on agricultural plant protection has been made similar to that already existing for forest protection. Heyjmons (R.). Heusehreeken der Gattung Leptophyes und ihre * Schadigungen an Pfirsichblattern. [Grasshoppers of the Genus Leptophyes and their Injury to Peach Leaves.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 453-456. In recent years several cases of injur}- to peach foliage by Leptophyes pnnctatissima, Bosc, have occurred in North Germany. This Orthop- teron has been frequently recorded in South Germany, whence it has apparently been introduced into the north. As only an imperfect description is available, the species is redescribed. L. punctatissima was found in Jul}', August and September, .the younger larval stages having escaped notice at the beginning of 258 summer. Feeding usually took place at twilight or night. The- attack begins at the edges of the leaf and extends up to or close to the midrib. Three or four leaves are thus injured in a few minutes.. Owing to the comparatively small number of individuals present, the damage was negligible. In England peaches, apricots and plums have been occasionally injured to some extent. Should the infestation become serious, a spray of Urania green should be applied after the fruits have been gathered. HoRST (A.). Agriotes obscurus als landwirtschaftlich wichtiger Schadling. (Vorlaufige Mitteilung.) [A. obscurus as an agri- cultm-ally imporiant Pest. Preliminary Communication.]— Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 456- 457. Large areas of the Prussian Crown Domain of Kopernitz have been severely infested by wire worms. As a result of breeding experiments, the pests were identified as Agriotes obscurus and Corymbites aeneus, and not A. lincatus as might have been expected. A full report on. the outbreak will be published later. v. Lengerken (H.) . Die Tatigkeit der Larve von Balaninus glandium, Mrsh., und ihre Wirkung. [The Feeding Activity of the Larva of B. glandium and its Efect.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 461-462. Although Balaninus glandium, Mrsh., is scarcely of economic importance, it may be of interest to record the fact that the larvae of this weevil do not appear capable of interfering with the vitality of. acorns infested by them. V. Lengerken (H.). Carabus auratus, L., und seine Larve. [C. auratus and its Larva.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 462-463. Carabus auratus, L., may be regarded as a beneficial beetle. In summer it feeds on large quantities of the larvae and imagines of insect pests such as Phyllopertha horticola, L., Blitophaga opaca, L., B. undata, Miill., the caterpillars of Agrotis spp., Melolontha melolontha, L., Rhizotrogus aestivus, etc. RuscHK.A (F.). Zur Morphologie und Systematik des Komkafer Chalcidiers, Lariophagus disiinguendus, Forst. [Notes on the Morphology and Systematic Position of the Grain-beetle Chalcid, L. distingue ndus.~\ — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 463-465. Hase's investigations on the biology of Lariophagus distinguendus,. Forst. [R. A.E., \, ix, 133] render it necessary to record the synonymy of this Chalcid and to give a description of it. A list of 15 synonj^ms,. with notes on them, is given. L. distinguendus is known to parasitise Calandra {Sitophilus) granaria, L., C. oryzae, L., and Sitodrepa {Anobium) panicea, L. Its area of distribution, like that of its hosts, must embrace the whole world. 259 BoRNER (C.) & Thiem ( — ). Neuere Versuche zur Reblausbekampfung,. [Recent Experiments in combating Phylloxera.'] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 465-466. The spread of the vine louse [Phylloxera vastatrix] in valuable vineyards on the Rhine has led the Prussian and Hessian govern- ments to make further experiments in perfecting remedial measures. The Imperial Biological Institute is examining these and will report later. Aussprache iiber die Bekampfung tierischer Rebschadlinge. [A Dis- cussion on Measures against Animal Pests of the Vine.] — Zeitschr. angew. Ent., Berlin, vii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 466-471. In a discussion on the action of a number of insecticides on vine pests it was pointed out that Urania green can be used without any risk of scorching if it is combined with a lime-copper spray. The mixture is best prepared as follows :- — ^To obtain 50 gals, of solution, 12 oz. Urania green and about 20 lb. slaked lime are put in a container with enough water to produce a uniform fluid paste. About 25 gals, water are then gradually added and well stirred in. A solution of 10 lb. copper sulphate in 25 gals, water is then added very slowly, stirring being continued. The completed spray must turn phenol- phthalin red, otherwise more lime must be added. The Urania green does not separate out in this mixture, which is excellent in every way. Lessard (E.). Insectes nuisibles des Forets : La Vanesse de rOrme {Vanessa antiopa, Lin.). — Nat. Canad., Quebec, xlvii, no. 8, February 1921, pp. 169-174. Vanessa antiopa is found from May to September, mainly on elms, though it also attacks willow and poplar. The eggs have been observed on the canoe birch {Betula papyrifera) and on white birch {B. populi- folia). but they are usually found on the branches and underside of the leaves of elm. As the larvae tend to be gregarious, infested branches can be cut out and burnt. They are also easily shaken from the tree, or the torch method can be employed. Arsenical sprays and the use of sticky bands are recommended. MiTCHENER (A. v.). The Western Wheat-stem Saw-fly. — Manitoba Agric. Coll.. Winnipeg, Circ. 57, August 1920, 3 pp., 2 figs. [Received 29th March 1921.] A brief account of Cephus occidentalis (western wheat-stem saw-fly)^ and its control is given [R.A.E., A, iii, 630 ; v, 265]. The damage- in Manitoba is chiefly confined to wheat. By actual count in one field in August 1920 as many as 55 per cent, of the wheat-stems were affected. j\IiTCHENER (A. v.). Poisoning Grasshoppers. — Manitoba Agric. Coll.. Winnipeg. Circ. 59, February 1921, 4 pp., 3 figs. The illustrated description of the Manitoba poison mixer shows it to be a horizontal drum in which the mixing is done by rotating stirring rods, a catch preventing the drum from revolving. By releasing the catch, the drum can be turned so as to discharge its- contents. 260 Formulae for poison baits are given ; one tliat gave ver}' gratifying results in 1920 consists of bran 50 lb., sawdust in bulk equal to the bran, white arsenic or Paris green 5 lb., salt 5 lb., and water 12 gals, (approximately) . Mixing and spreading methods are described. Newman (L. J.). Descriptive Account of the Fruit-fly. — Western Australia Dept. Agric, Perth, Bull. 48, 1916, 36 pp., numerous figs. [Received 29th March 1921.] The life-history of, injury done by, and remedies against, Ceratitis capitata are clearly described. As regards poison-baits, it was found after many experiments that the odour of orange juice or essence is the agent most attractive to the female fly. The formula is as follows :— The juice of 1 doz. average-sized ripe oranges, 4 lb. molasses, 4-5 oz. lead arsenate paste (or 2-2| oz. powdered lead arsenate) and sufficient water to make up 4 gals. Other citrus fruits may be used when oranges are not obtainable. Newman (L. J.). Potato Insect Pests. — Western Australia Dept. Agric, Perth. Bull. 72, 1920, pp. 7-27, 15 figs. TReceived 29th March 1921.] The pests dealt with are PhtJiorimaea operciilella (potato moth), the green potato aphis, Nysius vinitor (Rutherglen bug), cutworms and looper caterpillars, and Heterodera radicicola (potato eelworm), the injury done by them being described. In Western Australia P. operculella attacks potato, egg-plant, tomato. Cape gooseberry, tobacco, Solanum sodomaeum (apple of Sodom), and occasionally S. nigrum (nightshade). The last two are becoming increasingly important food-plants of this moth, and should be eradicated. P. operculella enjoys comparative freedom from natural enemies, and so far no internal parasite of it has been found. The life-cycle extends under laboratory conditions from 41-62 days in ■summer to 92-125 in winter. These results render possible the occur- rence of three or four generations in summer, and two in winter, though imder field conditions the number may be less. The equable and mild climate of Western Australia accounts for this metamorphosis being- more rapid than that usually attributed to P. operculella. Fumigation as a means of destroying all stages in stored tubers, has proved entirely satisfactory. Either hydrocyanic acid gas or carbon bisulphide is effective, but the latter is recommended on account of its practical advantages. Complete farm sanitation and co-operative action are essential if this pest is to be checked. Green potato aphis yields readil}^ to kerosene emulsion, tobacco wash, resin and soda, Blackleaf 40, and other contact insecticides. Nysius vinitor may be combated with any of the above contact sprays, "but the best results are obtained with preventive means, including farm sanitation, trap-fieaps, etc. Heterodera radicicola is extremely difficult to eradicate when established. Remedial measures include crop rotation, dressing with quicklime, the use of Kainit and potassium sulphate manures, beetroot trap-crops, etc. 261 Work connected with Insect and Fungous Pests and their Control. — Rept. Agric. Dept., Dominica, 1919-20, Barbados, 1920, p. 19. An outbreak of Orthezia insignis on lime trees in certain districts of Dominica was the only occurrence of importance during the year. This Coccid is generally distributed in the island, but has not often been reported in serious abundance. In the outbreak in question the limes were growing in exhausted hillside soil, and consequently, though spraying might do some good, it would only divert attention from what is really needed — the improvement of the soil conditions, and perhaps also protection from wind. In a case where the hurricanes of 1915 and 1916 had destroyed a wind-break, lime trees had suffered severely from the wind, and the trees had been attacked by Chionaspis citri and Lepidosaphes beckii. The latter scale had, however, been completely overcome by the red- headed fungus [Sphacyostilbe coccophila) . Food-plants of the Pink BoUworm. — Agric. News, Barbados, xx, no, 491, 19th February 1921, p. 58. The pink bollworm [Platyedra gossypiella], which was found in Montserrat a few months ago, has been recorded as feeding on okra [Hibiscus esculentus]. As it also feeds on Indian hemp [H. canna- binus). and as all Malvaceous plants that produce seeds large enough seem attractive to it, they should be included in the schedule of cotton destruction planned by the Government for Montserrat [R.A.E., A, ix, 99]. Williams (C. B.). Report on the Froghopper Blight of Sugar-cane in Trinidad. — Mem. Dept. Agric. Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad,. no. 1, January 1921, 170 pp., 11 plates, 32 figs. Sugar-cane in Trinidad is cultivated over some 78 square miles, and for many years has been considerably damaged by outbreaks of frog- hopper blight, which consists of browning and drjing-up of the leaves and a consequent check to the growth of the plant. Tomaspis saccharina (sugar-cane froghopper) is almost invariably abundant in blighted fields, as well as various root fungi, and both have been held responsible in varying degrees for the damage. The injury usually appears about six weeks to two months after the wet season begins" ; the canes stop growing, and the leaves wilt and are streaked with brown marks. They show some recovery after a few weeks, but are frequently subject to a second, and perhaps a third, attack at intervals of about two months. The nature of the blight and its- connection with T. saccharina are discussed. Each puncture of the froghopper on a leaf causes an injury that spreads ; the roots are damaged by the sucking of the nymphs, by the root fungi usually associated with the blight, and by the unfavourable soil conditions nearly always found in fields liable to attack, and injur}- to other parts of the cane occurs as a natural consequence. The greatest intensity of the blight is about two to three weeks after the maximum abundance of froghoppers, but the total damage varies greatly from year to year and from place to place. The various froghoppers occurring in other countries are enumerated.- T. saccharina is only known from Trinidad, Grenada and possibly St. Vincent ; it is almost certainlv native to Trinidad. Feeding on the 262 leaves occurs from dusk to early morning, when the adults retire to the shelter of the axils of the leaves. From 40 to 100 eggs are laid by each female, either in decaying leaf- sheaths near the ground or in the soil. The egg-stage lasts from two weeks to over six months, according to moisture conditions ; many eggs from the second and third generation do not appear to hatch until after the following dry season. There are four nymphal stages, lasting five to seven weeks, during which the insects are protected by a white froth, while they suck the sap from the roots at and below the ground surface. The complete life-cycle under normal wet-season conditions takes rather less than two months. Other food-plants are various Gramineae and some Cyperaceae ; hill-rice, maize and pastures have also been attacked. The first generation of adults appears in June or July, the second usually in September, and the third about two months later. Very rarely a fourth generation appears about December, the later generations overlapping somewhat. Other species of froghopper that occur in Trinidad are : — T. rubra, on Eupatorium ; T. pubescens, on grass in moist places, serving as an alternate host of parasites of T. saccharina ; T. giippyi, feeding on grass ; and an unidentified species found on a creeper in the mountains. Clastoptera spp. feed on Casuarina and Hibiscus, and Cephisus sp. is thought to feed on immortelle [Erythrina]. The natural enemies of the froghopper include the egg-parasite, Oligosita giraulti, which requires about 30 days for its life-cycle and breeds chiefly during the dry season, when the froghopper is inactive. It is probably native to Trinidad, and will not increase much beyond its present numbers. Other egg-parasites of less value are Para- phelinus tomaspidis and Anagrtts sp. ; Haplothrips spp. and ants are predators. The nymphs are eaten by a few birds, but their most important enemy is a Syrphid fly {Salpingogaster nigra), which ovi- posits in the froth, the resulting maggot, which hatches two days later, destro3'ing the nymphs by piercing their skin and sucking out the body juices. The life-cycle of this fly occupies about three weeks ; in the moister localities it occurs throughout the year, but in cane fields it is seldom seen before the second or third generation of frog hoppers. A Nematode, about which very little is known, is occasionally found in the body of the nymph or adult. There are many parasites and enemies of the adult froghopper, including many birds, lizards, the grasshoppers, Xiphidium and Pflugis, ants, Reduviids and Attid spiders. The green muscardine fungus {M etarrhizium anisopliae) is probably the most important natural check, generally appearing with the later generations, if conditions are favourable for it. Attempts to disseminate this fungus have as yet given inconclusive results, but the subject is worth further investigation. Another fungus, a species of Enipusa, kills many adults, but never appears before October, and is much rarer than M. anisopliae. An account is given of the cane-root fungi of the Marasmius and Odontia- Himantia types, and the effects of weather conditions {R. A.E.,A,Vn\., 131], type of soil, drainage and manuring, the age •of the cane, rotation, tillage and varieties of cane used [R.A.E., A, vii, 531] are discussed. The relative importance of adult and n^onph froghoppers and of root disease is reviewed. The froghopper is con- sidered the most important cause of blight because of its constant presence in affected areas, the streaking of the leaves, the occurrence 263 •of blight when no other complicating disease is present, the correspon- dence between the first appearance of blight and the first generation of froghoppers, and the periodicity of the blight. The spread of injury from the original point of infection indicates the possibihty of some toxin or enzyme being introduced into the plant. Root disease plays an important part as a secondary factor. The most important factor in determining the prevalence of blight is the humidity just above and just below the surface of the ground. A table indicates the known effect of moisture on the cane, the root fungi, the froghopper and its enemies. The essential preventive against blight is to keep the soil and crop in such condition that no encouragement to the breeding of froghoppers is produced. To this end, drainage should be improved, and should be kept in working order even on land temporarilv abandoned. Pen manure and lime are required on almost all land^ in Trinidad. The tilth and depth of the surface soil requires careful attention. Only plant and first ratoon canes should be grown on lands that prove constantly liable to blight, until the soil can be worked into better condition. Graminaceous crops are not recommended for rotation, but Leguminous crops have given success, particularly Bengal beans! cowpeas, and sword beans ; yams and sweet potatoes also may be used'. Direct remedial measures are the destruction of eggs by the removal of dead leaves about ten days after the maximum numbers of any generation, the rubbish being carried to the pens and later used as pen manure. Weeding should be done at the same time. Burning destroys the eggs, but is a wasteful method. Spraying is not prac- ticable. Hand collection of nymphs and adults is possible but tedious. Spraying with kerosene emulsion has been suggested, but has not been tried in the field. Light traps catch many adults, but only about 1 per cent, of these are females. The adults can be caught in large numbers by the use of nets in late evening and early morning. Trials are being made with nets drawn by mules. Natural enemies should be encouraged wherever feasible and watch should be kept for possible new ones. SiMMONDs (H. W.) & Knowles (C. H.). a Disease of Clidemia hirta in the Lower Rewa District.— Af/;?/v. Circ. Information Fiji Dept Agric, Suva, i, no. 1, Januarv 1920, pp. 9-12. TReceived ^9th March 1921.] ^ rt- . A disease said to be killing a weed, Clidemia hirta, appears to be first brought about by Nematodes, Heterodera sp., and then continued by fungi. There is no doubt that in the areas affected the weed is dymg out, and valuable crops such as paspalum and reeds are now replacmg it. In the poorer class of land under consideration the cost of clearmg would be prohibitive. The general use of this organism • as a means for checking Clidemia'm Fiji is deprecated, as Nematodes are known pests of cultivated plants there. SiMMONDs (H. W.). Report on Mission to Tahiti to investigate the Parasites of the Coconut Scale with a View to their Introduction into Fiji. — Mthly. Circ. Information Fiji Dept A^ric Suva i no. 7, July 1920, pp. 133-138. [Received 29th March 1921.] The author left Fiji for Tahiti early in 1920 in search of parasites of Aspidiotns destructor. At Tahiti the scale is almost entirely confined to the coast and is most common m places exposed to the prevailing winds, which appear to protect It somewhat against its very frail winged enemies. ]\lanv 264 of the scales were parasitised by a Hymenopteron, which was easily bred out in numbers, but proved exceedingly frail, seldom living more than two or three days in captivity. It takes about six weeks to complete its life-cycle. At the base of the stalks of the coconut leaves large numbers of another scale, Chionaspis sp., were observed, and 75 per cent, of these were parasitised, apparently by the same enemy that attacks A. destnictor. As Chionaspis occurred and was under control in Tahiti prior to the introduction of A . destructor about 25 years ago, it would seem that the Chalcid was there before the arrival of the coconut scale and has adapted itself to the latter ; the more so as the author believes that he bred the same Chalcid from Diaspis sp., a scale that was not uncommon. Some imported palms were badly attacked by A. destructor, which, in turn, was infested with another larger Hymcnopterous enemy, which ma}' be a recent importation. The author sent to Fiji consignments of A. destructor parasitised by both Chalcids, and after his return found reason to believe that the larger species was established, although it is possible that this estab- lishment is not final, in view of the very small number of parasites that arrived owing to various adverse circumstances. A further importation may therefore prove desirable. In addition to the three Coccids mentioned, the coconut in Tahiti is attacked by the caterpillar of a small Tineid moth [Decadarchis sp.n.]. It does much damage on some estates, and, next to A. destructor, is perhaps the worst enemy of coconut on the island. Of the two injurious weevils recorded by Doane, Rhabdocnemis {Sphenophorus) obscura and Diocalandra (Calandra) taitensis, the author only found the former, which also infests sugar-cane ; he is inclined to believe that it only attacks palms in which a certain amount of fermentation of the sap is taking place, such as would be caused by a slight mechanical injury. During this mission a visit was made to the Cook Islands, where the banana beetle [Cosmopolites sordidus] was doing considerable damage, Mytilaspis citri and a species of Lecanium occur in the islands, and the author bred Chalcid parasites from both. A species of Aphis, checked by Coccinellids and by Syrphid flies, occurs, while a mealy-bug does some damage. The worst pest is the fruit fi\', Dacus melanotus, Coq, (rarotongensis) , living on guava and other wild fruits and also attacking oranges. At Tahiti there is a variety of coconut which is said to possess decided astringent properties, and this might prove immune against the Fijian leaf-eating moth, Lcvuana iridescens. Extracts from Reports of Inspectors. — Mthly. Circ. Information Fiji Dept. Agric, Suva, i, nos. 1-12, January-December 1920. [Received 29th March 1921. J These extracts are published in each monthly issue and contain much local information. There is a popular belief that high winds reduce infestation by coconut scale, Aspidiotiis destructor. It may be mentioned that in July 1920 palms in the Yasawa groups were only recovering from the effects of the storm of 1919, and this probably accounted for the fact that the scale was scarce, practically none being found on" the leaves, the infestation being chieliy on the nuts and stems. The leaf-miner, Promccotheca reichei, does much damage in some localities. NOTICES. Secretaries of Societies and Editors of Journals willing to exchange their publications with those of the Bureau, are requested to communicate with the Assistant Director. The Annual Subscription, in advance, to the Review, Series A (Agricultural), is 12s. post free ; Series B (Medical and Veterinary), 6s. post free. Orders and subscriptions should be sent direct to the Assistant Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W.7, or through any bookseller. Africa, South Africa, South fnsca) Africa, South Africa, South Africa, West : CONTENTS. Notes on \\'alnut Pests The Bionomics of the Maize Stalk Borer {Biisseola Measures against Miscellaneous Pests The l^se of Insceticides and Fungicides. . A Pest of Oil Palms Alaska : Notes on Miridae . . Algeria : Measures against the Olive Fly. . Algeria: An Outbreak of Rhizotrogus sp... Argentina : Insect Pests in 1919-20. . A Hispid infesting Robinia pseitdacacia Insect Pests of Imported Nuts . . The Possibilities of Damage to Wheat b\- 217 Argentina Australia : Australia : khapra Australia : Australia : Australia : Australia : Australia : Trosoderma A New Mite infesting Oats in N.S.W , Sugar-cane Pests in Queensland Grasshopper Control in North Queensland . . Legislation against Bacillus amylovorits . . Measures against Tetr any chits telurius in N.SA^^ Australia, Western : A Bait for Ceratitis capitata Australia, Western : Notes on Potato Pests Brazil : A Remedy for Ants . . British Isles : Frit Fly in Winter Wheat. . British Isles : Measures against the Daffodil Fly. . British Isles: Measures against Mealy Bugs on Vines.. .. 220 British Isles : Measures against Tra)>na aitricidae infesting Auriculas British Isles ; Lasioptera ritbi attacking Raspberries . British Isles : The Wooly Aphid of the Apple and Elm. British Isles : The Economic Status of the Starling . Canada : The Relation of Birds to Crops. . Canada : Dusting and Spraying Experiments in 1920 Canada : Arctic Sawfles, etc. Canada : Potato Pests in British Columbia. . Canada : Vanessa antiopa a Pest of Elms in Quebec Canada : Notes on Cephus occidentalis in Manitoba Canada : Methods of Poisoning Grasshoppers Ceylon : Notes on the Life-history of Coinncritis pieria Ceylon: Shot-hole Borer Investigations.. China : Diseases of Economic Plants in China Colombia: Notes on Clover Pests.. Colombia : Precautions against Locusts Czechoslovakia : A Migration of the Nun ]\Ioth. Reports on Insect Pests in 1919 Hymenopterous Parasites of Stanropus alternus Orthopterous Eggs in the Leaves of Tea Lepidopterous Pests of Tobacco in Sumatra A Nematode destroying Clidemia hirta Notes on Coconut Pests Dutch E. Indies Dutch E. Indies Dutch E. Indies Dutch E. Indies Fiji Fiji France : The Bionomics of Haltica ainpe/ophaga on Vines France : The Occurrence of Ceratitis capitata near Paris. . France: Measures against Locusts.. France : Measures against Vine Moths France : Measures against the Argentine Ant France : A Fungus infesting Anoniala aenea France : Winter Measures against Enlecanium persicae. . Germany : OligotropJius fagicola infesting Beeches Germany : The Occurrence of Heliothis armigera near Hamburg. 217 217 229 244 210 240 233 250 209 224 218 218 219 219 219 243 250 260 260 209 205 220 ,221 221 221 230 232 222 228 228 244 259 259 259 212 216 206 207 207 226 208 225 225 225 263 264 208 226 233 234 251 251 251 209 225 CONTENTS— COM/. Germany : Chloropicrin against Calandra granaria and other Pests Germany : Methods of estimating an Outbreak of tlie Nun Moth Germany : The Bionomics and Control of Bark-beetles. . CiERMANY : MeasuTcs against Anobium siriatuin in Timber Germany : The Importance of Applied Entomology Germany : The Training of Applied Zoologists CiERMANY : Leptophyes punctatissima attacking Beach Foliage Germany : Notes on Wireworms in Prussia Germany: Balaiunus glaudium infesting Acorns.. Germany : Carabus aurutus a Beneficial Species. . CiERMANY : The Spread of Phylloxera on the Rhine. . CiERMANY : Measures against Vine Pests Hawaii : Notes on Potato Pests . . Hawaii: A Mite infesting Peppers.. Holland : Insects in Relation to Leaf Diseases of Potatoes India : The Influence of Soil Factors on Disease Resistance India: Insect Pests in 1919-20 India : The Life-history of Orthezia iiisigiiis India : The Food of Insectiverous Birds India : Spiders as Checks on Lepidopterous Larvae India : The Importance of Insects to Fisheries India: An Erotylid infesting Italian Millet India : A Coleopterous Pest of Movinga India: Bionomics of Bruchids in Stored J 'ulses India : On the Insect Parasites of some Indian Crop Pests India : Trichonymphid Parasites of Termites India : The Bollworm Parasite described as Rhogas lefrovi India : Melolonthids of Economic Importance India: Methods of Preventing the Imjwrt of Plant Pests. . India: Some Aspects of Economic Entomology.. India : The Effect of Attack of Hoplocerambyx on Trees . . India : Birds of Economic Importance India : Native Methods against Insect Pests Italy : Insect Pests in 1920 Italy : A List of Acari . . . . . . . . Italy : New Species and Genera of Aphids Malaya : Alleged Damage by Insects to Stored Rubber Seeds. . Malaya : Notes on Brachartona catoxantha infesting Coconuts Mexico: Notes on the Cotton-worm {Alabama argillacea) Mexico : siiotroga cerealeUa infesting Maize Morocco : Rational Methods against Locusts Philippines : Leptocovisa acuta attacking Rice . . Philippines : Notes on New Coccids . . Philippines : New Species of Thrips Philippines : New Gall Midges . . Porto Rico: Sugar-cane Pests in 1919 Rhodesia : The Common Fruit Beetle {Pac/incda impressa) Silesia : The Bionomics of Tarsonemus spirifex. . Silesia: Measures against Contarinia torqitens infesting Cauliflowers.. Spain : Miscellaneous Pests in 1919-20 . . Switzerland : The Use of Arsenicals agamst Fruit Tree Pests. . Switzerland : A new Chalcid Parasite of Depvessavia . . Coconut Scales and their Parasites Matsuccus spp. infesting Pines Precautions against Pests of Grain Crops The Bionomics and Control of Aegeria pyri The Bionomics of Lauguria mozardi infesting Lucerne.. U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of the Beet Leaf Beetle [Movoxia ptincticollis) . . U.S.A. : The Western Cabbage Flea-beetle, Phyllotreta pnsilla. and its Control . . . . . . . Tahiti U.S A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. in U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A U.S.A. The Crow in Relation to Agriculture Measures against Insect Pests in S. Carolina An Ecological Study of Hammock and Pine\- Woods Insects Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An Enemy of Prickly Pear. . Pests of Peas and Other Crops in Wisconsin.. Coleopterous Pest of Stored Grain Insect Pests in Oregon in 1918-20.. PAGE 252 253 253 255 257 257 257 258 258 258 259 259 204 204 234 205 210 211 212 213 213 213 213 214 214 215 215 215 215 216 216 232 232 223 226 227 220 220 233 233 234 206 206 207 207 222 243 223 224 209 208 227 263 201 201 201 202 203 203 204 204 206 219 221 222 222 CONTENTS— coM^ U.S.A. : Report upon a Collection of new Coccidae from Lower California 229 U.S.A. : The Importance of Entomology in New York Stati . . 230 U.S.A. : A new Leaf-miner of Kalmia in New Jersey . . . . 232 U.S.A. ; Measures against Insect Pests in Florida in 191S-2U . . 235 U.S.A.: Notes on some Florida Weevils.. .. .. .. .. 23H U.S.A.: New Thysanoptera from Florida.. .. .. .. .. 23(^ U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control of Neurotoma inconspicua. . . . 23H U.S.A. : Insect Pests in S. Dakota in 1919-20 23(S U.S.A. : Insect Pests of Field Crops in Missouri . . . . . . . . 238 U.S.A. : MisceUaneous Pests in Missouri in 1919-20 239 US.A. : A List of Fruit Pests in Missouri 239 U.S.A. : The Dipping and Fumigation of Nursery Stock in Missouri . . 240 U.S.A. : Bagworms destructive in Missouri . . . . . . . . 240 U.S.A. : A Quarantine against Pyrausta nubilalis in Missouri . . . . 240 U.S.A. : Legislation against Pyrausta mibilalis and other Pests in Missouri . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • • • 240 U.S.A.: The Bulb Mite [Rhizoglyphus hyacinthi) in Connecticut .. 241 U.S.A.: A Spray Calendar for use in Connecticut . . .. .. .. 241 U.S.A.: Notes on Forest Pests in Maine 241,242 U.S.A.: The Organisation of Economic Entomology 245 U.S.A.: Precautions against Outbreaks of Hessian Fly.. .• .- 245 U.S.A. : The Bionomics and Control oi'Empoasca mali on Potatoes 245, 246, 247 U.S.A. : Varieties of Maize exhibiting Resistance to Blissus leucopterus 247 U.S.A. : The European Corn Borer in New York 247 U.S.A. : The Com Leaf Aphis ( Aphis maidis, Fitch) in Kansas . . . . 24S U.S.A. : The Pea Moth in Wisconsin 248 U.S.A. : A Girdler on Artichoke and other little-known Insect Pests . . 248 U.S.A. : Notice of Papers on Apiculture . . . . . . . . ■ . . 249 U.S.A. : Experiments with Grasshopper Baits . . . . . . . . 24H U.S.A. : Diprion simile in Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . 249 U.S.A. : Anthonomus grandis thurberiae in Cotton Fields in Arizona . . 249 U.S.A. : Psyllobora taedata, a Coccinellid attacking Mildews in California 250 West Indies : Measures against Laphygma frugiperda in Jamaica. . . 220 West Indies : Pests of Limes in Dominica in 1919-20 . . . . . . 261 West Indies: The Food-plants of the Pink BoUworm.. .. .. 261 West Indies: Report on Froghopper Blight on Sugar-cane .. .. 261 The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Hatching of the Eggs of Aphids ' . . 206 Oviposition in Orthoptera . . . . . . . . . . 208 The Function of the Prothoracic Plate m Bruchus cinnensrs 212 Notes on Rearing Insects in Hot Climates . . . . . . 2 1 '_' Notes on the Life-history of the Pollu Flea Beetle {Longitarsus ni^iiy<^n,tic-) 214 Notes on Predaceous Nematodes . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Notes on the Embryology of Coccids . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 A List of New Acari . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • 227 Studies of Immunity in Insects . . . . . . . • . . 234 Lectures in Applied Entomology' (Review) . . . . . . . . . . 244 The Classification of Central European Tachnids . . . . . . . . 252 The Origin and Distribution of Phylloxera on Vines . . . . . . 256 The Morphology and Systematic Position of Lariophagus distinguendus . . 258 }.,< \mmiaaioN to Canada and NmwfouNOLANo by UAaAZiNm roar VOL. IX. Ser. A. Part 6.— pp. 265-320. JUNE, 1921. THE REVIEW^ OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AGRICULTURAL ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. LONDON THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY 41, QUEEN'S GATE. S.W. 7. Price 18. 4d. net. All Rights Resenred. IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. l>otiorarp Cotnmitfce of manadentent. VISCOUNT HABCOURT, Chairman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Alcock, CLE., F.R.S., London School of Tropical Medicine. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History), Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Ofl&ce in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S., Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.CM.G., CB., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of 2Joology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A, C Sperling, C.M.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C. Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. General Secretarp. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and €dUor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, C.M.G. Assistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London. S.W. 7. Publication Office.— Al. Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. i 265 L JUL -6 1921 A Maskew (F.) & Strong (L. A.). Quarantine*!)! visIulH Reports September-December. — Mthly. Bull. California Dept. Agric, Sacramento, ix, no. 12, December 1920, pp. 721-735. [Received 29th March 1921.] The following pests were intercepted during the months September- December : — From Balboa, Lepidosaphes beckii and Selenaspidus articnlatus. From the Panama Canal Zone, Monomorium pharaonis in herbs and Lepidosaphes; beckii on grapefruit. From Central America, Chrysomphalus aonidvim, Pseudococcus sp., Rhabdocnemis obscura and Aspidiotus cyanophylli on bananas, and larvae of Heilipiis laiiri in avocado seeds. From China, Carpophilus hemipterus and Silvanus surinamensis in cotton seed ; Lasioderma serricorne, Tene- broides mauritanicus, Cathartus advena, Catorama sp., Lepidopterous larvae, Hymenopterous parasites, Psocids, Capsids and Embiids in various herbs ; Calandra sp., in seed ; an undetermined weevil in sweet potatoes; and Rhizoperfha dominica in beans and rice paste. From Argentina, Calandra oryzae, Tribolium confusum and Sitotroga cerealella in maize. From Hawaii, Chryscmphalus aonidum, Hemi- chionaspis minor, Ripersia palmarum, Pseudococcus sp., Chionaspis inday, Diaspis sp., and Parlatoria sp. on coconuts ; Pseudococcus bromcliae and Diaspis bromeliae on pine-apples and bananas ; Coccus elongatus and Aphids on betel leaves ; Lepidopterous larvae in seed pods ; Lepidosaphes crotonis and Pseudococcus sp., on croton cuttings ; Lasioderma serricorne in anise seed ; Drosophilid larvae and Lepido- saphes beckii on oranges ; Trypetid larvae in cucumbers ; and Pseudo- coccus pseudonipae on palms. From Italy, Coleoptera in dried chestnuts. From Japan, Bruchus pisorum in dried peas ; Aspidiotus camelliae on pears ; Lepidopterous larvae in cotton-seed meal cake. Chili pepper and chestnuts ; Coccids on pears ; Curculionid larvae in acorns ; Parlatoria pergandei on maple trees ; and Lepidosaphes gloveri and Hemichionaspis aspidistrae on oranges and grapefruit. From Holland, Cathartus advena, larvae of Merodon equestris, Eiimerus strigatus, a Staphylinid and mites in bulbs. From Mexico, Coccids on limes ; Calandra linearis, Echocerus maxillosus, Lasioderma serricorne and Rhizopertha dominica in pumpkin and tamarind seed; Coccus hesperidum on lemons; Lepidosaphes beckii on limes and oranges ; and Tenebroides mauritanicus, Bruchus quadrimaculatus, Tribolium ferrugineum, Rhizopertha dominica, Calandra iSitophilus) oryzae and Ephestia sp. in chick peas \Cicer arietinum]. From England, Aspidiotus sp. on apples. From Alabama, Lepidosaphes beckii on oranges. From Arkansas, Cydia (Laspeyresia) pomonella, Lepidosaphes ulmi and Aspidiotus pernictosus on apples. From Arizona, C. pomonella on apples. From Colorado, A. perniciosus and C. pomonella on apples ; and Lepidosaphes beckii on grapefruit. From Illinois, C. pomonella, Lepidosaphes ulmi and A. perniciosus on apples. From Iowa, Aphids on rose plants and C. pomonella on apples. From Indiana, A. perniciosus and L. ulmi on apples. From Florida, L. beckii on grapefruit and oranges, and Parlaforia pergandei on avocados and oranges. From Kimsas, C. pomonella in apples ; Tetranychus bimaculatus in strawberry plants ; L. beckii on grapefruit ; and A. 'perniciosus on apples. From Louisiana, L. beckii on oranges. From Massachusetts and Maine, C. pomonella and A. perniciosus on apples. From IMaryland, Phthorimaea oper- culella in potatoes. From Michigan, C. pomonella, A. perniciosus and L. ulmi on apples ; and L. beckii on grapefruit. From Minnesota, (3086) Wt. P3/184 1,500 6/21 Harrow T 266 C. ponwndla and Aspidiotiis sp. on apples. From Montana, C. pomonclla in apples, and Hdiothis [Chloridca) obsoleta in green maize. From Oregon, C. pomoneUa in pears and cider apples ; A . perniciosus on pears and apples ; larvae of Aegeria ridilans, Julus sp., Scymnus sp. and a Capsid on strawberry plants ; Hemichionaspis aspidisirae on Aspidistra ; and L. beckii on grapefruit. From Ohio, C. poiiio)iella and A. perniciosus on apples ; Aphis sp., Pantomorus f idler i' and Tetranychus sp. on rose plants ; Pseudococcus sp. on Lantana and geranium ; Coccus hesperidum ; and Saissetia oleae on oleander. From Nevada, C. pomoneUa in apples ; and Heterodera radicicola in potatoes. From New York, C. pomoneUa and A. perni- ciosus on apples ; Lepidopterous larvae in beans ; Silvanus siirina- mensis in dates ; and L. beckii on oranges. From Nicaragua, Bruchus obtectus in beans. From Porto Rico, L. beckii on grapefruit and oranges. From Pennsylvania, C. pomoneUa and A. perniciosus on apples, Aphids on rose bushes and Tetranychus sp. on violet plants. From the Philippines, Sitotroga cerealeUa, Calandra [Sit- ophilus) orvzae, Laemophloeus pusiUus, Cathartus advena, Silvanus surinamensis, Tenebroides mauritanicus, Tribolium castanemn (ferrugineum) and unidentified Coleoptera in maize. From Tahiti. Lepidopterous larvae in castor beans ; Pseudococcus sp. on pine- apples ; Euscepes batatae in sweet potatoes ; Coccids on green coconuts; Lepidosaphes beckii on orange peel; and Hemichionaspis minor on coconuts. From Texas, Cylas formicarlus in sweet potatoes ; and Aleurodes citri on ornamental cuttings and Gardenia. From Utah, C. pomoneUa in apples ; and L. beckii and Parlatoria pergandei on grapefruit. From Washington, A. perniciosus, L. ulmi and eggs of Tetranychus sp. on apples ; C. pomoneUa in apples and pears ; and Dendroctonus sp. in a pine tree. From Scotland, Tetra- morium caespitum, Tribolium castaneum, centipedes and Collembola on ornamental plants. Jagger (I. C). A transmissible Mosaic Disease of Lettuce. — //. Agric. Res.. Washington, D.C., xx, no. 10, 15th Februarv 1921, pp. 737-739, 1 plate. At Sanford, Florida, a serious infectious disease of lettuce was observed in 1920. It appears to be caused by a parasite that is not capable of isolation through ordinary microbiological or bacteriological technique. Experimental transmission from diseased to healthy plants has been effected by means of Aphids, particularly Myzus persicae, Sulz. From the symptoms and general character of the disease, it should undoubtedly be recognised as a true mosaic disease of lettuce. MiuDLETON (W.). Leconte's Sawfly, an Enemy of Yomig Pines.— Jl. Agric. Res.. Washington. D.C., xx, no. 10, 15th Februarv 1921, pp. 741-760, 3 figs, 5 plates. A detailed description is given of the various stages of Neodiprion lecontei. Fitch, with a summary of its life-history. The larva is an important enemy of young pines in the eastern part of the United States, being especially iniurious to nursery stock by defoliating the trees. Even in cases of incomplete defoliations, the tree is often stunted or misshapen. In large natural or artificial areas of forest remedial measures are too expensive, but colonies of the larvae 267 should be destroyed whenever found by knocking them from the trees and crushing them. In nurseries and parks, heavy infestations should be combated before the larvae are full-grown by spraying very thorough- ly. A lead arsenate solution containing 2 lb. powder in 50 U.S. gals, water should be satisfactory. For young larvae, less than | inch long, nicotine sulphate is fairly satisfactory, but in view of the resistance of conifers to arsenical sprays, and of the fact that an arsenical treat- ment gives more certain results, the former spray should be used almost exclusively. Whenever these insects have occurred and have been dealt with the territory should be carefully surveyed for the suceeding fourteen months, as some larvae may have escaped treat- ment and a new infestation may arise. A^. lecontei appears to have three primary food-plants, Finns bank- siana (jack pine), P. resinosa (red pine), and P. virginiana (scrub pine), and a number of secondar}^ or possible ones, not capable of supporting all the stages or of being entirely acceptable for oviposition. These are P. strobus, P. sylvestris, P. taeda, P. contorta, P. monticola, P. mughns, P. eldarica, P. ponderosa, P. palustris, P. austriaca, and Larix americana. This sawfly is subject to the attack of a wilt, probably a bacterial disease, and to infestation by parasitic insects, including the Hymenop- tera, Exenterus diprioni, Rohw., Lagorotis diprioni, Rohw., L. vir- giniana, Rohw., and Perilampus hyalinus, Say, and the Diptera, Phorocera daripennis, Macq., Adomonita demylus, Wlk., Neopales maera, Wulp, and Spathimeigenia spinigera. Towns. Of the Hymenop- terous parasites, L. diprioni is much the most abundant species and P. hyalinus is probably a hyperparasite. It is, however, certain that none of these natural enemies is sufficiently numerous or effective to permit disregard of the combative measures suggested above. Greene (C. T.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Dipterous Parasites of Sawflies. — Proc. Ent. Soc, Washington, D.C., xxiii, no. 2, February 1921, pp. 41-43. The parasites recorded include : — Tachina rustica, Fall., and T. niella,. Wlk., bred from Macremphytus variana, Nort. ; Phorocera claripennis, Macq., from Neodiprion lecontei, Fitch, and A^. virginiana, Roh. ; Spathimeigenia spinigera. Towns., from A^. edivardsi, Nort., A'', lecontei, N. affinis, Roh., and other species of this genus ; Admontia hylotomae, Coq.. from Arge sp., N. lecontei, and another sawfly ; Sturmia sp., from Arge sp. ; Masicera sp., from A^ lecontei ; Frontina armigera Coq., and Exorista petiolaia, Coq., from Neodiprion sp. Geismer (L. M.). The Tachina Fly {Phorocera dorvphorae), an interest- ing Parasite on Potato beetles.— Po/a/o Mag.' iii, no. 3, 1920, p. 8. (Abstract in Expt. Sta. Record, Washington, D.C., xliv, no. 3, 21st March 1921, p. 255.) Attention is called to the control of the Colorado potato beetle [Lcptinotarsa decemlineata] in certain localities in the upper peninsular of Michigan by the Tachinid, Doryphorophaga [Phorocera] dorvphorae. In the summer of 1900, in certain localities of Alger County, the beetles could scarcely be found, while in the vicinity of the upper peninsular experiment station they were quite numerous, almost every adult, as well as some of the larger larvae, being covered with from one to eight or even more eggs of this parasite. The beetles were scarce in the (3086) T 2 268 vicinity of the experiment station during the following season, and neither flies nor their eggs could be found. Despite careful watch, none have been seen or reported since that year. During the season of 1920 there were localities in Houghton County where the potato beetle was very scarce, and others in which they were quite abundant, thus resembling the condition in Alger County in 1900. In the Dodgeville district the beetle was very numerous, and practically all the beetles, as well as the full-grown larvae, found were covered with from one to five or more eggs of the parasite. PIvidence of the existence of this parasite gradually disappeared in all directions from this point, until, in potato fields five miles away, eggs were only found on less than one per cent, of the beetles or larvae. These observations indicate that D. doryphorae is at work in large numbers in restricted areas only, though it covers an extensive territory. They also indicate that the fly either migrates from year to year to other localities, or else has other hosts upon which it develops from tims to time. That the flies cannot increase to any extent is due to the poisoning of the potato beetles, a practice that has become quite general, for the poisoned beetles dry up rapidly, leaving the young maggots of the Dipteron without food. DE Stefani (T.). Importanza dell' Entomologia applicata nell' Economia sociale. [The Importance of Applied Entomology in Social Economv.j — Allevamenti, Palermo, ii, nos. 1-3, January- March 1921, pp. 7-10, 35-37, 70-72. These are the first three parts of a paper aiming at making known the economic importance of applied entomology. A number ot successful solutions of problems, such as the introduction of Noviiis cardinalis against Icerya purchasi, are enumerated and discussed. S. Bekampfung der tierischen Schadlinge unserer Obstbaume. [Measures against the Animal Enemies of our Fruit-trees.] Schweiz. Zeitschr. Obst. u. Weinbau, Fraiienfeld, xxx, no. 6, 24th March 1921, pp. 85-86. Attention is drawn to legislation existing since 1867 in the Swiss Canton of St. Gall against various fruit-tree pests, and to an ordinance passed in 1870 with regard to outbreaks of cockchafers [Melolontha meloloniha]. Antonelli (G.). Calendario Forestale Italiano 1921. [The Italian Forestrv Calendar for 1921.] — Rome. Federazione pro Montibus, 1921,320 pp. Price Lire 7.50. This volume contains a mass of information valuable to foresters. A section b\^ Prof. G. Trinchieri mentions the common insect and fungous pests and the usual measures adopted against them. Bernard (C), Deuss (J. J. B.) & others. Bibliografisch Overzicht iii. [Bibliographical Review iii.] — Medei. Proefst. Thee, Biiiien- zorg, Ixxii, 1920, 116 pp. [Received 30th March 1921.] About 75 papers relating to tea culti\-ation are briefly abstracted. Those of entomological interest have already been noticed in this Review. The period covered extends roughly from 1913 to 1918. The first of these reviews was issued in 1908 and the second in 1912. 269 Bernard (C). Enkele Aanteekeningen betreffende de Theecultuur in Japan. [Some Notes on Tea Cultivation in Japan.] — Meded. Proefst. Thee, Biiitenzorg, Ixxiii, 1920, pp. 1-11, 5 plates. [Received 30th March 1921.] Tea in Japan suffers scarcely any injury from insect and fungous pests. The former are represented by leaf-rollers, Aphids, and cater- pillars. The robustness of the Chinese tea-plant, the presence of natural enemies, such as spiders, and the severe winters, are the reasons given for this immunit}'. CoHEx Stuart (C. P.). Gegevens betreffende de Theekultuur in Siam en Burma. [Information relating to Tea Cultivation in Siam and Burma.] — Meded. Proefst. Thee, Buitenzorg, Ixxiii, 1920, pp. 12-34, 2 maps. [Received 30th March 1921.] Very little information can be given regarding insect pests of tea in Burma. A borer, Zeuzera coffeae, and a scale, Aspidiotus trans- parens, occur there. Helopeltis does not appear to have been recorded. Chittenden (F. H.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Description oJ a New Species of SphenophovHs from Florida (Coleoptera). — //. Wash. Acad. Sci.. Washington, D.C., x, no. 11, 4th June 1920, pp. 313-314. [Received 30th March 1921.] Sphenophorus deficiens, sp. n., from Florida is described. Chittenden (F. H.). U.S. Bur. Ent. A New Species of PhyUotreta. — //. Wash. Acad. Sci., Washington, D.C., x, no. 13, 19th July 1920, pp. 389-390. [Received 30th March 1921.] PhyUotreta utana, sp. n., from Utah, Nevada and Oregon is described. Like other beetles of this genus, it attacks and undoubtedly breeds on cruciferous plants, and is at least a potential pest. It was abundant on sugar-beet in a field overgrown with hedge mustard, on which it was also taken. McDonald (R. E.) & Tanquary (M. C). Report on the Pink Boll- worm Situation in Mexico.— Af^A/y. News Bull., Texas Dept. Agric, Austin, iii, no. 5, February-March 1921, pp. 6-7. This report was made as the result of a visit — from 26th November to 1st December 1920 — to the Laguna region of Mexico. Certain limited areas in Texas and Louisiana are now infested with Platyedra gossypiella, and this infestation came from Mexico. Counts, made with care so as not to exaggerate the damage, showed a pink bollworm infestation ranging from 38 to 83 per cent. Other cotton pests include the cotton boll weevil [Anthonomns grajidis], which appears to have been present for 25 years or more, but does not do much injury, probably owing to the arid climate ; melon Aphids, which sometimes infest young cotton in spring and retard growth ; and a species of thrips. The common bollworm, Heliothis ohsoleta. and the leaf worm, Alabama argillacea, are of scarcely any importance. In the year 1911 a planter near Monterey, Mexico, brought 125 sacks of cotton seed from Egypt, and the pink bollworm evidently reached the Laguna region from this source. There was probably a slight infestation in 1913, but no notice was taken of it. During 1920 the damage has been very severe, and the infestation seems to be 270 reaching its maximum. As the cotton-growing region of Texas is not very different chmatically from the Laguna district, and in view of the fact that P. gossypiella is already present in some counties of Texas, it is urged that every step possible should be taken to eradicate the pest in those counties where it already exists and that every precaution be taken to prevent its re-establishment in Texas. Review of Agricultural Operations in India, 1%1%-2Q— Calcutta, 1921, pp. 48-53. Much of the work reviewed in this report under the headings of insect pests and useful insects has already been noticed in detail [R.A.E., A, ix, 72-80, etc.]. DoxrsTHORPE (H.). A new Record for Eriosoma lanigerum. — Ent. Record and Jl. Var., London, xxxiii, no. 4, 15th April 1921, p. 77. Attention is drawn to the occurrence of Eriosoma lanigerum on a shrub [Cotoneaster sp.). This is apparently the first record of this food-plant. Bagnall (R. S.). On Physotkrips latus, Bagn., and some allied Species.— £■«/. Mthly. Mag., London, 3rd Ser., no. 75, March 1921, pp. 61-64. The thrips dealt with include Physothrips propinquus, sp. n., on Pinus, which is apparently P. latus, Williams (nee Bagn.), and P. consociata, Targ., {ulmifoliorum, Uzel, nee Hal.). The common species on elm is Scirtothrips ulmi, Bagn., which the author now considers to be a synonym of 5. ( Thrips) ulmifoliorum, Hal. Lemaire (P.). Les Ennemis de la Cire.— Z-a Vie Agric. et Rur., Paris, xviii, no. 13, 26th March 1921, pp. 202-203, Ifig. This is a popular article on the wax moth, Galleria mellonella. This pest only attacks weak colonies of bees and never approaches combs covered with bees ; it can be destroyed by fumigation with carbon bisulphide, which is equally useful against the bacon beetle [Dermestes lardarius], which feeds on wax left in dark places. RoLET (A.). La Destruction des Courtilieres. — La Vie Agric. et Rur.. Paris, xviii, no. 13, 26th March 1921, pp. 205-206, 1 fig. A popular account is given of the mole-cricket, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa (vulgaris), and of the measures usually adopted against it, including subterranean fumigation with carbon bisulphide, napthaline, or lump calcium carbide ; poison-baits ; shelter-traps and light-traps ; and destruction by hand. Vermorel (V.) & Dantoxy (E). Composition chimique des Bouillies sulfo-calciques employees contre les Insectes et les Maladies des Plantes. — Villefranche {Rhone), Librairie agricole du " Progres agricole et viticole," 1919, 20 pp. [Received 31st March 1921.] The authors state that their investigations on the chemical com- position of lime-sulphur sprays, to which their variability of action is undoubtedly due, were nearly finished when their attention was drawn to Tartar's work on this subject [R. A.E., A, ii, 543], and to an earlier (1910) paper by Van Slike, Bosworth and Hedges, "Chemical Investi- gations of the best Conditions for making the Lime-Sulphur Wash." 271 Their conclusions confirm those of the above American workers on many points, and throw new light on others. In any case the American investigators used pure or quasi-pure products, especially limes contain- ing only traces of impurities, whereas the authors used commercial limes that were partly carbonated, as is generally the case. The resulting differences are very important. Lime-sulphur solutions may contain the following substances : — In solution : Calcium thiosulphate, calcium tetrasulphide, calcium pentasulphide, and calcium oxysulphide ; in sediment : sulphur, lime, calcium sulphite, calcium sulphate, and calcium oxysulphide. All the other substances that have been reported, such as lime in solution, hydrosulphates, etc., are not met with. The relative proportions of the dissolved constituents vary according to a number of factors. At ordinary temperatures, and after several months, oxysulphides of calcium, calcium thiosulphate, and a little calcium tetrasulphide are formed. The quantity of soluble salt formed increases with a rise of temperature up to 100°C. (212°F.), and at high temperatures the sulphides predominate. This results in an actual increase of thiosulphate, though its percentage to the sulphides decreases. The content of dissolved sulphur increases with the period of boiling up to 45 minutes, after which it decreases. At first, a tetrasulphide is formed ; the pentasulphide appears gradually afterwards. The maximum quantity of sulphur in solution is obtained when 32 parts of sulphur to 1 part of lime are used. Any variation of this proportion decreases the amount of sulphur. Above 29 of sulphur to 1 of lime, pentasulphides are obtained ; below that proportion a mixture of tetrasulphide and pentasulphide results. The percentages of lime and of sulphur that dissolve increase as the quantity of water is increased up to 3- 1 parts water to 1 of the mixture of lime and sulphur. If more water is used the percentages diminish. The proportion of calcium thiosulphate decreases with an increase of the time of cooling. The greater the surface exposed to the air the more calcium thio- sulphate is formed. Magnesium causes considerable loss of sulphur and leads to a release of sulphuretted hydrogen. Limes containing magnesium should therefore be rejected. If the sediment contains an excess of lime, calcium oxysulphides are formed. It will be seen that in agricultural practice it is very difficult to master all the above factors and to obtain a standard solution of constant strength unless the services of an expert chemist are available. The density of the solution is no guide to its sulphur content. Further- more, sprayers with copper parts soon perish ; either aluminium or some special brass alloys must be used. The variability of its action and its destructive effect on the usual sprayers have retarded the general adoption of lime-sulphur, in spite of its manifest advantages. Nothing can replace it in certain cases, and this spray is very much cheaper than the copper solutions and insecticides in common use. TITLY.A.RD (R. T.). Report on the Neuropteroid Insects of the Hot Springs Region, N.Z., in relation to the Problem of Trout Food.— P;'oc. Linn. Sue. N..S.W., Sydnev, xlv, pt. 2, 16th August 1920, pp. 205-213, 2 figs ; also' N.Z. J I. Set. S- Tcchnol, Wellington, iii, no. 5-6, January 1921, pp. 271-279, 2 figs. The food of trout consists largely of insects, especially of Pyronoia /estiva (green manuka beetle) and caddis flies and other Neuropteroid 272 insects. Owing to the abundance of the fish, the food-supply in the Hot Sprin,i\ V\ Cultivo del Trigo en la Republica Argentina. [The ^""c^^tfvaSin of wlfeTif the .Igent.e ^P^^:^-^^, Rural Argentina, Buenos Aires, Iv, no. 4, 15th i eDruan and causes a great deal of damage. WT.^,PT.T I \ \ Duas novas Especies de Coccidas. [Two new Coccids.]— """"'l^^MleupLZaS. Luo, xi, 1919, pp. 451-457, 1 plate. Eriococcus coffeae from coffee twigs, and Diaspis flava from the leaverof a forest tree, are described as new from Brazil. Z.CHER (F) NeuzeitlicheSchadlingsbekampfung. [Modern Methods f rnmhpting Pests l—Di^ Gartenwelt [sine loco], xxv, no. 9 M.]Tp 84i7.^fgsr ^ plate. [Received 4th Apnl 1921.] This arlicle describes in a popular -^^ UnVef slt" an^^^^^^ spraying against insect pests as practised m the United Sta es, and tne fLigation pro^esses^^^^^^^^^ XrLmTrT^rol'anVan arsenical cW. but np to^he present - •Sfl:;S-^^^^ardS^^^^^ tan forest trees. Heymoxs (R) Die Frassfiguren der Hypoborinen [The Mine Patterns of Hypobormae.i-Z..7scA.. wissen Insekienbiol., BtTlvino. 5-6^ 15th March 1921, pp. 81-90, 4 figs. The characters of the mines made by bark-beetles often provide an easier r^eans of identification than examination of the beetles. '^T^His'^'aper deals with the mines of the genera Hypoborus and ihis paper aeais wil ..„•„„ ^gnus Dacrvostactus, of which Liparthrus, as well as the Alrican geiiub ^T ''i,, ^^.^es known D kolbei Schauf., from South-west Africa, is the only species Known. V. Rotoei oi^iidui., rninpc; of LiMrtiruni colchicum, bem., hnih^'i Srhauf and Hypoborus ficus, Er. These mines are Stcteritefby ^n enlargement of the -other gallery to a roonw chamber from which the larval mines radiate. I"/^,f,, '^^'^, ^^ Uparthrum and Dacryostachus the chambers are hned with niches in which the eggs are deposited singly. KiEiN-E (R^ Der Rapsglanzkafer, Meligethes aeneus F., und die "^ andirr^ehaMiehe'p^ax^^^ [The Rape Beetle, M^a.-...^^^^^^^ Agricultural Practice. ]-Zn7sc/rr wissen. Insektenhol., berhn, xvi no. 5-6, 15th March 1921, pp. 90-100. The author accepts the results of Burkhardt and von Lengerken {R.A..E, A, ix, 64], and discusses their suggestions as to the choice of early-flowering varieties of rape. 280 The problem is to produce varieties that will flower so early that the beetle, when it appears, will find no opening for attack. To do this it is necessary to ascertain the temperature requirements of both plant and beetle, but it is very doubtful whether it is possible to produce plants requiring the little warmth that s'.iffices to cause Meligeihes aeneus to begin feeding preliminary to mating. It may be possible to advance flowering by 10-14 days, but this is of no value at all, early flowering being a character of quite secondary importance. Rapidity of blossoming is the important point ; the time between the appearance of the bud and the opening of the blossom must be shortened. Even so, success is doubtful because the beetle neglects the open blossom for the bud as long as possible. This habit is chiefly due to weather conditions. The flowering dates of the common German rape crops are examined, and it is concluded that there appears to be little hope of shortening the bud period. It was found that by ante-dating sowing by 14 days the injury was less marked at first, but that at the end of the vegetative period no advantage at all was gained. Weather is the most important factor in infestation. Warmth and sunshine promote the growth of the plant and discourage attack, the beetle appearing less ready to seek the shelter of the bud. A high ground temperature also favours the plant. Examination of the losses in 1920 shows that April is the danger month, and plant-breeding experiments must take this into account. Remedial measures hitherto employed are mostly of a mechanical nature, and have given no result. They may be of some use in small fields, but are not so in cultivation on a large scale, such as is generally practised in Germany. If the average annual loss exceeds 50 per cent, it is necessary to stop growing crops of winter rape. Such areas can only be determined by experiments over a number of years. A change in crop rotation is the only radical measure, or perhaps a summer rape crop may be grown. If the loss does not exceed 25 per cent., combative measures may be taken provided that their cost is found not to be excessive. P.\LM (B. T.) & MjoBERG (E.). Bestrijding van Rupsenvraat in Deli-Tabak. III. Wenken voor Bespuiting met Loodarsenaat- Zeepemulsie. [Measures against Caterpillar Injury to Tobacco in Deli. III. Advice on Spraying with an Emulsion of Lead Arsenate and Soap.] — Deli Procfstation, Medan, Vlugschrift no. 7, February 1921, 3 pp. The emulsion of lead arsenate and soap applied as advised by the Deli Experiment Station, Sumatra [R.A.E., A, ix, 225], has given good results except in a few cases when scorching occurred, .partly owing to lack of uniformity in the quality of the lead arsenate. It is well to delay spraying as long as possible. Under normal conditions the seedlings should be 25-28 days old. If Phytophthora appears, this fungus should be treated with Bordeaux mixture alone, the lead arsenate not being applied until the first signs of caterpillar injury are seen, when the emulsion must be used, either alternately or mixed with Bordeaux. Spra^'ing with lead arsenate must not be repeated at shorter intervals than five days. If screens are used on the beds, they must be entirely removed during spraying and replaced immediately afterwards, as the newly-sprayed plants must not be exposed to full sunshine. The lead arsenate must be dissolved 281 in water to form a thin paste ; this is diluted, and the solution is poured into the sprayer and the soap solution then added. The sprayer must be worked at a uniform pressure, and its contents must be continuously stirred. Any sediment remaining in it must not be emptied on to the seed-beds. LuiGioxi (P.). Coleotteri esotici utili e dannosi alle Piante importati in Italia e rinvenuti nel Lazio. [Exotic Coleoptera, beneficial and injurious to Plants, introduced into Italy and found in the Province of Rome.] — Atti Pontificia Acad. Niiovi Lincei, Rome, Sess. I, 19th December 1920. Separate, 4 pp. [Received 10th April 1921.] The beetles mentioned are a Coccinellid, Rhizohius lophantae, Blaisd., imported against the scales, Aulacaspis pentagona and Chrysomphahts anrantii ; a Curculionid, Paiiiouioriis fidleri, Horn, probably imported on some exotic plant and reported from various parts of Italy and in 1908 from Sicily, in which citrus-growing region it is hoped that it has not become established ; a Bruchid, Sper- mophagiis snhfasciatus, Boh., evidently introduced in beans imported from Brazil during the War ; and a Scolytid, Coccotrypes dacty- liperda, F. The author has also found the last-named in nuts of Hvphaene thebaica (dum palm) from Eritrea, the solid kernel being so damaged as to be useless for vegetable ivor3\ Morrill (A. W.). The Use of Corn as a Trap Crop for the Cotton Bollworm. — Univ. Ariz. Coll. Agric, Tucson, Circ. 30, March 1920, 10 pp., 2 figs. [Received 7th April 1921.] The value of maize as a trap crop for the cotton bollworm [Heliotliis ■ohsoleta] has long been known in Texas and the south-eastern cotton- growing States, and the object of this circular is to bring information on this method before the cotton growers of Arizona, with particular reference to conditions existing in that State. Much of the general information is taken from bulletins issued by the United States Department of Agriculture and previously noticed in this Review. As the female moths are attracted to fresh maize-silk rather than to any other material for oviposition, it is generally considered necessary to plant the trap maize so that it will reach the silking stage when the cotton is most in need of protection, though there is evidence that maize maturing at any time during the fruiting season of cotton may protect cotton growing in the immediate vicinity. This is a matter that requires further observation under Arizona conditions, particularly with Egvptian cotton, but from present observation it seems that maize in silk during June and July in Arizona is not likely to do any harm and may be a great benefit to the cotton crop in a neighbouring field. ]\Iuch valuable information can be gained by noting the amount of bollworm damage close to infested maize in comparison with the damage in the fields furthest from it. A count should also be made of the average number of eggs on the silk of young maize ears. Various observations on the value of maize as a trap crop are recorded, and recommendations for its use are quoted from a bulletin of the United States Department of x\griculture, with suggested adaptations to Arizona conditions. (3086) u 282 Gahax (A. B). U.S. Bur. Ent. New Reared Parasitic Hymenoptera from the Philippines. —iV/ .'7 ;j^/)//u' //. Sci., Manila, xvii, no. 4, October 1920, pp. 343-351. [Received 8th April 1921.] The new species described include the Encyrtids, Homalotylus miindus, reared from Pseudococcus virgatiis, Ckll., and Taftia saissetiae, from Saissetia hemisphaerica, Targ. ; and the Elasmid, Elasmv.s albomaculatiis, reared from a moth, Acrocercops sp. Departmental Activities : Entomology. - //. Dcpt. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, ii, no. 3, j\Iarch 1921, pp. 204-206. The brown locust [Locusta pardalina] in all immature stages is present in great numbers over a large area of the Karoo. These locusts are the descendants of scattered individuals occurring in the area some months previously, which were too widely dispersed to be reached by poison. Those that have gathered into small swarms or clusters are being dealt with energetically, hundreds of drums of poison being hurried to the district by passenger train. White storks are destroying numbers of the locusts. From the Transvaal large numbers of the elegant grasshopper [Zonocerus elegans] are reported,, while in Basutoland there is an abundance of Phymaieus leprosus, which has been clearing both vegetable gardens and orchards of their produce. Aplidinus inali, the parasite of the woolly apple aphis [Eriosoma lanigeriim], is being established with increasing success. The life- cycle in the field apparently occupies about 21 days in December and January, but in jars in the laboratory 10-13 days was sufficient. j? Bollworms are at the present time the most destructive pest of cotton, the rate of infestation, however, being as low as about 5 per cent. Ratooned fields show a higher degree of infestation than first- year fields, some having 25 per cent, of the bolls infected. The vSudan bollworm [Diparopsis castanea] in general predominated, and occasion- ally the American bollworm [Heliotkis obsoleta]; the spiny bollworm [Earias insulana] was less numerous. Improved cultural methods are doing much to keep these insects in check. Other pests recorded during the month of January were termites ,"; the beetle, IJeteronychtts arator, on maize ; in orchards, codling moth [Cydia pomonella], pernicious scale [Aspidiotus perniciosns], and Cetoniids ; and miscellaneous pests of field crops and flower gardens. VAN DER jMerwe (C. P.). White Ant Notes. — Jl. Depi. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, ii, no. 3, I\larch 1921, pp. 266^267. A case of infestation of a house in Durban by the termite, ScJiedo- rhinotcrmes piitorius, Sjost., is recorded. This species is fairly comimon in the neighbourhood and is usually found in hollows of trees, the insects living on the dead w^ood. In the case in question dead stumps- of loquat trees were found about 8 ft. away from the house, and the termites had probably got under the floor by following the dead roots. Possibly a colony originated in the house from a pair of winged adults. LouxsBURY (C. P.). Citrus Scale Insects. — //. Dcpt. Agric. Union S. Africa, Pretoria, ii, no. 3, I\Iarch 1921, p. 276. A list of 23 scale-insects occurring on Citrus in the Union of South Africa is given, the most destructive being Chrysomp/mliis atirantii.. Most of them are imported species. 283 NiCHOLLs (H. M.). Annual Report of the Government Microbiologist.— Tasmania Dcpt. Agric. & Stock, Kept. 1019-20, Hobart, 1920, pp. 21-25, 1 plate. [Received 12th April 1921.] A large number of gardens in Launceston have been successfully sprayed with lime-sulphur solution for the suppression of the San Jose scale [Aspidiotiis perniciosus]. Although this scale is still distributed over a comparatively wide area, its numbers are greatly reduced. Aspidiotiis ostreaeformis (oyster-shell scale) has been found to be so widely spread that regulations have been drawn up compelling owners of infested property to take adequate steps for its suppression. Tasmania is at present the only State in the Commonwealth in which it is found, and although it is not likely to prove a menace to well kept commercial orchards, it might cause inter-State complications if fruit were exported from localities where its presence was ignored. A very serious outbreak of the mussel scale [Lepidosaplies] occurred in some districts. Lime-sulphur with a specific gravity of 1 • 03, or 5° Be. , is advocated as the best measure against this pest. Oil sprays are not reliable under Tasmanian climatic conditions. Special attention should be paid to hawthorn hedges in the vicinity of orchards, as they form a continual source of infection, harbouring both scales and fungous diseases. The advantages of a calyx spi'ay for the control of codling moth [Cydia pomonella] are discussed. Against Tetranvclnis bimacidatus infesting hops and apple trees, lime-sulphur with ordinary flour paste applied at the rate of 1 lb. to 20 gals, of water proved an effective check. The spray should be directed to the underside of the leaves. Bryobia pratensis was also abundant owing to the exceptional hot weather. The best time for spraying with lime-sulphur against these leaf mites is just when the leaves are falling or when the leaf buds begin to open in the spring. Arsenate of Lead. — /''• ^^pt- Agric. S. Australia, Adelaide, xxiv, no. 6, January 1921, pp. 510-511. A number of samples of various brands of lead arsenate purchased in Adelaide have been analysed by the South Australian Department of Agriculture, the analyses of ten brands being given. Weiss (H. B.) & Dickerson (E. L.). Gargara genistae, Fabr., a European Membracid in New Jersey (Homop.). — Ent. News Philadelphia, Pa., xxxii, no. 4, April 1921, pp. 108-112, 1 fig. Gargara genistae, F., is recorded on Caragana arborescens from New Jersey, and its life-history in that state is briefly described. Olsen (C. E.). Two Seasons collecting of Aphidae, principally on. Long Island, New York, with Notes on some of the Species. — Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc, xvi, no. 1, February 1921, ])p. 14-19. The Aphids dealt with include: — Acyrthosiphon {Macrosiphum) pisi, Kalt., on Medicago lupulina ; M . rudbeckiae. Fitch, on Silcne nocti flora, Antennaria neodioica and Anaphalis margaritacca ; Phorodon inulae. Pass., on Imda hcleninni ; Myzus fragaefolii, CklL, on Fragaria virginiana ; Hyalopteris arundinis, F., on Prunus serotina ; Aphis forbesi. Weed, on Fragaria virginiana; A. gossypii, Glov., on (3086) u 2 284 Hisbiscus syyiaciis ; A. itrticae, F., on Urtica gracilis; A. lutescens, Mon., on Asclepias cornuta ; A. helianthi, Mon., on Helianthus rigidus ; A. sanborni, Patch, on Sambucus canadensis; Myzocallis discolor, Mon., on Qucrcusprinns; Calaphis hctulaecolens, ¥\ic\\,^x\6.Euc era phis betulae, Koch, on Betula I idea ; RhopalosipJnim hippophacs, Kalt., on Polygonum pennsylvanictim ; and Ptcrocomma smithiae, Mon., on Salix fragilis. Moore (J. G.). The Vegetable Garden. — Wisconsin Univ. Coll. Agric. Extens. Serv., Cnc. 132, March 1921, 36 pp., 12 figs. A brief portion of this bulletin is devoted to the prevention and eradication of insect pests. These are tabulated according to the crop attacked, with particulars of damage caused and remedial measures advocated, only the popular names of the insects being given. BovixG (A. G.). U.S. Bur. Ent. The Larva of Popillia japonica, Newman, and a closely related undetermined Ruteline Larva. A Systematic and Morphological Study. — Proc. Ent. Soc, Wasliingtoi, B.C., xxiii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 51-62, 2 plates. The larval characters of the Ruteline group of Scarabaeid beetles a.re quoted from Schiodte, and the undetermined larva under considera- tion is stated to be probably that of Strigoderma arboricola, F. A key is given for distinguishing North American and European larvae that are closely related to or likely to be mistaken for that of Popillia japonica. Porter (B. A.) cS: Aldex (C. PL). Anaphoidca conotracheli. Girault (Hym.), an Egg Parasite of the Apple Maggot. — Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, D.C., xxiii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 62-63. The M3m'iarid, Anaphoidea conotracheli, is recorded as parasitising the eggs of Rhagoletis pomonella, Walsh, in Connecticut. It has also been reared from Coeliodes {Craponins) inaeqnalis, .Say (grape curculio). The life-cycle in the apple maggot is probably similar to that in the weevil, i.e., 10 to 11 days from egg to adult. The parasitism ranged from 25 to 30 per cent., indicating the possible importance of this parasite in the natural control of A', ponwjiclla. Riley (W. A.). Division of Entomology and Economic Zoology. — 28ih Ann. Kept. Minnesota Agric. Expt. Sta., 1919-20, Univ. Farm, St. Paul, 1920, pp. 41-44. [Received 13th April, 1921.] Experiments with poison baits for cutworms and army worms have shown that the effectiveness of the various formulae depends largely upon the species against which they are used. Tests in the protection of stored food from insects showed that a temperature of 43° F. prevented the development of Tribolium confusum, Duv. (confused flour beetle), which is one of the worst pests. A study of the susceptibility of cereals to insect attack led to the conclusions that the insects that attack sound grain cannot survive in milled products, while those that work in milled products cannot survive in sound grain. Grain that has already been attacked by 285 grain insects is in a condition comparable with that of milled products, and is subject to attack by the milled product insects. Moist and mouldy products are subject to attack by fungus-eating insects. Each insect seems to have a very definite moisture requirement. The nutritive value of the material may influence the rate of growth and percentage of survival of the insects. The work on nutrition is to be continued. A study of arsenicals has been made, working on the assumption that leaves of plants when wet exhibit a negative electrical charge, and that the arsenicals used at the present time also exhibit a negative electrical charge. It is believed that if an arsenical could be prepared with a positive electrical charge, greater adherence to the foliage would result. Such material could be prepared cither by the addition of electrically positive material, such as ferric hydroxide or aluminium hydroxide, to the ordinary negative reaction, or by the preparation of such arsenicals as ferric arsenate or arscnite or aluminium arsenate or arsenite, with positive charges, thus accomplishing the result directly. A full report of the results will be published shortly. As regards the spreading of sprays over the leaf surface, the rule seems to hold good that spreading will occur if the surface tension of the leaf is greater than the sum of the surface tension of the spray material plus the surface tension at the interface of the spray and the leaf. On leaves with a thick cuticle excellent results could be obtained by using I lb, casein to 100 U.S. gals, of water, the casein being dissolved in a small amount of sodium hydroxide. Gelatine or an alkaline solution of flour used at the same rate can also be employed. On waxy leaves the difficulty of obtaining satisfactor}^ spreading is being overcome by the use of substances that have a decided affinity for the wax of the leaf. SxAPP (O. I.) & Pierce (L.). Experiments in Dusting and Spraying Peaches for the Control of Curculio, Brown Rot and Scab. — ]\fississipiyi Agric. Expt. Sia., Agric. Coll., Bull. 195, December 1920, 8 pp. [Received 16th April 1921 .] The peach Curculio [Conotrachclus nenuphar] M^as the cause of 50 to 60 per cent, loss among peaches in unsprayed orchards in jNIississippi during 1920. A number of spraying tests are recorded in which both dust and liquid mixtures were tried against this weevil, and against brown rot and scab. As regards dusting, the necessity for fineness of materials and for proper and thorough mixing is emphasised, and for this purpose a mechanical sifter and mixer is recommended. Three applications of 10 per cent, lead arsenate dust were effective against the insect, but caused considerable injury to foliage ; 5 or 8 per cent, lead arsenate seems to be the highest percentage that can be used with safety, and proved almost as efficient. On the whole it is considered that while dust sprays will probably prove the more efficacious against diseases, liquid sprays give the best result against the weevil. The applications recommended for use on healthy trees on fertile soil are 1 lb. lead arsenate powder to 50 U.S. gals, water, with 5 lb. unslaked lime to be used immediatelv after the blossoms have fallen ; the same spray ten days later ; self-boiled lime-sulphur 8 : 8 : 50 with 1 lb. lead arsenate powder about two weeks later ; and self-boiled lime-sulphur 8 : 8 : 50 about four weeks before the fruit is expected to ripen. 286 Ferris (E. B.) Cotton Growing in South Mississippi. — Mississippi Agric. Expt. Sta. A-ric. Coll., Bull. 196, December 1920, 8 pp. [Received 16th April 1921. J Until the season of 1920 the Mississippi Station had made no attempt to control tlie cotton boll weevil [Anthonomus grandis] with poisons, but in that year the damage was so great that some growers ploughed up their cotton and planted the land with other crops. On the station farm, in spite of several hand-pickings, many of the cotton stalks had every square punctured. Hand dusting was then begun with calcium arsenate, three applications being given at intervals of about six days. After this treatment the percentage of infestation was so low that poisoning was stopped for a time and begun again in late July, but it is uncertain whether the good results were due to poisoning or to the frequent rains that began about the same time. Quarantine Regulations adopted by the State Plant Board of Mississippi, March 17, 1920, with Amendment oJ March 31, 1920 : Pink Bollworm Quarantine (effective September 1, 1920). — Mississippi Stale Plant Bd., Agric. Coll., Circs. 4 cS: 6, 1920, 2 pp. [Received 16th April 1921.] By the regulations of March 1920 the importation into Mississippi is forbidden of all cotton lint, cotton seed, etc., and all things or materials used in connection with growing, harvesting, baling or manufacturing cotton lint or cotton seed, from foreign countries, the States of Louisiana and Texas, and from all States in which the pink bollworm, Platyedra (Pectinophora) gossypiclla, may hereafter be found to exist, and from all States other than Louisiana and Texas unless accompanied by a special permit from the chief inspector of the State Plant Board of Mississippi giving evidence regarding the point of origin of the material and any other information necessary to establish the safety of such consignment or its freedom from possible infestation by P. gossypiella. These regulations are modified under date 1st September 1920 to refer only to known infested and regulated areas, and certain exceptions to the prohibition order are enumerated. Importante Decreto para la Extincidn de Plagas agricolas. — Rev. Agric., San Jacinto, D.F., v, no. 7, November 1920, p. 492. [Received 13th April 1921.] In view of the increasing loss caused by pests and diseases to stock-raising, forestry and agriculture, a decree has been passed by the Mexican Government rendering it obligatory on the part of agriculturists and stock-raisers to notify the Secretary of Agriculture within three days of the presence of any pest in order that remedial measures may be undertaken. These will be prescribed by the Depart- ment of Agriculture, and must be carried out within a given limit of time, the Department supplying the requisite materials if judged necessary. Non-compliance with this decree will involve the imposition of a fine. Ramirez (R.). Enfermedad en los Naranjos de Turicato, Michoagan. [A Disease of Oranges in Turicato, INIichoagan.] — Rev. Agric, San Jacinto, D.F., v, no. 7, November 1920, p. 547, 1 fig. Othreis {Ophideres) serpentifera, Wlk., is a moth that causes con- siderable damage to oranges in Turicato, Mexico, through the adults 287 puncturing the rind of the fruit in order to extract the juice. The wound thus made is very small and quickly heals, but the m]ury is soon followed bv the development of a fungus that destroys the flesh of the fruit. It is possible that the fungus simply enters through the puncture or, more probably, that the insect inoculates it when puncturing the fruit. NouGARET (A.). Essais de Destruction de la Cochylis et de I'Eud^mis. [Experiments in the Destruction of Clysia ambigiiella and Polychrosis botyana.]—Pr ogres Agric. & Viiic, Montpellier, Ixxv, no. 13, 27th March 1921, pp. 304-309. A report is given of the remedial measures employed against Clysia ambiguella and Polvchrosis hotrana at Lignan. The biology of these moths is described. The treatments included decortication by mechanical means and also by means of chemicals, such as iron sulphate placed in the forks of branches. The usual msecticidal sprays and dusts are recommended ; of proprietary liquids those known as Dynamic and Vitarsine are advocated, the former having carbon bisulphide as its basis and the latter arsenic. They may be apphed in winter, or in spring and summer if the grapes are well wetted first The experiments confirm former observations and experiments that have been noticed in this Review. As a result of these treatments a normal crop was gathered in 1920 from the treated vineyard, though that of the previous year was almost a total loss. OuANjER (— ). Considerations nouvelles sur les Maladies de la Pomme " de Tevve.—Bull. Soc. Path. Veg. France, Paris, vii, no. 4, 1920, pp. 102-118. [Received 12th April 1921.] The diseases of the potato are reviewed, including mosaic disease and the methods by which it is disseminated. Working on the dis- covery of Laveran in Algeria, that insects are capable of transmitting this disease, it has been found that it is in plants derived from stock that has been infested with Aphids that the disease almost inevitably occurs. It is proposed to find a resistant stock suitable for propagation in France, which wih be reared through several generations m order to ensure against re-infection. Aphids or other insects seldom re-mfest plants so cultivated. As Aphids are more abundant in hot regions, varieties of potatoes grown in northern districts will probably prove less susceptible. Morse (A P.). Manual of the Orthoptera of New England, including the Locusts, Grasshoppers, Crickets, and their Allies.— Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., xxxv, no. 6, April 1920, pp. 197-DDb, 99 figs., 20 pis. This book is a complete manual to the study of the Orthoptera of New England based partly on the literature, but mainly on the very extensive personal investigations of the author. , • r r The general introduction includes information on the chief literature of the subject ; outlines of classification and morphology ; injuries by locusts and other Orthoptera in New England ; remedies for then- control, only the usual formulae being given ; natural enemies ; and methods of collecting and preserving Orthoptera. 288 The systematic part of the work inchides useful keys for identifying famihes and species, each species being described with notes on its Hfc-history. The total number of Orthoptera recorded from New England is 132, but no less than 28 do not occur there naturally, being introduced purposely, e.g., Mantis religiosa, L., or accidentally, e.g., Forficula auric iilaria, L., several cockroaches including Pycnoscclits surinamcnsis, L., and the European mole-cricket, Gryllotalpa gyyllotalpa, L. The latter insect has been recorded from the island of Nantucket, but it is not known whether it has become fully estab- lished there. Another introduced Euroj^ean Gr^dlid is Gryllus doiiiestictis, L., which is now fairly numerous in certain parts of New England. Of Tettigoniids, Dicstrammcna marmorata, De Haan, is recorded as injurious in greenhouses, while three native species of Scudderia — S. texensis, Sauss. & Pict., 5. curvicauda, De G., and S.fttrcata, Br. W. — are possibly injurious when occurring in the vicinity of cranberry bogs. Nemobius fasciatus, De G., though not usually considered an injurious cricket, is undoubtedly responsible for a very considerable diminution of food in New England pastures. Five species of tree-crickets are abundant and somewhat injurious, though the damage they do is perhaps offset to a considerable degree by the fact that they destroy Aphids. The snow}' tree-cricket {Oecanthns niveits, De G.) is the one most often recorded in economic literature as a pest, but many such records apply to other species. It is of economic importance chiefly in neglected orchards, where its punctures during oviposition scar and injure the twigs and provide an entrance for canker and blight. The narrow-winged tree-cricket (0. angnstipennis. Fitch) is a common insect in apple orchards, but is recorded also on oaks, alders, etc. The dusky tree-cricket {0. nigriconiis, Wlk.) frequents raspberry and blackberry canes and sometimes injures them severely in ovipositing ; it also oviposits in many other plants. The four-spotted tree-cricket (0. qtiadripundatus, Beut.) is the most abundant and generally distributed species. It oviposits chiefly in such weeds as golden rod, wild carrot, aster, etc. The pine tree- cricket {0. pini, Beut.) is described as being found only in pine trees ; it oviposts in the pith and wood of the smaller twigs of the pitch pine. The grasshopper of chief economic importance in New England is Camnula pcllucida, Scudd. ; it is extremely common throughout the northern part of the country and needs but a few favourable dry years to enable it to multiply in such numbers as to render it a formidable pest. Of the genus Melanoplus, twelve species are recorded, the commonest being M. feniur-ntbrmn, De G., which covers the entire country and is likely to occur in any grassy area or sedge from seashore to mountain top. The destruction caused from time to time in New England by grasshoppers is generally ascribed to this species, though M. mexicanits aflantis, Riley, is also very abundant and injurious. Less often, -1/. bivittatus. Say, becomes destructive locally. Peirson (H. B.). The Life-history and Control of the Pales Weevil {Hvlobius pales). — Harvard Forest, Petersham, Mass., Bull. 3, 1921, 33 pp., 9 figs. Hvlobius pales, Hbst., although a voracious feeder upon the bark of coniferous seedlings, escaped notice as an economic forest pest until 1914. It is a native of the United States and apparently occurs nowhere else except in Canada. Though white pine [Pimis 289 sfrobus] is the preferred food, a list is given of known food-plants, including species of pine, larch, spruce, fir, junipers, birch and white ash. The adults emerge from hibernation in the soil from late April to late May, and immcdiatel}- begin feeding near the place of emergence, where they remain until mid- June. At this time they migrate in swarms to some locality where, preferably, a white pine logging operation has recently taken place, to which they are attracted considerable distances by the odour of fresh pitch. Eggs are laid in freshly cut pine logs or in the roots of freshly cut pine stumps, in small perforations in the bark. In log piles, oviposition is generally on the underside of the logs, many eggs being laid close together. When breeding around stumps, the beetles ovipost from a few inches to a foot or more below ground in the roots. The eggs hatch in from ten days to two weeks, and the grubs immediately burrow beneath the bark, of which they loosen large areas. After about two months they are mature, and in early September pupate beneath the bark in individual cells, penetrating about a quarter of an inch into the sapwood. Adults begin to emerge in late September and continue in October. The adults move from one seedling to another, stripping them of their bark, and frequently killing three- or four-year-old seedlings within a very few days. It has been found impossible to maintain a stand of white pine on cut-over areas until three years after cutting, 98 per cent, of damage occurring in the first two years. Moisture is essential to the beetles, and larvae can be killed in infested logs by turning the tunnelled areas to the sun. The use of repellents, poison baits and banding materials has been tried without much success. There are few natural enemies ; parasites have not as yet been discovered, and the mode of life of the insect protects it from this form of enemy. Birds, especially woodpeckers, feed upon the larvae, but as the beetles feed at night few of them are killed. Moles are probably more useful in feeding on the adults. The fungus, Sporotrichnm gJohuIiferum, undoubtedly is an important factor in control, especially under moist conditions, which are essential to it, and in which it spreads so rapidly that artificial dissemination is unnecessar}'. Infestation that requires dealing with by forest management falls under two heads, namely, that occurring on cut-over areas, and that occurring in pure stands of seedlings such as forest nurseries, planta- tions and natural reproduction on open pasture land. On cut-over areas, as the beetles are attracted by the odour given off by pine stumps, slashings, etc., it is advised that the slash be piled over the pine stumps and burnt in early spring. This destroj's the odour of pitch and also chars the stumps, and thus lowers their attraction for the beetles. Large, adjacent cuttings in consecutive 3'ears should be avoided. In plantations, besides burning the slash, all coniferous seedlings on cut-over areas should be eliminated by pulling up and burning them. When the adults emerge and find no food available, they will migrate, and in the following year the plantation could be set out without much risk of infestation. On open land, pasture-grown pines of large size should not be cut when seedlings are present until these are at least 3| ft. in height. If cut then, the slash should be burnt over tlie stumps or carted away. Freshly sawn limiber should not be stacked in open pasture where seedlings are present. If possible, such logs should be sawn before the beetles emerge from hibernation in the spring. If this is impossible, the logs should be turned so that the sun's rays may reach the larvae and destroy them. 290 Britton' {\V. K.). Twentieth Report o! the State Entomologist of Connecticut for 1920.— Cojia. A^^yic. Expt. Sfa., Ncia Haven, Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 137-215. 12 plates, 13 figs. [Received 16th April 1921.] The inspection of nurseries and imported nursery stock during the year is described. Pests intercepted on nursery stock include a bulb mite on Manetti rose from Scotland ; Emphytus cinctus, L., on roses from England, France and Holland ; and woolly aphis [Eriosoma lanigentm] on apple from France. Apiary inspection v/as continued on the same hues as in 1919 [R.A.E., A, viii, 338]. The incidence of European foulbrood has decreased each year since inspection was established, and American foulbrood was much less prevalent than in 1919. The statistics of the inspection of 1920 in 119 towns are shown, arranged by counties. Extensive tests were made with dust mixtures in comparison with liquid sprays, the general dust formulae consisting of 90 per cent, powdered sulphur to 10 per cent, powdered lead arsenate, with the addition of quantities of nicotine sulphate varying between | per cent, and 3 per cent. The liquid spray consisted of one part liquid lime- sulphur to 9 parts water, with | pint nicotine sulphate per 100 U.S. gallons of liquid. The times and manner of the applications are described. In discussing the results, it is pointed out that the tests represent only one season's work in one locality, but it is not considered advisable to discard spraying in favour of dusting, though apparently chewing insects can be fairly satisfactorily controlled by the use of ■dust. By adding nicotine sulphate to the dust certain sucking insects, such as the false red bug [Lygidea mendax, Rent.), seem to be checked, but the data are as yet too meagre to form conclusions. Nicotine greatly increases the expense of the mixture ; dusting, on the other hand, requires less time and labour. When sucking insects and scab are troublesome, liquid spraying is considered preferable. An account is given of Hcmcropliila pari ana, Clerck (apple and thorn skeletonizer), the information being based on facts previously recorded. Agrilus sinuatits, 01. (sinuate pear-borer) continues to infest all varieties of pear [R.A.E., A, iv, 446]. The hfe-history and habits and the characteristic injury are described. It is suggested that all trees that are so badly infested that their value is destroyed should be cut and burnt. In more healthy trees the most severely infested portions may be pruned off and burnt. The pupal chambers of the beetle indicated by sunken and discoloured areas may be cut open, and the insects destroyed. Lead arsenate sprays should be used frequently during the latter half of May and June when the adults are feeding on the leaves. Washes of lime-sulphur and lead arsenate applied to the bark before the beetles emerge might act as a repellent. As a precaution against the possible introduction of Pyransta nnbilalis, Hb. (European corn-borer) into Connecticut, quarantine measures have been passed restricting the importation of all parts or products of maize or other food-plants of the borer without a certificate from the Federal inspector. Both the stalk-borer, Papaipevia nebris, Gn. {nitela, Gn.) and the corn ear worm, Heliothis obsoleta, F., are abundant in Connecticut. Eriocampoides limacina, Retz. (pear and cherry slug) appears in two generations, eggs of the first being laid in mid-May, and of the second in July and August. It is this latter .generation that is most injurious. Spraying with lead arsenate is 291 the best remedy in nurseries and orchards, but dusting with fresh hellebore, air-slaked lime or fine road dust will suffocate many of the larvae. The sawfiy, Janus integer, Xort. (currant stem-girdler), punctures the tender shoots of currant and oviposits in the pith, girdUng the shoot above the egg by transverse cuts made with the ovipositor, so that the tips break off or wither. The eggs hatch in about 11 days, and the larva feeds on the pith, excavating a tunnel some inches long. About the beginning of September the mature larva gnaws its way to the bark, where it hibernates, pupating in the following spring and •emerging as an adult late in IMay. The terminal shoots containing the insect should be gathered and burnt in the autumn or early spring, or the girdled canes should be cut back one or two inches in June so that the tips drop to the ground and dry and the newly-hatched larvae in them are destroyed. These measures should be practised thoroughly for a few seasons. Papilio polyxenes, F. (celery caterpillar, or fennel worm) feeds upon leaves of celery, carrot, parsnip, parsley, fennel and almost any UmbelHferous plants. Eggs are laid on the leaves and hatch in about 10 days. The larvae feed for three or four weeks on the leaves and then pupate suspended from a leaf or other support. After from 9 to 16 days the adults emerge in May and June. There are two generations in the northern States, and at least three in the south. Hand-picking is the best method of control in small gardens. On larger areas spraying or dusting with lead arsenate is effective. Polychrosis viteana, Clem, (grape-berry moth), is the most serious pest of grapes, webbing the blossom buds and rolling the leaves and later webbing together the berries in a cluster. The sprays recom- mended are those suggested for Ohio [R. A.E., A, iv, 386]", the first application being made just after blossoming, wdien the berries are about I in. in diameter, the second about seven weeks later, or just before the eggs for the second generation are laid, and the third ten days after the cocoons begin to appear on the leaves. Miscellaneous insects of the year include the bud moth, Eiicosma (Tmetocera) ocellana, Schiff., which injured mature apples, and Eidia pinatithana, Kearf. (pine tube moth), for which the trees may be sprayed with lead arsenate. Aegeriid borers were troublesome in some localities. Aegeria {Sesia) pyri, Harris, doing considerable damage to apple trees. Apples in orchards that had been experimentally sprayed and dusted, as described above, were found to be gnawed on the surface by E. ocellana, by the lesser apple worm, Enarmonia pninivora, Walsh, and, more particularly, by the red-banded leaf- roller, Eulia velutinana, Wlk. A further late treatment was given to prevent this injury. The juniper scale, Diaspis cariteli, Targ., was found infesting both red cedar [Jiiniperus virginiana) and a cultivated juniper (/. pfitzeriana) ; if choice ornamental varieties become attacked, several applications should be made between 1st June and 1st September of either kerosene emulsion or nicotine solution and soap in the form of a spray. The elm leaf-miner, Kaliofemisa iilmi, Sund., was found infesting elms in one locahty ; this is the first record of this pest in Connecticut. The European hornet, Vespa crahro, L., has been reported as killing and injuring dahlia plants by eating off the bark. The leaf-roller, Harpipteryx xylostella, L., another European insect, a description of which is given, was reported as feeding on Tartarian honevsuckle. 292 Britton (\V. E.), Davis (I. W.) cS: Ashworth (J. T.). Report of Work in suppressing the Gipsy and Brown-tail Moths. Season of 1919-1920.— Co««. Agric. Expt. Sta., Xciv Haven, Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 151-168, 1 fig. The methods of dealing with the gipsy moth [Porthetria dispar] and the brown-tail moth [Xygrnia pJiaeonJioca] in preceding years [R.A.E., A, viii, 341, etc.] have been continued with satisfactory results. No new towns have been found invested with gipsy-moth, and no trace of it has been found in seven previously infested towns. A watch has been kept for brown-tail webs, but none have been found. The details of suppression work in various towns are given and summarised in a table. A resume is given of the rearing, colonisation and recovery of the parasites, Anastatns hifasciatus, Boy., ApanteJes ladeicolor, Veir., Pteromaliis egregius, Forst., Monodontomerus aereus, Wlk., Mtieorus versicolor, Wesm., Conipsilura concinnata, Meig., and Sturmia [Zygohothria) nidicola, Towns., as well as the predaceous ground beetle, CaJosoma sycophanta, L. ^lost of these parasites have become fairly well distributed over the infested portion of the State, and some help may be expected from them in a few years' time. A new quarantine order forbids not only the transportation of nursery stock or forest products from infested to non-infested States, but also from infested to non-infested localities within the same State. It is believed that P. dispar is now well in hand in Connecticut, but the importance of continuing the present work is pointed out, in order to retain the infestation within its present limits, or reduce it if possible. Zappe (^F. p.). Notes on the Life History of the False Apple Red Bug in Connecticut [Lxgidea mendax, Reut.). — Conn. Agric. Expt. Sta., Xcic Haven, Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 177-179. Lygidea mendax, Reut. (false apple red bug) caused considerable damage in some of the Connecticut apple orchards in 1920. The eggs are laid in the lenticels of the apple twigs, and hatch when the earliest blossom buds show pink at the tips. The young nymphs crawl to the tip of the twig and pvmcture the tender leaves, causing them to show reddish spots and curl upward. In the third or fourth instar the nymphs pass on to the fruit to feed. Adults began to appear on 25th June, and by 2nd July most of them had disappeared. Nicotine solution, 1 pint to 100 gals, of water, should be sprayed on the trees just before the blossom buds open, the spray being directed from both sides at once, if possible, as the nymphs readily jump to the opposite side of the leaf to avoid the spray. Nicotine should also be added to later sprays, especially that applied soon after the petals fall. Zappe (M. P.). Xotes on the Life History of a Sawfly feeding on Austrian Pine (hvcorsia zappei, Rohw.). — Conn. Agric. Expt. Sia., Neio Haven, 'Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 179-182. The sawfly, Itycorsia zappei, Rohw.. is recorded on Austrian pines in New Haven. The eggs are laid singly on the needles of new growth in late June and early July. The young larvae spin a loose web around themselves, fastening the outer threads to the needles, and inside this they feed, biting off the needles at their base and devouring them. The six larval instars are described, and Rohwer's description of the adult is quoted. 293 Zappe (M. p.). Tests of Soap Sprays to kill the Pink and Green Potato Aphid [Macrosiphnm solanifolii, Ashmead). — Conn. Agric. Expt. Sta., New Haven, Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 182-183. Macrosiphum solanifolii, Ashm. (pink and green potato aphis) has been rather numerous and injurious around New Haven for the last three or four years. Owing to the high cost of nicotine solution, potato fields were sprayed in 1920 with water containing only soft soap of a kind used for washing automobiles. This soap was made with a basis of linseed oil and contained only 56-2 per cent, water. Used at the rate of h oz. per U.S. gal. of water, it killed all Aphids on dipped potato plants, and gave very good results in sprayed fields. Garman (P.). The European Red Mite, a new Orchard Pest in Connecticut [Paratetranvchus pilosus, Can. & Fanz.). — Conn. Agyic. Expt. Sta., New Haven, Bull. 226, 1921, pp. 184-189, 1 fig- Apple orchards in Connecticut were found in early July 1920 to be badly infested with Paratetranvchus pilosns (European red mite), which has apparently been present in Connecticut for at least three years. The winter is passed in the egg-stage on the twigs, generallv in bud-scars or in crevices in the bark, or in the calyx cavity of apples. Hatching cccurs in the spring, the greatest development taking place between May and x\ugust, and the chief damage being done in June. All stages may be found on the leaves at the same time. The stages are described. The results of infestation are partial defoliation and a reduction in the size of the fruit. An investigation into the sprays used showed that the delayed dormant spray is important as a remedy for the mite and should not be diluted more than 1 : 9 in the case of lime-sulphur. The usual treatments for red spiders, such as sulphur dust, lime-sulphur 1 : 50, kerosene emulsion and scalecide, might be used with advantage. In Oregon a combination of nicotine sulphate and lime-sulphur or scalecide has been found very effective. It is thought that the eggs are not killed by winter-strength lime-sulphur, but observations on the citrus mite indicate that the continued action finally kills a large percentage of the mites after hatching. Tables show the results of tests with various insecticides. Heinrich (C). Some Lepidoptera hkely to be confused with the Pink Bollworra.— //. Agric. Res., Washington, B.C., xx, no. 11, 1st March 1921, pp. 807-836, 17 plates. The characters by which the larva and pupa of Platyedra {Pectino- phora) gossypiella, Saund., may be distinguished from'those of other Lepidoptera attacking cotton or related malvaceous plants, as well as those feeding on other plants in the vicinity of cotton fields, are described. A key to the larval characters is also given. The 38 species dealt with include the Stenomid, Aedemoses hesitans, Wlsm., on Mexican ebony {Siderocarpiis flexicaidis) ; the Olethreutid, Crocidoserna plebeiana, Z., on Malvastrmn spicatiim, hollyhock ( Althaea rosea), Malvaviscns dntmmondi, okra {Hibiscus esculent us), in seed pods of H. militaris and in flowers of H. rosa-sinensis ; the Pyralid, Glyphodes Pyloalis, Wlk., on leaves of a mulberry tree, all of which are recorded for the first time from the United States ; and a L^xaenid, Stryrnon melinus, Hb., which feeds on practically all the Malvaceae. 294 The new species described include : — the Gelechiids, Gelechia ncotropJicUa on Mimosa berlandieri, and Telphusa mariona on A butilon spp., Malvastnim sp., and other plants, and the Blastobasid, i/o/coc(?m coiifamiilcUa on fruits of Crataegus. AiNSLiE (G. G.) & Cartwright (W. Pj.V Biology of the Smartweed Borer, Pvraitsta ainsliei, Heinrich. — //. Agric. Res., IVashiiigton, B.C., xx', no. 11, 1st March 1921, pp. 837-844. Studies carried out in Tennessee and the neighbouring States indicate that Pyraiista ainsliei, Heinr., is of no importance as a pest. Its chief food-plant is Polygonum pennsylvaniciim, w\i\i\\\\\ch. the distribu- tion of this moth is probably coextensive. It is easily confused with P.nubilalis.Hh., and P. peniialis, Grote [R.A.E., A, viii, 116]. The life-history is described. There are two generations a year ; the larvae of the second generation are fully grown and abandon the food- plant about the end of August. They seek shelter for the winter in various plants, including maize. The essentials of the shelter-plant are pithy stems with a bark that is not too dense for the larva to enter. Feeding does not take place in the winter Cjuarters. Over 40 per cent, of the larvae were parasitised by Panzeria {Pyraustomyia) penitalis, and the other three Tachinid parasites, recorded from Pyransta penitalis [R.A.E., A, vii, 117] also possibly attack P. ainsliei. The larva of a beetle, CaUeida decora, F., has been found pre^'ing on the larvae of P. ainsliei, and those of Chaidiognathus pennsylvanicns, De G., are also found in the burrows of the borer as well as Foriiculids, though the latter probably only act as scavengers. DE Ong (E. R.). Prevention and Control of Insects in Dried Fruits. — Mthly. Bull. Cal. State Dept. Agric., Sacramento, x, no. 2, February 1 921 , pp. 72-74. The importance of protecting dried fruit from insect infestation is emphasised and preventive measures are discussed [cf. R.A.E., A,, vi, 425 ; vii. 358]. The measures advocated include cold storage, exposure to a temperature of 32° to 36° F. for two or three months having proved .successful against all the insects experimented on. Strong (L. A.). Quarantine Service. Reports for the Months of January and February, I921.~-Mthly. Bull. California Dept. Agric, Sacramento, x, nos. 1 & 3, Januarv & March 1921, pp. 50-52 & 120-122. The pests intercepted during January and February were : — From South America, Ephestia sp., in cacao beans. From Canal Zone, Cathartus gemellatns and Calandra [Siiophilus) linearis in maize -, . Lepidosaphcs beckii on ovnn^es ; and Parlatoria zizyphiis, Lepidosaphes- heckii and undetermined Coccids on lemons. From Central America, Psendococctis sp., Aspidiotns sp., A. cyanopJiylli, Chrysomphahts aonidum and Icerya purc/iasi on bananas ; and pupae of Pieris {Pontia) rapae in banana cars. From Mexico, Heliothis [Chloridea) obsoleta in tomatos ; Calandra sp. in garvanzos ; Chrysomphalns aonidiim on coconuts ; Aspidiotns sp. on Achras sapota ; Pseudococais sp. on pineapples ; and C/irysompJialiis aurantii on oranges. From Oregon, Aspidiotns perniciosns and Cydia [Laspeyrcsia) pomonella on apples. From Texas, Aegeria cxitiosa in peach stock ; and Chrysomphalus 295 aurantii on Florida grapefruit. From Washington, A. perniciosus and C. pomoneUa on apples. From Florida, Lepidosaphes beckii on pomelos ; and Aspidiotus sp. on oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and green coconuts. From Illinois, C. pomonella and A perniciosus on apples; and Lepidosaphes beckii on Florida grapefruit. From New Hampshire, A. perniciosus, Lepidosaphes nlmi and C. pomonella on apples. From New York, .1. perniciosus on apples. From Pennsylvania, A. perniciosus, L. ubni said C. pomonella on apples; and Aphis rosarum on rose plants. From Louisiana, L. beckii on oranges. From Nevada, Heterodera radicicola in potatoes. From Oklahoma, Parlatoria pergandei on Texas grapefruit, oranges and lemons. From Kansas, Aegeria exitiosa in peach stock. From Hawaii, Pseudococcus sp. on avocado and pomegranate : a Trypetid in tomatos ; Diaspis hromeliae and Pseudococcus hromcliae on pineapples and bananas ; Aspidiotus cydoniae, Pseudococcus sp., Prenolepis sp., HemicJiionaspis minor, Ripersia palniarum, Chionaspis inday and Chrysomphalus aonidum on coconuts ; Coccus elongatns, Lepidopterous pupae and Aphis sp. on betel leaves ; Howardia biclavis and Saissetia nigra on Hibiscus ; Jschnaspis longirostris on Gardenia ; Lepidosaphes crotonis on croton ; H etnichionaspis sp. on Dracaena ; larvae of Ceraiitis capitata in coffee berries ; and Coccus elongatus, C. mangiferae and Chionaspis sp. on mango plant. From Tahiti, undetermined Coccids on limes. From China, Lepidopterous larvae in dried herbs, peanuts and beans ; and Calandra orvzae in rice-hull packing. From Japan, Pseudaonidia duplex, Pseudococcus sp., case-bearers, mites, Crcmasio- gaster sp. and larvae and pupae of Lepidoptera on Azalea ; Hemichion- aspis aspidisirae a.nd Chrysomphalus aonidum on Aspidistra ; Catharttis advena and Curculionid larvae in pine nuts ; and Aidacaspis pentagona on Pyrus sp. From Italy, Lepidosaphes beckii, Parlatoria sp. and Pseudococcus sp. on lemons. Frank (A.). Spring Spraying Program for 1921. — Mthly. Bull. Western Washington Expt. Sta., Puyallup, viii, no. 12, March 1921,, pp. 182-186. Recommendations are made for spraying against various insect pests of fruit trees. Those dealt with include codling moth [Cydia pomonella], bud moth [Eucosma ocellana], tussock moth [Hemerocampa]^ tent caterpillars [Malacosoma], Aphids, scale-insects, etc. DupoRT (L.). Rapport sur les Reclierches poursuivies a la Station Entomologique de Cho-Ganh. — Supplements to Bulls. 125 & 126, Chambre d' Agric. Tonkin and Nord- Annam, Hanoi, nos. 7 & 8, Januarv-February & March-April 1920, 7 pp. [Received 20th April 1921.] Records are given of the insectary work during the winter months in connection with the Braconid parasitic on Xylotrechus quadripes (coffee borer) and Chlorophorus annularis, Fairm. (bamboo bcrer), already noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 220, ix, 95.] Illingworth (J. F.). Cane Grub Investigation. — Queensland Agric. JL, Brisbane, xv, pt. 3, March 1921, pp. 128-130. Observations on the oviposition of cane grubs [Lcpidiota] are described. Hand collection of gravid females from the sugar-cane leaves between 5 and 8 a.m. is advocated, but the collection of adults from the feeding trees, especially if done more than two weeks after 296 the primary emergence, has proved useless. Asilids are effective natural enemies, and a bug, Amyotea hamata, might prove useful as a predator were it present in greater numbers. Troop (J.). Entomology. — 32nd Ann. Rept. 1918-19, Purdue Univ. Agric. E.\pt. Sta., Lafavette, Ind., pp. 33-36. [Received 21st April 1921.] The study of the life-history of Cydia [Carpocapsa) pomonella (codling moth) under Indiana conditions has been continued. There is apparently no maximum time of emergence, but the moths appear steadily from 15th June to 15th August. During hot weather the larvae may hatch in 6 to 8 days after the emergence of the adult. To prevent infestation the apples should be kept covered with poisons from the time the blossoms fall until the end of August. The wheat joint worm [Harmolita triiici] has caused even more injury to wheat than Mayetiola destructor. Rotation of crops, plough- ing under of stubble, etc., are measures advocated for the control of this pest. Only one brood of the wheat midge [Contarinia triiici] is injurious to the crop, and it may be controlled by autumn ploughing. Grasshoppers were successfully controlled by the use of the hopper- dozer, and where this means could not be applied, poison baits were used. Ground oats and barley or even sawdust proved an effective substitute for wheat bran in poison baits. Army worms were more abundant than usual, but were heavily parasitised and a repetition of the outbreak is not expected. The seventeen year Cicada [Tibicen septemdecim] caused serious injury to young fruit trees in sod in certain areas. Troop (J.). Entomology. — 33rd Ann. Rept. 1919-20, Purdue Univ. Agric. Expt. Sta., Lafayette, Ind., pp. 22-23, 2 figs. [Received 2rst April 1921.] As a result of further investigations into the life-history of the codling moth [Cydia pomonella], it has been found that there are no well defined broods and practically no break from the time of the emergence of the first moths in May to the last in September. These data will necessitate a revision of the existing spray schedules. Larrimer (W. H.). The Hessian Fly in Indiana. — Purdue Univ. Agric. Expt. Sta., Lafavette, Ind., Circ. 95, May 1920, 8 pp., 5 figs. [Received 21st April 1921.] The Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor] has two generations in Indiana. Its life-history in that State is described. Remedial measures include the usual cultural methods, and the determination of a safe date for sowing. Experiments have been conducted along these lines, and a chart is given showing the dates for various districts. As these dates must vary according to w^eather conditions and fly prevalence, the necessary information will be given out far enough in advance for farmers in the affected localities to modify their plans accordingly. Price (W. A.). Bees and their Relation to Arsenical Sprays at Blossom- ing Time. — Purdue Univ. Agric. ExM. Sta., Lafavette, Ind., Bull. 247, July 1920, 15 pp., 7 figs. [Received 21st April 1921.1 An almost imperceptible amount of arsenic is fatal to bees, and observations have shown that they will work freely on sprayed trees although surrounded by unsprayed ones. For these reasons fruit trees should not be sprayed while in full bloom. 297 Froggatt (W. W.). Ladybird Beetles and Potatoes. — Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., Sydney, xxxii, pt. 3, March 1921, p. 196. Epilachna vigintioctopiinctata is said to be one of the most useful Aphid-destroying Coccinelhds in Austraha, but it also feeds not infre- quently on potatoes and causes serious damage when numerous. Leefmans (S.). De Palmsnuitkever {Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Oliv.). [The Palm Weevil, R. ferrugineus.] — Meded. Inst. Plantenziekten, Buitenzorg, no. 43, 1920, 90 pp., 11 plates, 1 map. (With an Enghsh Summ.ary.) [Received 12th April 1921.] These are the first original investigations published in the Dutch East Indies on the coconut palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Oliv. The work was conducted concurrently v/ith that on the rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, L., first at Buitenzorg, Java, and then at Padang, Sumatra. [R. A.E., A, ix, 45]. In Java the typical R. ferrugineus (red palm weevil) of British India occurs, but in addition there is a black variety with a longi- tudinal red or orange mark on the pronotum, known as R. ferrugineus var. schach, Oliv. ; this is unknown in British India. In Sumatra and Borneo both this and other varieties occur. In the Batjan Islands, West and South New Guinea and Celebes R. papiianus, Kirsch, is found and is evidently the representative in the Austrahan region. In Celebes R. ferrugineus and R. ferrugineus var. schach occur in addition. It may be noted that both these are found in the Philippines, though there the variety is called R. pascha, Boh. Crossing experiments between the Javanese {R. ferrugineus type) and Sumatran [R. ferrti- gineus var. schach) forms showed that the former is heterozygous and the latter homozygous. A curious result of this crossing was the appearance of grubs with visible rudimentar}^ legs and chitinous processes on the mesothorax and metathorax. To test the accepted theory that the coconut weevil makes use of the holes made by the rhinoceros beetle, many dying palms were felled and examined. In 17 cases traces of Oryctes rhinoceros only were present ; in 8 cases (6 of which were young palms) traces of Rhynchophorus only ; in 48 cases traces of both pests ; and in 4 cases traces of neither. It is thus possible for coconut palms to be killed by either, but as a rule both are concerned, and therefore the measures taken against Oryctes are useful against Rhyme hop horns. The fact that coconuts, especially between 4 and 10 years in age, can be destroyed by the latter quite independently of the former is important, and it may be said that the injury due to the weevil is the more serious. As Rhynchophorus also attacks ornamental palms {Livistona, etc.) and species of economic value (sago, etc.) its importance as a pest is evident. The larva alone is injurious. In old coconuts the crown is infested, sometimes in conjunction with Oryctes. In 3'oung palms the crown, the trunk, and the root-collar may be affected. Infestation of the crown in both old and young palms is characterised by the dropping of the young heart leaves ; it is nearly always fatal. Felling reveals the internal injury to the trunk, which nmst be destroyed together with the pests it harbours. The trunk infestation and the root-collar infestation found in young palms are revealed b^' the wounds in the trunk from which debris is extruded or by a small hole from which a brown fluid flows. If these signs are noticed early enough it is possible to cure the trouble by removing the larva or killing it in situ. (3086) X 298 The eggs are laid in the wounds, and the egg-stage lasts exactly three days. The larva was found in the following palms : — Metroxylon sagiis, Arengci saccharifera, Elaeis giiineensis, and CorypJia gebanga, and in addition has been recorded in Phoenix sylvcsiris and Borassiis flahcUifc)'. Another breeding-place is the rubbish from the native sago manufacture. The larvae like moist surroundings and are not drowned by 48 hours' submersion. The damage done by a few individuals is astonishing. The greatest number found in a coconut palm was 42 ; in a dead sago palm 155 larvae, pupae and adults were observed. The shortest larval period in the laboratory was three and a half months. Under conditions approximating to those in nature the shortest period was two months. There is an inactive larval stage in the cocoon. This lasts 3-5 days and is followed by a pupal stage of 13-15 days. After emergence from the pupa, the weevil remains for 11-18 days in the cocoon. The first eggs were laid 11-21 days after emergence. Trapping gave an average proportion of 60 males to 40 females. Experiments with marked weevils showed that thev can detect favourable breeding-places at 1,000 yards distance. A greater distance is quite probable, and the fifty-yard estimate found in the literature is quite inadequate. The maximum number of eggs obtained from one female was 531. Up to 87 per cent, of the eggs produced larvae. The longest period of adult life in captivit}^ was 107 days. The shortest life-cycle was three months, at sea-level (Padang), and the longest seven months, at 780 feet (Buitenzorg) under unfavourable conditions. Four annual generations are therefore possible. The American palm weevil [Rhynchophorits palmar 11)11] in Trinidad is said to be attracted by the soft tissue of palms. The author had observed that fresh cut trunks of the sago palm strongly attracted R. ferrugineus, and experiments were made on the trapping value of this easily obtained material. Two days after felling, the fresh sago trunks become attractive and remain so for 10-13 days. Pieces of trunk from a palm that had already flowered remained attractive for a month. As a tree dies after bearing fruit, it is worthless except for such traps. The weevils fly by day, rarely at night or in the dusk. Both sexes were attracted, the females averaging 40 per cent, of the catches. During the experiments 501 weevils were captured in seven experiments, a whole sago palm trunk being cut up and used in each. As one female may lay over 500 eggs, it is obvious that this trapping is advisable wherever the sago trunks have little value. The placing of cages containing males with the trap trunks resulted in a higher number of captured weevils, males as well as females. The trunk of a young coconut palm (4-6 years old), cut into six pieces, served to attract the weevils for two days only. A number of other experiments were made with baits. Coconut water from ripe or nearly ripe nuts, ordinary alcohol, coconut toddy, acetic acid, and other substances gave no results. Decaying sugar-cane M'as of some use, but very much inferior to sago trunks. In experiments on the manner in which the weevils enter the palms it was found that infestation was not effected on the healthy cortex of voung or old palms. Eggs are only laid in wounds, including those a month old. In old trees with hard tissues the larvae never developed ; in young trees development was normal, and the trees were badly damaged or died. Infestation in steps cut for climbing the palms had fatal results in young trees. Infestation in fresh leaf scars failed. 299 In the stumps of cut-off leaf-stalks eggs were laid and larvae developed to some extent, but they never reached the trunk. Observations in the field confirm the above results. There were signs that other beetles besides 0. rhinoceros probablv act as mtermediaries for infestation by R. ferrugineus. The suspected species are Platypus solid us, Wlk., which makes small holes in the bark ; TrocJwrrhopalus strangulatus, Gyl., found in numbers in holes probably made by this beetle in the cortex of young palms ; and Diocalandra sp. ? the larvae of which live in the roots of coconut palms. No parasites of R. ferrugineus were found. On one occasion Nematodes were found in the intestines of some weevils, but attempts to mfest others failed. Insect-eating birds and mammals are of little importance. Preventive measures include all those advocated against 0. rhinoceros [loc. cit.]. Wounds in the cortex of young trees (under 10-13 years of age) are dangerous. When cutting the leaf-stalk at least 12 inches must be left on the trunk. Old leaves and flower spikes must not be pulled off. The tender parts of the crowns must not be crushed, if and when the crowns are cleaned. Accidental wounds must be tarred promptly and repeatedly. Small Curculionid beetles that might gather m crevices or holes must be regularly collected. To prevent the root infestation of young trees, the roots must be kept covered with sod and protected against injury. All possible breeding-places, such as dead palms, must be cut and buried under eight inches of soil.' Remedial measures include trapping the weevils in cut sago trunks, collection thrice a day being necessary ; collection of the weevils found when cleaning the crowns ; and supervision of plantations by framed beetle-catchers who can detect signs of infestation. Infestation of the crown is almost incurable. Trunk and root infestation may be cured by mjectmg carbon bisulphide into the bore-hole, which is then plugged with clay for 24 hours. Afterwards the affected tissues and the dead larvae are removed and the cleansed healthy tissues are tarred several times, the hole being finally closed with cement. One application of tar is insufficient. Leefmans (S.). Een uit Amerika geimporteerde Plaag van de Agavecultuur {Scyphophorus acupunctatus, Gylh.). [S. acupunc- tatus, a Pest of Agave imported [into Java] from America.]— Meded. Inst. Plantenziekten, Buitenzorg, no. 44 1920 7 pp 2 plates. [Received 12th Aprill921.] In 1916 complaints were received from an estate in East Java that Curculionid larvae were infesting the slips of Agave sisalana, especially in the nursery beds. The pest was identified as Scyphophorus acupunctatus, Gyl., a weevil occurring in California, Colorado, Texas and Haiti, and infesting Amaryllidaceae such as Agave and Foitrcroya, and Liliaceae such as Yucca. The larvae bore into the tissues and kill the plant. The slips and the old stems are chiefly attacked, the latter being important breeding- places that must be destroyed. Descriptions of the larva, pupa, cocoon and weevil are given. It is advisable that the advice of the Instituut voor Plantenziekten be sought before importing slips from East Java or from Sumatra, to which island slips from East Java appear to have been sent. Any occurrence of the pest should be reported without delay. (30S6) X 2 300 Baily (W.). Verslag van het ProeJstation Midden-Java over het Jaar 1920. [Report for 1920 of the Central Java Experiment Station.]— Meded. Proefst. Mid.- Java, Salatiga, no. 36, 1921, 24 pp. A twig-borer appeared in numbers on some coffee estates. The dangerous coffee bean-borer, Stephanoderes hampei, remained restricted to one estate, Central Java being otherwise free from it. Cases of injury to Hevea by borers were rather numerous. In one locality a small species of Xylehonis was found in healthy trees that had never been tapped. It was observed that such covering preparations as tar, etc., attract borers to some extent, and tap-wounds covered with paraffin preparations have been attacked by borers on several occasions. G.\uDOT (G.). Les Sauterelles en Camargue. — //. Agric. Pratique, Paris, XXXV, no. 15, 16th April 1921, p. 300. In view of the damage caused by African locusts in several localities of the Bouches-du-Rhone district, a decree has been passed com- pelling the application of remedial measures. The terms of the decree are quoted and necessitate the determination and clear marking of breeding areas, and a careful look out for the emergence of the young hoppers from 1st March to 31st May 1921. As the eggs hatch the responsibility for the destruction of the insects rests on the occupier of the land infested, who must informi the proper authority. Should the destruction not be completed within 48 hours, operations will be carried out at the occupier's expense. The remedial measures suggested include insecticides such as cresyl solution, coal tar oil and chlorpicrin, flamethrowers and poison baits. Leone (G.). La Distruzione dell' Icerya pnrchasi nelle Oasi di Tripoli. [The Destruction of /. ptircliasi in "the Oases of Tripoli. 1 — L' A^ric. Colon., Florence, xv, no. 3, ]\Iarch 1921, pp. 140-141. In order to combat the Coccid, Icerya pnrchasi, which has been ravaging the Citrus trees in the oases of Tripoli, the author obtained with the help of the Portici Entomological Station about 100 specimens of the Coccinellid, Novius cardinalis. In a few months the success of this measure became so marked that the natives are themselves assisting in the spread of this beneftcial ladybird. RiTZEMA Bos (J). Mijn Proefveldje bij het Instituut voor Phyto- pathologie van 1906 to 1920. [My Experimental Plot at the Institute of Phytopathology from 1906 to \920.]—TijdscIjr. Plantenziekten, Wageningen, xxvii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 29-44. One of the observations made showed that with adequate manuring winter rye was successfully grown for 14 consecutive years in the same field without infestation by pests. The freedom from infestation must be due to the absence of pests at the beginning of the period, and this refutes the author's former opinion that Tylenchus devasiatrix and Heterodera schachtii are present in some number in all soils and that a succession of the same crop leads to their increase. 301 Tragardh (I.). Undersokningar over den storre Margborren, dess Skadegorelse och Bekampande. [Investigations on Myelophiliis piniperda, its Injury and Control.] — Medd. Stat. Skogsforsoksanst., Stockholm, xviii, no. 1 , 1921 , pp. 1-80, 27 figs. [With a Summary in German.] Owing to thinning methods increasingly employed in Sweden during the past 10 years, Myelophiliis piniperda has become more abundant in forests. Experiment has shown that this bark-beetle has only one annual generation ; under certain undetermined circumstances it is able to produce a second brood which is of no practical importance owing to its rare occurrence and small numbers. In Southern and Central Sweden, up to 64° north latitude, swarming takes place at the end of May or early in June. The injury done at the beginning and in the middle of June is at first difficult to detect ; the affected needles are distinguishable only by the fact that they are shorter. The shoots then resemble those injured by the pine shoot moth [Rhyacionia hioliana], except that in the latter case the openings surrounded by resin are missing. Dry shoots still on the branch are often infested by larvae of Anobimn sp., but this beetle is never a primary pest. If the shoot is so vigorous that the outer woody portion is not destroyed, the injured part is healed by the formation of a callosity, though growth remains checked during the year first following. The crowns are attacked in spring by beetles that have not matured in the previous years. This injury is less severe than that in June caused by individuals that have produced the new brood and are preparing to produce a second one, or than that in July due to the new brood. The rare occurrence of the second brood just mentioned has not been explained, but it may be due to the lack of suitable trees for the breeding of this second generation. It thus seems that feeding after the production of the annual brood aims at forming a reserve brood able to utilise any breeding facilities that may appear in late summer. The top of the crown is the part most attacked, probably because M. piniperda prefers the same year's or the previous year's shoots to older ones. Injury due to a single attack may be made good by new shoots, but nevertheless gives rise to loss, and it has been estimated by a competent authority that in extreme cases the increase in diameter of the tree may be lessened by 22 per cent. Figures are given showing that a 10 per cent, reduction entails a loss of about 1,600,000 cubic feet of timber in Sweden. It is very seldom, however, that trees in a plantation of young pines are killed as the result of one attack. The injury to the trunk as a result of mining for breeding purposes varies in importance. If the mines are numerous the tree may be killed ; if their number is small it is possible that the tree may escape infesta- tion in the following year. In an experimental plot 6 per cent, of the trees were killed and 6 per cent, were fatally injured in the course of two years as a result of the winter feeding. As the latter occurs as fre- quently as the injury to the crowns, its importance appears to have been overlooked hitherto. More attention should be paid to this phase of the activity of M. piniperda. If the trees felled in a thinned area are left lying in the forest the crown infestation spreads throughout it, but if the felled trunks are placed along a road most of the fresh injury is confined to the trees alongside, indicating that M. piniperda seeks trees that are close 302 to its breeding places. During the summer of 1920 the author found that Pissodcs spp. and Magdalis spp., when feeding, usually collect near the places where they will oviposit later on ; in pine woods they are found in numbers near winter-felled timber. It is probable that Mydophilus pinipcrda, the life-history of which is very similar to that of these beetles, behaves in a like manner. This would also explain a concentration of crown injury independently of the occurrence or non- occurrence of breeding facilities. The occurrence of .1/. pinipcrda is in close relation to modern methods of thinning, which multiply breeding facilities. In forests that have not been thinned the pest is much less abundant, and only weakened, backward trees are infested and not even all of them. If such trees are available after M. piniperda has swarmed, they are infested by Pissodes pini and by Longicorns. In a forest where thinning has been neglected, M. piniperda, P. pini and Longicorns are all found. Not only weak trees but those broken by snow are infested ; the injuries in both categories do not, however, result in much loss, though if many such trees are present there is an increased number of beetles, and these may prove a danger if thinning or felling is begun. The size of the felled trees influences the occurrence of .1/. pinipcrda. Stems with a diameter of or under 3| cm. may be left Ij'ing without risk and indeed with advantage because very few of the eggs (0-5 per cent.) laid in them develop. Trees felled in summer and autumn have undergone such changes by the spring as to be unattractive. In exposed situations the changes are so rapid that clearing may be continued up to November. In shaded places clearing must cease by the end of August. It is possible that the non-dangerous period may be extended b}' barking the trunks. Leonardi (G.). Monografia delle Cocciniglie Italiane. Opera postuma. Edizione curata e accresciuta di un'Appendice dal Prof. F. Silvestri. [A Monograph on Italian Coccidae.l — Poriici, 1920, vii -j- 555 pp., 375 figs. [Received 25th April 1921 .] The author completed this important monograph just before his death, from material collected during a lifetime's work on the Coccidae of Italy. The volume is edited, by the author's wish, by Prof. Silvestri. A general section describes the development and metamorphosis of Coccids, their economic importance, natural enemies, and the measures employed against them. A glossary of the terms used in the nomen- clature of their external anatoni}' is included in this portion of the work. The bulk of the volume is devoted to the description of 50 genera and 147 species, much of the material having appeared before in the form of scattered papers. ]\Iost of the numerous figures are original. There is a key to the subfamilies, many specific keys, and full references to the names adopted and to the synonymy. The author has in some cases disregarded the commonly accepted rules of nomen- clature, the subfamily name, He:micoccinak being used though there is no genus Heinicoccus, and the only included genus being Kermo- cocciis, a name that is substituted for Kcrmcs owing to its resemblance to the Aphid genus, Chermcs. Much of the information available on the Coccidae of Europe is contained in this volume, which will be of considerable assistance to students of this group. 303 MjoBERG (E.). Results of Dr. E. Mjoberg's Swedish Scientific Expeditions to Australia, 1910-1913 : 19. Isoptera. — Ark. ZooL, Stockholm, xii. no. 15, 1920, 128 pp., 6 plates, 64 figs. [Received 25th April 1921.] Most of the termites dealt with come from the dry desert-like country in the Kimberley district of North-west Australia and from the rain-forests of Queensland. No less than 51 species belonging to 12 genera were collected in Australia; of these 36 species and 1 genus proved to be new. Parfentjev (I.). Les Insectes nuisibles aux Plantes M^dicinales en Crimee. — Bull. Sac. Path. Exot., Paris, xiv, no. 3, 9th March 1921, pp. 164-167, 5 figs. A good deal of interest was aroused in medicinal plants in Russia during the War on account of the difficulty of importing drugs, and they were largely cultivated both by the Government and by private enterprise. The insect pests injurious to these plants were studied in the Crimea during 1919 and 1920. Ricinus communis [castor-oil plant] bears well and is wexy little attacked, but Atropa heUadonna is severely injured, particularly b}^ the flea-beetles, Epitrix atropae, Foudr., and E. puhescens, Koch, which riddle the leaves. These beetles oviposit during the summer in the ground, the eggs being laid singly. The larvae hatch in from seven to eight da}'s and remain in the soil, where they pupate, adults emerging after six or seven days. Psylliodes hyoscyami, L., is occasionally found on belladonna, but more frequenth^ on Hyoscyamiis niger, L. The leaves and flowers of belladonna are also attacked b^^ the caterpillars of Baraihra {Mamestra) brassicae, L., and of Helioihis peliigera, Schiff. Papaver somniferum (poppy) is attacked b}^ the Curculionid, Ceuthorrhynchus macida-alba, Hbst., the adults of which puncture the young fruits, the larvae living within the capsules. Podagrica malvae, IlHg., occurs abundantly on Althaea officinalis and .4. rosea (marshmallows), eating holes in the leaves and flowers ; the latter species is also attacked by the weevils, Baris nitens, F., Apion longirosire, 01., and A. validuin, Germ. The adults of Apion spp. appear in the middle of September. Oxythyrea fiinesta, Poda, devours the reproductive organs of Althaea officinalis. The flowers of Focniculum officinale (fennel) are attacked by various Hj'menoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera. The bug, Graphosoma lineatiim, L., sucks the juices of fennel fruits. Melissa officinalis (common balm) is cultivated in the Crimea both for its medicinal properties and also for use in apiculture, when it is used as a bait to attract swarms. Chr3-somelid beetles, including Cassida viridis, L., and Crypiocephalus ocellatus, Drap., perforate the leaves. Wild medicinal plants also suffei" from insect attacks, the belladonna found in the forests being attacked by Epitrix spp., and the flowers of Adonis vernalis, which is widespread in the Crimea, by Amphicoina vulpes, F. Fisher (H. C). Report of the Health Department of the Panama Canal for the Calendar Year 1919.— J/o//;// Hope, C.Z., 1920, 134 pp., 20 plates. [Received 21st April 1921.] The most important Citrus pest in the Panama Canal zone is Aleiirocanthns zcogliimi, Ashb}' (citrus whitefl}-), and it is gradually 304 spreading into the surrounding country. The most effective spray against it is paraffin oil and fish oil soap ; but good results have also been obtained with linseed oil and fish oil soap, Panama Canal larvicide (crude phenol and rosin soap), and kerosene emulsion. The Coccinellids Pentilia castanea, Muls., and Scymnus horni, Gorh., as well as an undetermined lacewing, Chrysopa sp., sometimes greatly reduce the numbers of this pest. A larvicide spray followed in a day or two by clean water under pressure will clean the tree from this pest, and also from sooty mould. Other insects recorded are Coccus viridis, Green (soft green scale), on coffee ; Trigona riificrus corvina (red-eyed grasshopper) ; Solenopsis geminata, F., causing severe damage by girdling the trees ; Lepi- dosaphes heckii, Newm. (mussel scale) ; Selenaspidiis articulattts (West Indian red scale) attacking a variety of plants, including Citrus ; Chionaspis citri, Comst. (snow scale) ; Chrysomphalus aonidum, L. (red-spotted scale), on Citrus and roses ; Pliilaplicdra broadK'ayi {theohrouiac) , on mango and cacao; Vinsonia stellifera and Coccus mangiferae on mango ; a new species of Heilipus, Ischnaspis loiigirostris, Pulvinaria pyriforniis, Targionia biformis, Saissetia hemisphacrica and Ceroplastes sp. on avocado ; Toxotrypana ciirvi- Cauda, Gerst., and Aidacaspis (Diaspis) pentagona, on papaj'a ; Metamasius sericeus (West Indian sugar-cane borer) in banana stumps ; Brassolis isthmia, Bates, on leaves of banana plants ; Pinnaspis buxi, Aspidiotus palmae, Diaspis boisduvali, Inglisia vitrea, Chrysomphalus dictyospermi, C. aonidum, Vinsonia stellifera, and Ischnaspis longirostris, on coconut palms. The pests of field, forage, vegetable and truck crops are Laphygma frugiperda, S. & A. (fall army-worm), cutworms, Blissus leucopterus, flea-beetles, termites, and Aspidiotus {Targionia) hartii, Ckll. The latter scale was abundant on 3'ams. Ornamental plants are attacked by Heniichionaspis minor, C. aonidum, especially severe on roses, Selenaspidus articulatus, Saissetia nigra, S. hemisphacrica, S. oleae, Howardia biclavis, Orthezia praelonga, Icerya montserratensis, R. & H., an ant, Atta sexdens, L., and the Noctuid moth, Xanthopastis timais f . molinoi, Dyar, the larvae of which were very destructive to lilies. Nasutotevjnes cornigera, Hag., causes serious damage to woodwork. Monomorium pharaonis, L., is especially troublesome as infesting provisions. The pests of stored products are Triboliuin castaneum [ferrugincuui), Tenebrio sp., Silvaims surinamensis, Lepisnia sp., an Anobiid, Calandra oryzae, and the cadelle beetle [Tenebroides mauritaniciis~\ in oats ; and Catorama herbarium, Gorh., causing damage to corn brooms. Xyleborus grenadcnsis, Hopk., was abundant in sawed Sanday wood logs. Kai.mbach (E. R.) & Gabrielson (I. N.). Economic Value of the Starling in the United States.— U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 868, 10th January 1921, 67 pp., 3 figs., 4 plates. [Received 16th April 1921.] The starling, Sturnus vulgaris, has few equals among the bird population of the north-eastern United States as an effective destroyer cf terrestrial insects, which compose 41-55 per cent, of its food, the monthly percentages varying from 23-81 in February to 57-8 in 305 October. These figure^^ result from the examination of a very large series of stomachs and extensive field observations in those parts of the United States where this bird is most abundant. Nearly half of its insect food consists of Coleoptera, of which weevils, Carabids and Lamellicorns are the most important in the order named. The weevils furnish 8-5 per cent, of the starling's food. Nearly half (1,125) of the 2,301 adult birds examined had eaten clover-leaf weevils. Hyper a punctata, and 12 had taken the larvae. In every month of the year the starling is searching the grasslands and weed patches for H. punctata, and the high percentages revealed in January and February would seem to indicate that this pest hibernates in far greater numbers than has been conunonly believed. Another weevil eaten in considerable numbers is the lesser clover-leaf weevil. Hypera {Phytonomiis) nigrirostris. The clover-root weevil, Sifones hispidulus, is also a favourite article of diet ; while the closely-related 5. flavescens is preyed upon to a less extent. Other species found were Otiorrhynchus ovatus, 0. sidcatus, Barypeithes pelhicidus, Spheno- phorus spp. — a group of which S. parvulus (blue-grass billbug) was the most frequently taken — and Phyxelis rigidns. It is evident that the starling is a very effective enemy of weevil pests of grass or forage crops, and it may be said to be the most effective bird enemy of Hypera punctata in the United States. Carabids constitute 5-71 per cent, of the starling's food. By far the greater part of the members of this family eaten by the starling are more or less vegetarian in their habits, notably species of the genera Harpalus and Anisodactyliis. While it must be admitted that some useful species of Carabids are consumed, only a small number are decidedly beneficial ones. The Lamellicorns follow the weevils and Carabids in the quantity of food furnished, 2-24 per cent, coming from this source. The bulk of this figure is represented by 11 species of Lachnosterna {Phyllophaga), the May beetle adults of the notorious white grubs. Both adults and larvae are eaten, the former more frequently. The starling also feeds on the recently imported Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica. Staphylinids, Chrysomelids, Elaterids, Tenebrionids, and other beetles were taken in varying numbers. Some species of economic impor- tance include Drasterius elegans, Agriotes mancits, Colaspis brunnea, and Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The starling's destruction of Cole- optera is overwhelmingly in its favour. Orthoptera constitute 12-41 per cent, of the annual food, and during October and November the starling secures practically all its insect food from members of this order, Tettigoniids and Gryllids predominat- ing. Among the grasshoppers eaten were Mclanoplus fcmur-rubrum (red-legged locust) and Chortophagaviridifasciata (green-striped locust). Lepidoptera, mainly caterpillars, are chiefly attractive to nesthngs, forming 38-21 per cent, of the food of young starlings and occurring in 274 of the 325 stomachs examined. Most of the caterpillars are cutworms. In the stomachs of adults, Lepidoptera constituted 6-04 per cent, of the yearly food. May and June are the months of greatest consumption, when such food represents 13-97 and 20-56 per cent, of the total. The army-worm [Cirph.is nnipuncta), the cabbage butterfly {Pieris rapae), and the American tent caterpillar {Malaco- soma americana) are among the other Lepidoptera taken. Of the other orders of insects, the Hymenoptera are best repre- sented. Rhynchota form only an unimportant part (less than 1 per cent.) of the food. 306 No other bird equals the starling in the destruction of millipedes. It has recently been shown that millipedes are injurious, and damage to beans, strawberries, melons, potatoes, etc., has been attributed to Julus caerideocinctiis, which is a favourite food of the starling. The most serious economic objection to the starling is its destruction of cherries. It only secures an extremely small portion of its sustenance from either sweet or field maize. The adult bird is primarily a feeder on insects and wild fruit — less than 6 per cent, of its yearly food being secured from cultivated crops. The damage it does is mainly due to its habit of concentrating in flocks. The protection of this bird by law, except when it is actually doing or threatening harm, is considered advisable. DooLiTTLE (S. P.). The Mosaic Disease of Cucurbits. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., Bull. 879, 15th November 1920, 69 pp.. 10 plates. [Received 27th April 1921.] A large part of the dissemination of mosaic disease is often due to insects, including Aphis gossypii, Glov. (melon aphis), Diahrotica vittata, F. (striped cucumber beetle) and D. duodecimpnnctata, Oliv. (twelve-spotted cucumber beetle). Transmission experiments were made with positive results and are tabulated. The high percentage of infection obtained from inoculation by means of Aphids from diseased plants is probably due to the fact that Aphids, being sucking insects, introduce the virus into those tissues that will distribute it most rapidly throughout the plant. But though A. gossvpii may be responsible for severe epidemics, D. vittata is probably the most important insect carrier, as it is common in most cucumber-growing districts and is usually abundant throughout the season. Experiments indicate that it can transmit the disease for only a short time after feeding on infected plants. D. dnodccim- puiidata is so similar to D. vittata that the above probably applies equally well to it. While other cucumber pests may also transmit the disease, they are probably of less importance. Lygns pratcnsis (tarnished plant bug) probably carries it, but the few tests made with it proved nega- tive. Thrips tabaci, Lind., Tetranychns felariiis, L., and Asterochiton {Aleurodes) vaporariorinn, Westw., have shown no indications of being carriers. As regards bees, the evidence thus far secured indicates that little, if any, infection is carried by them. DiFTz (H. F.) & Zetek (J.). The Black Fly of Citrus and other sub- tropical Plants. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 885, 11th December 1920, 55 pp., 7 figs., 11 plates. [Received 20th .\pril 1921.] This report is based on an intensive study of the black Hy, Aleiiro- canthus woglnmi, Ashby, made in the Panama Canal Zone from June 1918 to August 1919. It includes information, some of which has not previously been published, from other sources, to which full reference is made. A. icoghtmi was introduced into Jamaica from India on infested plants wkhin the last 10-15 years and has now spread to Cuba, New Providence, the Canal Zone, the Republic of Panama and Costa Rica. Nursery stock or infested individual food-plants, including cuttings 307 for propagation, are responsible for the introduction and spread of this pest. Within a given region this method of spread is supple- mented by the natural flight of the adults and their carriage on vehicles and clothing. The more important food-plants, of A. 'woglumi in the Canal Zone are Ardisia revoluta, Citrus spp., Coffea arabica, Elaeis melanococca, Eugenia jambos, E. malaccensis, Luaima mammosa, L. nervosa, Meli- cocca bijuga and Mangifera indica. Under certain conditions plants are seriously injured, but none have been found to be killed by it in the Canal Zone and Republic of Panama. The six stages in the life-history of A. woghtmi, namely, the egg, three larval instars, the pupa and the adult, are described. There is a decided overlapping of stages. The duration of the various stages was as follows: egg, 11-20 days; three larval instars, 7-16, 5-30 and 6-20; pupa, 16-80; adult, probably 6-12. There is a great mortality in the various stages, only 22-5 per cent, of the individuals of 790 eggs reaching maturity. In the Canal Zone drought in the dry season and the heavy rains during the wet are factors that tend to check the pest. Natural enemies include the Coccinelhds, Hyperaspis calderana, Gorh., H. albicollis, Gorh., Scymnus thoraciciis, For., 5. horni, Gorh., S. coloratits, Gorh., S. adspersitlits, Gorh., and Crypiognatha flaviccps, Crotch. The larvae of a lacewing fly, Chrysopa sp., have occasionally been taken feeding on all stages of A. luoglitmi. The fungi, AscJier- sonia spp. and Aegerita webberi, attack the larvae and pupae. No internal parasites have been found. Artificial control is necessary. The logical time for spraying in this region is in the dry season, but no data on sprays at this time have been obtained. Preliminary work during the rainy season has shown that such contact insecticides as 5 ancl 10 per cent, kerosene emulsions, fish-oil soap at the rate of 1 lb. to 2-4 U.S. gals, water, and nicotine oleate prepared according to Moore's formula [R.A.E., A, vi, 422] give good results. There is a possibility that A . wogliimv may gain entrance into and become established in the United States, particularly Florida. Collins (C. W.) & Hood (C. E.). Gipsy Moth Tree-banding Material : How to make, use, and apply it. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 899, 14th December 1920, 18 pp., 4 figs., 7 plates. [Received 20th April 1921.] As a result of practical experience the formula for a banding adhesive published l)y Burgess and Griffin [R. A.E., A, v, 212] has been modified and changes in the method of mixing have been introduced. The materials used are neutral coal-tar oil having a density of 1-12-1 -15 at 20° C. (68° F.) ; hard coal-tar pitch, melting at about 49° C. (120° F.) ; resin oil, known as first-run " kidnev," having a viscosity of 52 at 100° C. (212° F.), tested with a Saybolt universal viscosimeter ; and ordinarj^ commercial hydrated lime. Coal-tar acids sometimes injure trees, hence the necessity for a neutral or nearly neutral oil. Resin oils vary in colour, viscosity, and acidity. The resin oil specified is of a medium to dark brown colour and contains 26 per cent, free acid. If the acid content is too low, the finished product will be too soft and will not stand up on the trees, even at moderate temperatures, and it becomes necessary to add more resin oil, which results in a tougher product that films 308 over quickly when on the trees. The resin oil specified saponifies in 4-10 minutes ; oils that saponify more rapidly are not so satis- factory in use. If the commercial hydrated lime cannot be obtained, ordinary rock or quicklime can be used ; it must be slaked with just enough water to make the resultant product a dry powder or hj'drated lime. This should be passed through a sieve having 14 meshes to an inch ; a coarser mesh should not be used. The material was mi.xed in a 25-gallon soap kettle with an arrange- ment of stirring paddles ; the kettle was provided with a steanirjacket, but usually no heat was required. As a rule, mixing should be done at 60-75° F. The construction of this plant is fully shown in a sectional figure. The banding material was made in large quantities as follows ; one part by weight of hard coal-tar pitch was placed in the kettle ; one part by weight of coal-tar neutral oil was added ; heat was then applied until the pitch had melted and thoroughly mixed with the oil ; the kettle was then removed and two more parts by weight of coal-tar neutral oil were added and everything was thoroughly mixed. This product, known as " pitch neutral oil mixture," could be poured and worked after cooling, and formed a stock mixture. To prepare the banding material, 18 lb. of the stock mixture and 70 lb. of the coal-tar neutral oil were placed in the kettle and stirred. In a few moments 12 lb. of hydrated lime was added slowly. When the contents had become of a uniform consistency 50 lb. of resin oil was added and mixed for a few minutes, or until the contents began to thicken. Then 20 lb. of coal-tar neutral oil was added, and the contents were thoroughly mixed. The stirring was then stopped, and the material poured into containers. In 2-3 days it had set to a semi-solid state. In cold weather it is slightly stiff, but it can be applied easily at 35° F. At higher temperatures it works very easily. The above product is suited to New England or a similar climate. For a warmer climate it may, if required, be made harder bj' slightly increasing the amount of resin oil and lime. In a much colder climate it may be made softer by the addition of a little more coal-tar neutral oil. If an excess of lime is added to bring the material up to the desired consistency, the product will have a more or less granular appearance and will soon become devoid of the most desirable oily surface when on the trees. If the viscosity of the resin varies, the amount used must be altered. A reduction of 4 lb. resin oil should be made to every 15 points increase in viscosity. Each 4 lb. reduction of resin oil entails a 4 lb. addition of coal-tar neutral oil. Half this addition is made to the amount first added (70 lb. in the formula), and half to the amount last added (20 lb.) to the mixer. The material is most conveniently applied by a special " gun," a full description of which is given. It consists of a tin cylinder with a plunger and flat nozzle, delivering a band f f by /^r inch, which is suitable where the infestation is not too severe and is the most satisfactory under average conditions. The bands ma}' be placed low down or 5-8 feet high. In the first case small caterpillars will not be able to climb up into a position from which they may be dislodged and dispersed by the wind. In the second case cattle and other animals are unable to rub against them. If regular or frequent care cannot be given to the bands, it 309 may be advisable to use broader ones of 11 or more inches width. Double bands are also very effective where the infestation is very heavy. Banding was found to be effective against Porthetria dispar, L. (gipsy moth), Nygmia phaeorrhoea, Don. {Eiiproctis chrysorrhoea) (brown-tail moth), Hemerocampa leucostigma, S. & A. (white-marked tussock moth), Notolophus antiqiia, L. (rusty tussock moth), Malacosoma disstria, Hb. (forest tent caterpillar), Halisidota tessellaris, S. & A. (checked tussock), Hyphantria cunea, Dru. (fall webworm), TcJea Polyphemus, Cram. (American silkworm), Alsophila pometaria, Harr. (fall canker-worm), Palaeacnta vernaia, Peck, (spring canker-worm), Emiomos siibsignariiis, Hb. (snow-white linden moth), and Xvlina antennata, Wlk. (ashen pinion). In the laboratory the following species were found to be unable to free themselves from the adhesive : Esfigmene acraea, Dru. (salt- marsh caterpillar), Plathypena scabra, F. (green clover worm), ScMzura concinna, S. & A. (red-humped apple caterpillar), Hcteyocampa gutti- vitta, Wlk. (saddled prominent), and Malacosoma americana, F. (tent caterpillar). IsELY (D.). Grapevine Looper. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 900, nth December 1920, 15 pp., 4 plates. [Received 20th April 1921.] The Geometrid moth, Lygris diver silineata, Hb., defoliates grape- vines and the Virginia creeper. This paper deals with its biology and control in the Erie-Chautauqua grape belt of Pennsylvania. The winter is passed in the egg stage, and most of the eggs hatch during the first two weeks of June. The larval feeding period averages about 46 days. Two days are spent as a prepupa and ten as a pupa in a loose web spun on a fold of a leaf or grape cluster. The moth emerges in mid-summer and deposits eggs that hatch in the following year. The newly-hatched caterpillars are strictly solitary and scatter over the vine. More than two or three are seldom found on a leaf. Their attack is characterised by a series of whitish patches on the upper surface of the leaf extending around the edge. Lead arsenate, U- lb. of powder or 3 lb. paste to 50 U.S. gals, liquid (water or Bordeaux mixture), is the minimum strength that will kill all stages of this pest. It should be remembered that a spray directed primaril}^ against the grapevine rootworm {Fidia viticida) and the grape-berry moth {Polychrosis viteana) immediately after the blossoms have fallen incidentally controls L. diver silineata also. IsELY (D.). Grapevine Flea-beetles. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Bull. 901, 13th December 1920, 27 pp., 4 plates. [Received 20th April 1921.] The grapevine flea-beetle, Haltica [Altica) chalybea, 111., eats out the swelling buds in early spring in Pennsylvania, thus destroying the embryonic shoots and fruit-clusters. Later both adults and larvae feed upon the leaves. It is single-brooded, and winter is passed in the adult stage. The eggs are deposited in batches under bud- scales or strips of bark. The larvae migrate to the leaves to feed and enter the soil to pupate. The adults emerge in early summer. Statements that the eggs are laid on leaves, that the insect is two- brooded, and that it prefers thin-leaved types of grapes as hosts 310 rather than the Concord variety, are due to a confusion with a closely- allied species, the lesser grapevine flea-beetle, H. {A.) xvoodsi, sp. n., hitherto usually determined as a small form of H. chalyhea. The various stages of both species are described. H . woodsi is also single- brooded, but emerges late enough in the season to have the appearance of a second brood of H. clialybca. Its eggs are deposited singlv, or sometimes as a cluster of two or three on the underside of the leaf. There is hardly any other insect that can cause such se\'ere injury to the grape crop as that of which //. chalybea is capable when the buds are swelling. H. woodsi, which emerges later, is less destructive. Both species are sporadic in their occurrence from season to season. A number of predatory enemies contribute to their natural control. Of these, the Carabid, Lehia viridis. Say, is the most important. L. nrnata, Lee, and Harpalus erythropiis, Dej., were found in very small numbers in leaf mould imcler wild grape-vines, and fed upon pupae and prepupae in confinement. A brown ant, Mvrmica scabri- nodis, Xyl., sub-sp. schenchi, Emery, var. enicryana, Forel, destroyed a large amount of larval and pupal material intended for rearing work. A number of birds also eat grape-vine flea-beetles. Where vineyards are liable to injury, vigilance in early spring is essential, as the voracity of the beetles makes prompt action necessary. A spray application of lead arsenate, \\ lb. powder or 3 lb. paste to 50 U.S. gals, water, is ordinarily recommended for large areas, but if the infestation is severe and rains can be avoided, double the strength may be used In small areas the most effective and cheapest measure is handpicking. The larvae of H. n'oodsi, and most of those of H. chalybea, may be readily destroyed by the usual sprays applied against the grape-berry moth {Polychrosis viteana) and the grape- vine rootworm {Fidia viticida). Very rarely a spray application before the grapes bloom will be advisable to destroy the earliest larvae of H. chalyhea. These measures have probably caused the grape-vine flea-beetle to change its status from that of a first-class pest twenty years ago to one of second-rate importance. \\'oGirM (R. S.). Fumigation of Citrus Plants with Hydrocyanic Acid: Conditions influencing Injury. — U.S. Dcpt. Ai;ric., Wash- ington, D.C., Bull. 907, 20th October 1920, 43 pp., 1 fig., 4 plates. [Received 27th April 1921.] In dealing with injur}' due to fumigation \\ith hydrocyanic acid gas, scant attention has hitherto been given to the pre-fumigation and post-fumigation environments, and the results of a study of the influence of heat and light under these conditions are here recorded. Sunshine is the chief pre-fumigation factor that increases injury ; it is more active at high temperatures. In darkness or diffused light, temperatures up to 100° F. do not appear to increase injury unless the fumigation or post-fumigation temperatures exceed 80° F. The environment after fumigation is almost as important as that during the actual treatment. Sunshine is most destructive to plants exposed immediately after treatment, and affects them deleteriously at least two hours afterwards. Temperatures of 80° F. or above injure plants more than lower temperatures. The fumigation of citrus plants is best done below 80° F. Diftused light before, during, or after fumigation exerts no more deleterious eft'ect than darkness. ^loisture on citrus plants does not 311 increase the degree of iniury. Sudden changes of temperature over a wide range during exposure to the gas tend to increase plant injury considerably. The optimum environment for safety to plants is diffused light or darkness at uniform temperatures below 80° F. before, during, and after fumigation ; the lowest temperature tried, 55° F., was within the optimum range. Fumigation at temperatures upward of 80° F. is safest under cool pre- and post-fumigation environments. The maximum of injury follows high temperatures for all three environments. The phvsical and chemical conditions of the soil influence injury from fumigation. Trees in a wet soil tend to suffer more than healthy trees in a drv soil. Trees weakened by drought are, however, more susceptible to injury than if grown under optimum moisture conditions. Irrigation should follow fumigation, not precede it. The physiological condition of the plants is a most important factor, and a condition of hardiness is the optimum for gas resistance ; it is brought about by dryness of soil, cold weather, and possibly by continued verv hot drv weather. IxGERsoN (H. G.). Life-history of the Grape-herry Moth in Northern Ohio.— U'.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Buh. 911, 13th December 1920, 38 pp., 5 figs. [Received 20th April 1921.] In northern Ohio there is one full brood of Polychrosis viteana, Clem., and a partial second in the year, the second brood of cater- pillars being much larger and more destructive. P. viteana hibernates in the pupal stage in cocoons in old grape leaves under the grape trellis. The mortality of such pupae was from 76 to 80 per cent. The first moths emerge in spring about 10 days before the grapes begin to bloom, but the greatest emergence was during and immediately after the bloom. Oviposition begins about four days after emergence ; incubation takes 3-10 days, with an average of 5 days. The first brood larvae feed in the j^oung grapes for 14-37 days — with an average of 20-6 days in 1917. They then spin their cocoons on the tender leaves. The prepupal stage lasted 1-3 days in 1917, and the pupal 11-16. The hfe-cycle of the first generation, taken as a total of the separate stages, was 39-79 days, with a maximum total of 76 and a minimum of 23. The second brood egg-stage varied from 4 to 10 days. The feeding period was from 16 to 36 days in 1916, with an average of 24-18, but all other records have given 40 days, which is probably more accurate. Second-brood caterpillars begin to leave the fruit early in the autumn. In each brood the females predominate, there being three or more females to one male. A small part of the first brood caterpillars hibernate and yield moths in the following spring. Notes are given on mating and oviposition. The habit of the caterpillars of feeding on the leaf-galls of the grape-vine Phylloxera was observed. The caterpillars can resist extremely low temperatures, such as 17° F. Parasitism was very low and of no value as a check. The measures advised are cultural methods that will expose the hibernating pupae to the elements. Satisfactory results were obtained by two appli- cations of spray by the " trailer " or hand method of spraying. The first application should be made 3-5 daj's after the young grapes set, and the second when the grapes first touch in clusters. 312 Chittenden (F. H). The Red-banded LeaJ-roller. — U.S. Deht. Agric, Washington, B.C., Bull. 914, 9th December 1920, 14 pp., 5 figs. [ Received 20th April 1 92 1 . ] The Tortricid moth, Eulia velutina, Wlk. (red-banded leaf-roller), is a pest of beans, sweet potato, asparagus, strawberry, raspberry, etc., that at times attracts considerable attention. It is a native of the United States, where it enjoys a wide distribution from Maine to Texas, and it has also been found in California. It breeds continuously throughout the growing season, from April to November. In the District of Columbia hibernation takes place exclusively in the pupal stage, which lasts five months. In June and July the egg-stage lasted 11 days, the larval stage 22 days, and the pupal a minimum of six days. There are at least two generations annually and probably three where the climate is favourable. The various stages are briefly described. Several natural enemies, mostly parasites, attack E. velutina. They include the Hymenoptera, Exochus curvator, F., Epiurus indagator, Wish., Lamprofiota pluralis, Cress., Limneriimi .sp., Opiiis foersteri, Gall., Epirhyssalus atriceps, Ashni., Smicra delira, Cress., S. torvina, Cress., Apanteles canarsia, Ashm., and a Tachinid fly, Phorocera parva, Big. Artificial measures are seldom warranted, but a spray, containing 2-3 lb. of lead arsenate to 50 U.S. gals, water, may be applied when the caterpillars are feeding. The best time is soon after oviposition. In cases of slight infestation the webbed leaves may be crushed by hand, or they ma}^ be clipped and burned. Early autumn ploughing and burning over the garden after the crop is off, either in autumn or early spring, will greatly help to keep this pest in check. Tower (D. G.) & Fenton (F. A.). Clover-leaf Weevil— ?:^S. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., Bull. 922, 21st December 1920, 18 pp., 8 figs. [Received 20th April 1921 .] All stages of Hypera punctata (clover-leaf weevil) are described. This weevil oviposits in or on clover or lucerne. The eggs laid previous to 25th October hatch the same autumn, and the larvae hibernate ; those laid later hibernate as eggs and usually hatch in March. After feeding on the foliage the larvae spin cocoons at or just below the surface of the ground, pupate, and give rise to the adults in June or July. The beetles feed on the foliage of clover intermittently until September, when they mate, and soon afterwards oviposition begins. Since the period of oviposition extends over a number of weeks, and, furthermore, eggs laid late in the season do not hatch until spring, the various stages greatly overlap. Details are given as to oviposition, the habits of the larvae, and the feeding experiments made to ascertain the amounts of clover foliage eaten by H. ptindata at different seasons and during the larval and adult stages. The amount eaten by individual larvae averages 3-09 square inches of red clover foliage, and of this amount approximately 80 per cent, is consumed during the last instar. The life of the adult is divided into two distinct feeding periods, separated by one of inactivity during July and August. Beetles deprived of foliage immediately after emergence die within a few days. Adults emerging late in May become dormant late in June, while 313 those emerging from the middle to the end of June do not stop feeding until early in July. During the post-dormant stage the food consumed daily is not one-tenth as much as is eaten during the pre-dormant stage. //. punctata is an important pest of clover, though its annual toll usualh^ passes unnoticed. It seldom devastates entire fields, however, because the larvae are checked by a fungus, Empusa sphaerospernia, which kills them in April and May and again in October and November. A small beetle, Collops qitadrimaadatus, F., feeds on the eggs, and one of the tiger beetles, Cicindela repanda, Dej., probably preys on the larvae. Poultry and birds, of which a list is given, feed on H. punctata, which also forms the food of toads and frogs. Usually the need for remedial measures becomes apparent too late. It is a good practice to pasture lightly all first-year clover in the autumn or to clip it back in spring, and further to hinder the increase of this insect in the locality by thoroughly ploughing under the second- year crop in the autumn. These measures seem all that is ordinarily necessary to prevent injur}^ Haywood (J. K.). Report of the Insecticide and Fungicide Board [1919-20].— 1/.5. Dept. Agric, Washington, B.C., 1920, 6 pp. [Received 27th April 1921.]' The work of the insecticide and fungicide board for the year ended 30th June 1920 is reviewed, and the various campaigns carried out for the protection of insecticides and fungicides from adulteration are described. Marlatt (C. L.) . Report of the Federal Horticultural Board [1919-20] . — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., 1920, 29 pp. [Received 27th April 1921.] The work for the year ended 30th June 1920 is reviewed, and a list of current quarantine and other restrictive orders is appended. Numerous reinfestations by the pink bollworm {Platyedra gossypiella) have been found in Texas. The entire areas involved were immedi- ately subjected to intensive cleaning operations. The Pink Bollworm Act of 1920 provides for the prompt destruction of the cotton in infested fields. In spite of the compensation to planters for crops destroyed, their opposition put a serious check on the State and Federal control work. It may become necessary to consider the extension of the existing Federal quarantine to cover the entire State as the only means of protecting surrounding States from the movement of materials from Texas capable of carrying the pest. Under existing conditions in Texas there seems little likelihood that non-cotton zones can be adequately enforced in the future, but eradication may still be possible with adequate State legislation and thorough work in connection with still existing non-cotton zones. The bulk of the information given with reference to the existing conditions in Louisiana and quarantine regulations have been noticed elsewhere {R.A.E., A, viii, 511], as has also the information concerning the Furopean corn borer {Pyrausta nubilalis, Hb.) [loc. cit. and ix, 14, 159]. In view of the existence of Eriophyes gos.sypii. Hanks (cotton blister mite) and a cotton boll disease in Porto Rico, a quarantine has been issued against Porto Rican cotton, cotton seed and cotton seed products. (3086) Y 314 The JapancFe beetle [Popillia japonica] quarantine has been extended since 1st October 1920 to inchule the extension of the pest in New Jersey and its spread into Pennsylvania. This quarantine provides for the movement under inspection and certification of all the articles brought under restriction. CoAD (B. R.) & Cassidy (T. P.). Some Rules for Poisoning the Cotton Boll Weevil. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washin^ion, D.C., Dept. Tire. 162, January 1921, 4 pp. [Received 16th\\pril 1921.] This paper briefly states the information required by farmers when considering the advisability of poisoning the cotton boll weevil {Anthonomus grandis) and the best means of carrying out the work. CoAD (B. R.) & MoRELAND (R. W.). Dispeision of the Boll Weevil in 1920.— C/.5. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Dept. Circ. 163, 2nd January 1921, 2 pp. [Received 16th April 1921.] During 1920 the movement of the boll weevil [Anthononms grandis] has been retarded in the eastern portion of the cotton belt, but a large portion of territory has been reinfested in Oklahoma and Texas. Altogether 42,621 square miles of new territory have been invaded in 1920, and only 752 square miles were freed, this occurring in Tennessee. Only about 73,000 square miles of cotton-producing territory remain uninfested. The extent of infestation in each State is briefly dealt with. Considering the cotton-producing States as a whole, an average of only 16-2 per cent, of the total cotton crop is produced on uninfested territory. Urbahns (T. D.). Grasshopper Control in the Pacific States. — U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Farmers' Bull. 1140, October 1920, 16 pp., 11 figs. [Received 27th April 1921.] The most common species of grasshoppers are described and remedial measures are discussed, of which poisoned bran mash has proved the mpst successful [cf. R.A.E., A, viii, 47]. A programme for organised community action is outlined. HoFER (G.). The Aspen Borer and how to control it— U.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Farmers' Bull. 1154, October 1920, 11 pp., 9 figs. [Received 27th April 1921.] The most widely distributed insect causing injury to aspen trees is Sapcrda calcarata, Say, of the life-histor}' of which a brief description is given [cf. R.A.E., A, vii, 300]. The natural enemies include a Hymenopterous egg-parasite, a fly parasitic on the larvae, and a fungous disease responsible for the destruction of about 2 per cent, of the mature larvae. Insects associated with the injury by S. calcarata are Agrilus auxins. Gory, Poecilonota cyanipes, Say, Dicerca prolongata, Lee, Cossns sp., Xylotcrus sp. and X. ohliteratiis, Lee. Back (E. A.). Angoumois Grain Moth.— f/.S. Dept. Agric, Wash- ington, D.C., Farmers' Ikill. 1156, September 1920, 20 pp., 16 figs. [Received 27th April 1921.] The economic importance of Sitotroga ccrcalcUa, Oliv. (Angoumois grain moth) is discussed, and remedial measures for it are advocated [R. A.E., A, vi, 12, 202 ; vii, 543]. All insects may be destroyed by heating to a temperature of 120" V. without injuring the germinating power of the grain. 315 The parasite Pteyomaliisgelechiae, Webster, and the mite, Pediculoides vcntricosns, Newp., kill a certain number of this moth, but cannot be depended on as a means of control either in the field or in storage. Reeves (G. I.), Chamberun (T. R.) & Pack (K. M.)- Spraying for the Alfalfa Weevil.— C/.S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C., Farmers' Bull. 1185, December 1920, 20 pp., 9 figs. [Received 20th April 1921.] The method of spraying lucerne with arsenicals against the alfalfa weevil {Hypera variabilis) here described is the result of seven years' study and experiment and one season of field trial, in the course of which over 4,000 acres were successfully treated. The feeding larvae are most numerous about one to two weeks before the first crop is ready for cutting, and this has proved the best moment for spraying, the date depending on weather conditions. The treatment described can be used for both large and small acreages in most of the territory of Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. OsHiMA (M.). Philippine Termites collected by R. C. McGregor, with Descriptions of one new Genus and nine new Species. — Philippine Jl. Sci., Manila, xvii, no. 5, November 1920, pp. 489-512, 4 plates. [Received 25th April 1921.] Coptotcrmcs fornwsanus is recorded for the first time from the Philippine Islands. The new species described include : — Calotermes {Neotcrmes) lagunensis in an old palm stub, and Termitogetonella tibiaoensis, gen. et sp.n., in a log. C.C. Le Ver du Coton aux Antilles Anglaises. — Agron. Coloniale, Paris, vii, no. 39, March 1921, pp. 89-90. In view of the establishment of Platyedra {Gelechia) gossypiclla in Montserrat and St. Kitts [R.A.E., A, ix, 99], the danger of its spread to Guadeloupe and Martinique is imminent, and the necessity for the application of vigorous preventive measures is emphasised. Mertens ( — ). Les Plantations de Caf6iers de Lula (Stanleyville). — Bull. Agric. Congo Beige, Brussels, xi, no. 3-4, September- December 1920, pp. 243-251, 6 figs. [Received 25th April 1921.] The coffee pests recorded for 1919 are Stephanoderes sp., Coccids, Aphids and red ants. In May 1920 a serious attack of borers was noticed, the species involved being a Longicorn, Tragocephala anselli, and a Bostrychid, Apate monacha. These beetles may be destroyed by injecting a solution of carbon bisulphide into the galleries. MuRATET (H.). The Lucerne Grub iColaspidema air urn) injurious to Vegetable and Garden Plants in France. — C. R. Seances Acad. Agric. de France, Paris, v, no. 38, 10th December 1919, pp. 970-972. (Abstract in Mlhly. Bull. Agric. Intell. & PL Dis., Rome, xi, no. 2, February 1920, p. 275.) [Received 26th April 1921.] Colaspidema atriini, while usually injurious in lucerne fields, occa- sionally does considerable damage in gardens and vegetable plots, showing a preference for the outer flowers of the marguerite, leaves of beans and parsley, potato leaves being less severely attacked. These infestations apparently onty occur when there is a shortage of the normal food supply of the beetle. 316 Faks (H.I. Psyche c^yaminclla, a Macrolepidopteron occasionally injurious to Vines in Switzerland. — La Tcrrc Wuidoise, Lausanne, xi. no. 49. 6tli DccenilnT 1919, pp. 435-437. (Abstract in Mthly. Bull. Agne. Intell. & PL Dis., Rome, xi, no. 2, February 1920, p. 277.) [Received 26th April 1921.] Psyche unicolor (i^i'dniiiiellti), wliicli gencralty feeds on grass culms, occasionally attacks the young leaves of grape-vines in Switzerland when its normal food - plant fails. When this occurs, the cases containing the caterpillars should be collected, and 1 lb. of copper aceto-arsenite should be added to each 25 gals, of Bordeaux mixture used on the \'ines. Entomologie. --/>'////. Soc. Xat. Accliniat. Prance, Paris, Ixviii, no. 4, April 1921, p. 56. A vScolytid making numerous galleries in firs in the Seine-et-Oise region has been identified as Polygraphus poligraphiis ; this is the only H3/lesine beetle that adapts itself to fir and also attacks pine, Norwegian pine, and even larch. Remedial measures are difficult ; trap trees during the whole growing period are recommended, and all dead or deca3ang bark should be removed in the spring. Stored- (G.). The Present Situation with regard to the Control of the Pink Boll Worm in Egy]^t— Egypt : Minist. Agric, Pecli. & Sci. Service, Cairo, Bull. 16, 1921, 16 pp. The results obtained in Egypt in the control of the pink bollworm, Platyedra {Gelechia) gossypiella, Saund., by following the reconunenda- tions of the entomologist entrusted with the work and the regulations of the Ministry of A,griculture, are discussed. The removal and burning of all green or dead bolls left on the plants after picking has never been given a fair trial, as much opposition has been raised against this practice, and there is a great tendency among natives to knock the dead bolls on to the ground instead of picking, which renders this method worse than useless. Earliness in ripening the crop and dealing with the old cotton plants after picking has long been recognised as of primary importance in bollworm control. Earl}^ ripening means a lighter attack at the time of picking, and early pulling up means a lighter attack in the following season. It is fairly certain that the short-C3'cle moths, if they can find no plants on which to oviposit, die without leaving any progeny. It is the long-cycle larvae, which hibernate through the winter and produce moths in the following cotton season, that carry on the infestation from one year to another. There is a gradual tendency, as the season progresses, to assume the long-cycle habit, and there is also a rapid increase in long-cycle individuals at the end of the season. Thus, the earlier the cotton sticks are pulled up the fewer hibernating boll- worms will be left, and the difference of a few days appreciably reduces the numbers in the following \^ear. There has been a remarkable decrease in the severity of pink l)oll- worm attack during the past few years. This is considered to be due in part to the bollworm campaigns, but also to other factors, such as parasites, weather and changes in agricultural practice. It has been shown that by reducing the watering after the middle of July, the bolls can be made to rii)en very early. This i:)ractice also gives the parasites a longer period in which to attack the boUworms. 317 The chief parasite, Piinpla roborator, F., can only reach the larvae after the bolls have opened, and it ceases to breed in January. Pulling up the cotton sticks causes the green bolls on them to dry and open. It is suggested that the pulling up of all cotton sticks should be enforced at as early a date as possible consistent with the picking of the crop. The date should be fixed every year for each district. All old regulations regarding the treatment of seed should remain essen- tially unaltered, but should be strengthened in details. All cotton should be ginned before 1st May, whereas under the present law imginned cotton can be kept in licensed, moth-proof stores from 1st May to 1st August. Moreover, in most ginneries piles of low- grade cotton, refuse, sweepings, etc., are allowed to accumulate in the yards until the end of the season and are then sold for re-sifting. This material contains many larvae that escape treatment altogether. A law should be passed forbidding the sale of this untreated material, except, in special cases, to other ginners who have the necessary apparatus for treating the seed. The importance of propaganda and researcli to discover and encourage the best methods of cultivation and of dealing with the pest is emphasised. Hall (W. J.). Report on a Preliminary Campaign against the Hibiscus Mealy Bug in the Cairo Nursery Gardens. — Agric. Jl. Egypt, Cairo, x, 1920, pp. 1-6. [Received 26th April 1921. i Owing to an outbreak in Cairo of a new mealy-bug, provisionally called the Hibiscus mealy-bug, a campaign was organised to combat the pest. The food-plants include Hibiscus, Grevillea, mulberr}/, Erythrina,Zizyphiis, Ccratonia, Acalypha, Acacia I ebbek and Bauhinia. Citrus, jasmin, quince, oleander, Poinciana and Jacaranda are also occasionally attacked, but the infestation is dependent on the proximity of Hibiscus, Grevillea, mulberry or other highly suscepti])le trees. Guavas may also be attacked. The insect is generally found at the end of the shoots, causing them to become gnarled and deformed. The campaign lasted 32 days, and details of the work are given ; infested portions were pruned off and then sprayed with paraffin emulsion. The stock solution consisted of 2 gals, paraffin, 1 gal. water and i lb. hard soap. For use this was diluted with five times its volume of water. All infested portions were burnt or at least passed through fire. Heavily infested Hibiscus plants were uprooted and burnt, and the same treatment was sometimes applied to Acalvpha trees. By removing the centres of infection, it will be comparatively easy to suppress infestation in the future. Altogether 57 nurseries were treated, covering a total area of about 199 acres and necessitating the use of 606 gals, of paraffin. In future a similar campaign could be carried out for about one-third of the cost, but it should be started considerably earher. The advisability of making frequent inspections and the organisation of .systematic work throughout the winter is emphasised. Adair (F. W.). Note on Fruit Flies occurring in or which might be introduced into Egypt.— .4^'rzc. //. Egypt, Cairo, x, 1920, j)}). 18-20. [Received 26th April 1921.] The only fruit-fiies hitherto known in Fgypt are Ccratilis capUala, Wied. ; Dacus longistylus, Wied., in pods of the large milk weed, 318 Calolropis procera ; and two unidentified Trypetids from fruits of Zizyphus spina-christi and the safflowcr (Carthamits tindorius) respectively. Species recently imported into Egypt are : — Dacus [Chactodacus] zonatus, Saund., in mango at Port Said; D. olcae, Meig., in olives from Cyprus ; and Myiopardalis {Carpomyia) pardalina, Big., which infests cucurbits. The possible establishment of these flies should be prevented, and the introduction of others, such as Dacus (Chaetodacus) fcrrngincus, F., and D. cucnrbitae, Coq., should be guarded against. Gibson (G. W.). The Value of Lime, Salt, and Sulphur as a Winter Wash for Figs against the Cup Scale ( Astcrolccanium piistulans).^ Agric. Jl. Egvpf, Cairo, x, 1920, pp. 41-47. [Received 26th April 1921.] The larvae of Asicroiecanium pnstulans, Ckll., hatch in small num- bers during June in the Faiyum ; infestation continues throughout July, and the larvae are very numerous in August and September ; they have also been observed in October. This scale is only active during the larval stage. The food-plants include oleander, Jacaranda, Cassia, Geranium, etc. In the case of the fig, the wood, leaf, stalk and even the fruit may be attacked. During 1917 and 1918 a solution of 25 to 40 lb. of quick lime, 20 lb. of sulphur, 15 lb. of salt, and 60 gals, of water was applied as a spray to the fig trees. It should be used while still warm. During 1917 the work was carried out in January, and in 1918 it was completed by 12th February. Earlier applications would probably be better, and would avoid the retarding effect the spray has on fruit trees when applied late in the season. Further experiments are desirable with reference to time of spraying, as a late crop is not desired. Spraying should not be done after the buds burst, or serious scorching may result. Dried leaves should be removed before spraying. Owing to a serious attack of Rhizopus nigricans, the yield of the 1918 crop was much smaller than that of 1917, but the general results indicate the benefit of spraying, particu- larly if applied in successive years if there is danger of reinfestation from adjacent plots. Growers are advised to start with clean cuttings and to give careful attention to irrigation and heavy manuring to keep the trees as vigorous as is consistent with the production of fruit. The trees should not be surrounded by other plants susceptible to this scale, unless equally amenable to treatment. Spraying is not worth while until the second winter, unless there is an immediate source of infestation. Report of Entomological Division on Plant Pests. — Trop. Agric, Pcradeniya, Ivi, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 147-150. The work in connection with Xylehorus fornicatus (shot-hole borer of tea) has been continued. Experiments with castor-oil plants as trap trees are still in progress. Homona coffearia may be controlled by the application of lime and a good system of flight breaks through- out the estate. Leaf-eating caterpillars and tea mites have been responsible for a considerable amount of damage ; the most important of these are Natada nararia (fringed nettle grub), Heterusia cingala (red slug), Staiiropus alternus (lobster caterpillar). Psyche vitrea, Clania variegafa, Tetranychus bioculatus (red spider), Eriophyes 319 {Phviopins) carinatiis (purple mite) and Tarsonemiis translticens (yellow mite). Other pests of tea are Saissetia hemisphaerica, Coccus viridis, the grubs of the cockchafers, Lcpidiola pinguis and Anomala super- fltta, the termite Calofcrmes militaris, Oscinis theae, Hclopeltis antonii, Toxoptera coffeae {Ceylonia theaecola, Buckt.), Zeuzera coffeae, and Gracilaria theivora. The pests of rubber are Saissetia hemisphaerica and S. nigra, which are generally checked by the fungus Aschersonia sp., and Batocera riibus. Nephantis serinopa is recorded on coconuts. Gibson (A.). The Value of Insectivorous Birds to Agriculture. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottawa, viii, no. 2, March-April 1921, pp. 126-127. The value of birds as destroyers of noxious insects is discussed, and the observations of many authors on this subject are quoted. Sanders (G. E.). Spraying versus Dusting. — Agric. Gaz. Canada, Ottawa, viii, no. 2, March-April 1921, pp. 134-136. The advantages and disadvantages of dusting are enumerated. Recent experiments show that dusting is cheaper and is just as efficient in the control of fungous diseases and biting insects as spraying, but the latter is superior in the control of sucking insects, such as Psylla sp. and green apple bug {Lygns communis). PiLLAi (N. K.). Entomology. — Rept. Dept. Agric. & Fisheries, Travancore 1919-1920, Trivandrmn, 1921, p. 3. [Received 26th April 1921.] Removal and destruction of affected plants has been shown to be a successful remedy against the moth borers, Schocnohius incertcllus (hipiinctifer) and Chilo simplex in rice. Spodoptera mauritia causes serious damage to punja rice, and may be destroyed by the applica- tion of lime and ashes in equal proportions, or Paris green and lime 1 : 80, especially when the larvae are very young. Bagging with hand nets is the only successful remedial measure against the rice bug {Leptocorisa varicornis). Nephantis serinopa (coconut leaf-roller) was the most important pest of coconut palms dealt with during the year. The attacked leaves should be cut off and burnt. Regulations have now been passed for the eradication of this pest. Other miscellaneous pests recorded are the rhinoceros beetle (Orycies rhinoceros), the rice Hispid and a mealy-bug {Pseudococcus sp.). Small (W.). Annual Report oJ the Acting Entomologist for 1919-20. — Uganda Dept. Agric, Ann. Rept., 1919-20, Entebbe, 1921, p. 41. [Received 21st April 1921.] The usual insect pests were dealt with during the year, but no special investigations were undertaken. The most important coffee pests were the berr}^ borer [Stsphanoderes hampei], variegated bug [Antestia lineaticollis], thrips, Aphids and root scale, Pseudococcus citri. No pests of cacao or Para rubber have been recorded during the last seven months, and only stainers [Dysdercus] are recorded on cotton. Enquiries have also been made with reference to termites and the banana borer [Cosmopolites sordidus]. 320 Tattkrsfii: I n (F.) ct Rohkrts (A. W. R.)- The Influence of Chemical Constitution on the Toxicity of Organic Compounds to Wireworms. —JL Agric. Sci., Cambndge, x, pt. 2, April 1920, pp. 199-232. 18 diagrams. [Received 27'th April 1921.] The object of the present investigations was to study the toxic values of a series of organic compounds with respect to wireworms, Agriotes spp., and to correlate as far as possible the toxic values with chemical constitution and physical properties. The observations of various authors are reviewed ''R.A.E., B, v, 131, 174; A, vi, 200, 397]. The technique employed in the present experiments is described. In all, more than 75 substances were tested, representing the more important and readily obtainable series, though not covering the whole range of simple organic groupings. The toxicity of certain organic compounds apparently depends primarily on their chemical properties and only secondarily on their rates of evaporation. Moore [R.A.E., A, vi, 398] lays more stress on volatility than on chemical constitution, but in many cases this is not applicable. In certain series, such as the hydrocarbons, the toxic values increase with increasing molecular weight, though this is not true of all substances. Solubility in water also apparently plays an important part in the toxic effect of some compounds. Physiological effects are not solely dependent iipon any one physical property, although they determine how far matters can go ; the chemical properties are the deciding factors. A liquid is generally more certain in action than a solid. Whether the size of the insect materially alters its resistance has not been definitely ascertained. During the tests the insects were exposed to the vapour for 1,000 minutes in a darkened room at an average temperature of 15° C. [59° F.]. When the concentration of poison was gradually lowered, it was found that at a certain point death did not occur and uncertain results were obtained. Toxicity gradually increased in passing from the lower to the higher homo- logues until a certain point was reached at which uncertain results were obtained, death sometimes occurring and sometimes not, at saturation concentrations. In such cases anaesthesia might result, but the larvae were usually capable of recovery. This effect is the result of the volatility of the compound being insufficient to produce permanent injury, except to less resistant insects. The aromatic hydrocarbons and halides are on the whole more toxic than the aliphatic hydrocarbons and halides. Compounds such as allyl isothiocj^anate, chloropicrin and benzyl chloride, with irritating vapours, have usually a high toxic value which is not closely related to their vapour pressures or rates of evaporation. Chemically inert compounds boiling above 170° C. [338° F.] are generally uncertain in their poison- ous effect on wireworms after an exposure of 1,000 minutes at 15° C. [59° F.]. Nearly all organic compounds boiling above 215° C. [419° F.] are uncertain in their action, while those boiling above 245° C. [473° F.] are non-toxic. These limits depend on the resistance of the insect, the length of exposure and the temperature at which the experiment is carried out. Cir.vp.vis (J. C). L'Aphis du M61eze. [Larch Aphis.1— A^a/. Canad., Quebec, xlvii, no. 9, March 1921, pp. 193-195. An Aphid, probably Aphis laricifex, Fitch, is recorded from American larch (Larix americana). NOTICES. Secretaries of Societies and Editors of Journals willing to exchange their publications with those of the Bureao, are requested to oommonicale with the Assistant Director. The Annoal Subscription, in advance, to the Review, Series A (Agrieoltnral), is 12s. post free ; Series B (Medical and Veterinary), 6s. post free. Orders and subscriptions should be sent direct to the Assistant Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, 41, Queen's Gate, London, S.W.7, or thzough any bookseller. CONTENTS. Africa, South : Notes on Miscellaneous Pests . . . . . . . . 282 Africa, South : Notes on Termites in Natal . . . . . . . . 282 Africa, South : A List of Scale Insects on Citrus . . . . . . . . 282 Argentina : Insect Pests of Wheat . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Australia : Measures against Orchard Pests in Tasmania. . . . . . 283 Australia : Sugar-cane Grub Investigations in Queensland . . . . 295 Australia : The Economic Importance of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata . . 297 Australia : New Species of Termites . . . . . . . . . . 303 Brazil : : A New Scale on Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 British Isles : A new Food-plant of Eriosoma tanigerum . . . . 270 British Isles : Notes on Thrips . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 British Isles : The Causes of " Isle of Wight " Disease of Bees. . . . 275 Burma : Notes on Tea Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Canada : The Vsdue of Insectivorous Birds to Agriculture . • . . 319 Canada : A Comparison of Spraying and Dusting . . . . . . . . 319 Canada : An Aphid infesting Larch . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 Ceylon : Insect Pests in 1920 . . 318 Congo, Belgian : Notes of Coffee Pests .. .. .. .. ..315 Dutch East Indies : A Bibhography of Tea Pests . . . . . . 268 Dutch East Indies : Sprays for Lepidopterous Pests of Tobacco . . 280 Dutch East Indies : The Bionomics and Control of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in coconuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297 Egypt : Measures against the Pink Bollworm . . . . . . . . 316 Egypt : An outbreak of a Mealy Bug on Hibiscus . . . . . . . . 317 Egypt : Notes on Fruit-flies . . . , . . . . . . . . . . 317 Egypt : Measures against Asterolecanium pustulans on Figs . . . . 318 France : Measures against the Wax Moth . . . . . . . . . . 270 France : Measures against Mole-crickets . . . . . . . . . . 270 France ; Measures against Vine Moths . . . . . . . . . . 287 France : Transmission of Mosaic Disease of Potatoes by Aphids . . 287 France : Measures against Locusts . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 France : Colaspidema atrum injurious to Vegetables . . . . . . 315 France : A Scolytid infesting Conifers .. .. .. .. ..316 Germany : Insect Pests of Plants with Medicinal Properties . . . . 276 Germany : Experiments with Insecticides . . . . . . . . . . 279 Germany : The Bionomics and Control of Meligethes aeneus on Rape . . 279 Holland : Nematodes and Agricultural Practices . . . . . . . . 300 India : Review of Measures against Insect Pests in 1919-20 . . . . 270 India : A List of Microlepidopterous Pests . . . . . . . . . . 272 India : Reduction of Output on Tea Estates from the Entomological Point of View 274 India : Pests of Rice and other Crops in Travancore . . . . . • 319 Italy : The Importance of Applied Entomology in Social Economy . . 268 Italy j Notice of Forest Pests . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Italy : Imported Beneficial and Injurious Coleopterous Pests . . . . 281 Japan : The Scarcity of Tea Pests 269 JAVA : An Introduced Weevil infesting Agave . . . . . . . . 299 Java : Coffee and other Pests . . . . . , . . . . . . 300 Mexico : A Report on the Pink Bollworm situation . . . . . • 269 Mexico : Legislation against Insect Pests . . . . . . . . . . 286 Mexico : A Disease of Oranges in Turicato, Michoagan . . . . . • 286 New Zealand : The Importance of Neuropteroid Insects as Food for Fish 271 Panama Canal Zone : Insect Pests in 1919 •• 303 Panama Canal Zone : The Bionomics and Control of Aleurocanthus woqlumi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • 306 Philippines : New Parasites of Weevils, etc. . . . . . . . • 282 Philippines : Notes on New Termites . . . . . . . . • . 315 CONTENTS— ««K. PAGB Russia : Pests of Medicinal Plants in the Crimea 303 Seychelles : Insect Pests in 1919 275 Spain : Insect Pests of Olives 278 Sweden : Investigations on Myelophilus piniperda . . . . . . 301 Switzerland : Legislation of Long-standing against Insect Pests. . .. 268 Switzerland : Psyche unicolor infesting Vines . . . . . . . . 316 Tonkin : A Braconid Parasite of Xylotrechus quadripes . . . . . . 295 Tripoli : The Successful Utihsation of Novitcs cardinalis . . . . . . 300 Uganda : Insect Pests in 1919-20 319 U.S.A. : Pests intercepted in Quarantine in California . . . . . . 265 U.S.A. : A Mosaic Disease of Lettuce transmitted by Aphids . . . . 266 U.S.A. : The Bionomics of Neodiprion lecontei infesting Pines. . . . . 266 U.S.A. : Dipterous Parasites of Sawflies 267 U.S.A. : The Bionomics of a Tachinid Parasite of the Colorado Potato Beetle 267 U.S.A. : A New Weevil from Florida 269 U.S.A. : A New Flea-beetle on Sugar-beet 269 U.S.A. : Maize as a Trap-crop for the Heliothis obsoleta in Arizona . . 281 U.S.A. : A European Membracid in New Jersey . . . . . . . . 283 U.S.A. : A List of Aphids from New York 283 U.S.A. : Vegetable Pests in Wisconsin 284 U.S.A. : Larvae likely to be confused with that of Popillia japonica . . 284 U.S.A. : A New Parasite of Rhagoletis pomonella in Connecticut. . . . 284 U.S.A. : Experiments with Insecticides in Minnesota 284 U.S.A. : Experiments against Conotrackelus nenuphar in Mississippi . . 285 U.S.A. : Anthonomus grandis in South Mississippi . . . . . , . . 286 U.S.A. : Legislation against Platyedra gossypiella in Mississippi . . . . 286 U.S.A. : The Life-history of the Hylobius pales in Conifers . . . . 288 U.S.A. : Insect Pests in Connecticut in 1920 290 U.S.A. : Measures against the Gipsy and Brown-tail Moths in Connecticut in 1919-20 292 U.S.A. : Notes on the False Apple Red Bug in Connecticut . . . . 292 U.S.A. : A Sawfly feeding on Austrian Pine in Connecticut . . . . 292 U.S.A. : Tests of Soap Sprays against Macrosiphum solanifolii . . . . 293 U.S.A. : A Mite infesting Orchards in Connecticut 293 U.S.A. : Lepidotera likely to be confused with the Pink BoUworm . . 293 U.S.A. : The Biology of the Smartweed Borer, Pyrausta ainsliei . . . . 294 U.S.A. : Prevention and Control of Insects in dried Fruits . . . . 294 U.S.A. : Pests intercepted in Quarantine in California 294 U.S.A. : Measures against Orchard Pests in Washington 295 U.S.A. : Miscellaneous Pests in Indiana in 191^-19 296 U.S.A. : The Bionomics of Cydia pomonella in Indiana . . . . . . 296 U.S.A. : The Hessian Fly in Indiana 296 U.S.A. : Bees and their Relation to Arsenical Sprays 296 U,S.A. : The Economic Value of the Starling 304 U.S.A. : The Relation of Insects to Mosaic Disease of Cucurbits . . . . 306 U.S.A. : Lygris diversilineata infesting Vines in Pennsylvania . . . . 309 U.S.A. : Notes on Grapevine Flea-beetles in Pennsylvania. . .. .. 309 U.S.A. : The Grape-berry Moth in Northern Ohio 311 U.S.A. : The Bionomics of the Red-banded Leaf-roller {Etdia velutina) . . 312 U.S.A. : The Bionomics of the Clover-leaf Weevil 312 U.S.A. : Report of the Insecticide and Fungicide Board for 1920 . . 313 U.S.A. : Plant Pest Quarantine Measures in 1920 .. .. .. ..313 U.S.A. : Rules for Poisoning the Cotton Boll Weevil 314 U.S.A. : Dispersion of the Cotton Boll Weevil in 1920 314 U.S.A. : Grasshopper Control in the Pacific States 314 U.S.A. : Measures against Sa/)efda co/carato 314 U.S.A. : Notes on the Angoumois Grain Moth 314 U.S.A. : Sprays for Hypara variabilis 315 West Indies : The Danger of the Spread of the Pink Bollworm . . 315 The Chemical Composition and Properties of Lime-sulphur . . • . 270 A Revision of the Locusts of the Genus Dociostaurus 276 The Mine-patterns of Bark-beetles 279 Analyses of Proprietory Brands of Lead Arsenate 283 Manual of the Orthoptera of New England 287 A Monograph on Italian Coccidae {Review) 302 The Preparation and Use of Banding Materials for Lepidoptera . . . . 307 Conditions influencing Injury in Fumigation with Hydrocyanic Acid . . 310 The Influence of Chemical Constitution on the Toxicity of organic Com- pounds to Wireworms 320 VOL. DC. Ser. A. Part 7.— pp. 821-376. JULY, 1921. THE REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY SERIES A: AGRIOUirTJ^^il-. ///. N • AUG 1 I ly ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY LONDON THE IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY 41. QUEEN'S GATE. S.W.7. PpIoo Is. 4cI. net. All Rights Reserved IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. I^onorarp ComttiHtec or manadement. VISCOUNT HARCOURT, Chairman. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Alcock, CLE., F.R.S., Assistant Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major E. E. Austen, D.S.O., Entomological Department, British Museum (Natural History). Dr. A. G. Bagshawe, C.M.G., Director, Tropical Diseases Bureau. Major-General Sir J. Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G,, F.R.S., Royal Society. Major-General Sir David Bruce, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chairman of the Governing Body, Lister Institute. Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, Entomologist to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sir Sidney F. Harmer, K.B.E., F.R.S., Director, British Museum (Natural History). Professor H. Maxwell Lefroy, Imperial College of Science and Technology. The Hon. Sir E. Lucas, Agent-General for South Australia. Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, Lecturer on Agricultural Entomology, Edinburgh University. Sir John McFadyean, Principal, Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town. Sir Patrick Manson, G.C.M.G., F.R.S., late Medical Adviser to the Colonial Office. Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Adviser to the Colonial Office in Tropical Agriculture. Professor R. Newstead, F.R.S. , Dutton Memorial Professor of Medical Entomology, Liverpool University. Professor G. H. F. Nuttall, F.R.S., Quick Professor of Protozoology, Cambridge. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., Hope Professor of Zoology, Oxford. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S., Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir H. J. Read, K.CM.G., C.B., Colonial Office. The Honourable N. C Rothschild. Dr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology, Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. Sir Arthur E. Shipley, G.B.E., F.R.S., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Mr. R. A. C Sperling, CM.G., Foreign Office. Sir Stewart Stockman, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. F. V. Theobald, South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. Mr. C Warburton, Zoologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The Chief Entomologist in each of the Self-governing Dominions is ex officio a member of the Committee. 6enerai Secretarp. Mr. A. C C Parkinson (Colonial Office). Director and €ditor. Dr. Guy A. K. Marshall, CM.G. Assistant Director. Dr. S. A. Neave. Head Office. — British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W. 7. Publicalion Office. — 41 Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7. 321 McDuNNouGH (J.). New British Columbia Tussock Moth, Hemero- campa pseudotsugata. — Canad. Ent., London, Ont., liii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 53-56. The synonymy of Hemerocampa vetiista gidosa, Hy. Edw., is dis- cussed. The tussock moth attacking Douglas fir in British Cohnnbia, and recorded under this name [R.A.E., A, vii, 212, 479; viii, 481], is now described as a new species, H. pseudotsugata. Fenton (F. a.). New Parasitic Hymenoptera of the Subfamily Anteo- ninae (Diyinidae). — Canad. Ent., London, Ont., liii, no. 3, March 1921, pp. 70-71. The species dealt with are : — Epigonatopus americanus, sp. n., probably a parasite of Balclutha impicta, Van Duzee, on Panicum sp. ; and Gonatopus agropynis, sp. n., and G. similis, sp. n., reared from Deltocephalus affinis in Iowa. Lloyd (LI.). A Spray for Red Spider on Cucumbers and Tomatoes. — Lea Vallev & Dist. Nurs. & Growers' Assoc, Cheshunt, Circ. i, no. 5, April 1921, pp. 1-2. A spray that is recommended as being a successful remedy for red spider [Tetranychus telarius) on cucumbers and tomatos under glass consists of 5 lb. flour and 3 lb. potassium sulphide (liver of sulphur) in 100 gals, of water, applied at the rate of about 1 gal. to every ten full-grown cucumber plants, so that they are well wetted, especially on the undersides of the leaves. In drying, this breaks down the webs so that the mites and eggs become coated with a film, from which they cannot escape. A thin layer of sulphur is left over the foliage, and poisons any mites that have escaped the spray. The effect on cucumber plants is very slight, occasionally scorching a newly opened leaf. It does not harden the foliage as soap sprays are apt to do. The fruit can be marketed the day after spraying. Tomatos, so far as they have been tested, do not seem to be injured by the spray. Two thorough applications should be made, with an interval of a week between them. The preparation of two gallons of the spray is described. Petherbridge (F. R.). Observations on the Life-history of the Wheat-bulb Fly {Leptohylemyia coarctata, Fall.). — //. Agric. Set., Cambridge, xi, pt. 1, January 1921, pp. 99-105, 2 plates. Observations on Leptohylemyia coarctata confirm those of other observers that the worst attacks follow a bare fallow or bastard fallow, and that bad attacks also occur after potatoes, rape, swedes, turnips and mangels. There is only one generation a year ; the adults emerge in June and July and oviposit in bare soil, about one-eighth of an inch below the surface, in July, August and possibly September. A few eggs may hatch the same autumn, but the majority hatch the following spring, and the larvae may be found on wheat plants in March and April. The larva bores into the centre of the wheat shoot and feeds at the base of the shoot, causing its death. When fully fed, in the third stage, it enters the soil and pupates about 1^ to 2 inches below the surface. Pupation usually takes place in May. (3393) Wt.P3/184 1500 7/21 Harrow Z 322 Bourne (B. A.). Report of the Assistant Director of Agriculture on the Entomological and Mycological Work carried out during the Season under Re\iev/.—Rept. Dept. Agric, 1919-20, Barbados, 1921. pp. 10-31. Plant inspection and fumigation were carried on throughout the year, many consignments being destroyed to prevent the possible introduction of the sugar-cane froghopper, Tomaspis saccharina, Dist. {varia, F.). The insects identified during the year included : — the Chalcid, Fuplectriis fiirniiis, Wlk., bred from larvae of Protoparce cingidata ; the Tenebrionid, Alphitobius piceus, 01., on cotton seed from Venezuela ; Agromyza sp., mining leaves of cowpeas; the Lepidoptera, Perigea albigera, attacking Chrysanthemum leaves ; and Plutella maculipennis, on cabbage ; and the Jassid, Balclntha sp., on maize. Diaprepes abbreviatus, L. (sugar-cane root borer) continued to be a serious pest ; the importance of collecting the adults immediately after their first flight is urged, in view of the fact that the numbers of eggs found in each of 12 beetles examined ranged from 294 to 530. Diatraea saccharalis, F. (moth borer) caused considerable damage ; care should be taken that only healthy cuttings are planted ; the collection of egg-masses and the preservation of parasites from them has greatly reduced infestation. Minor sugar-cane pests included Pseudococcus calceolariae , P. sacchari, Aspidiotus sacchari and the mite, Tarsonenins spinipes, Hirst. Cotton was slightty injured by the leaf blister mite, Eriophyes gossypii, Banks, and the stems by the red maggot, Porricondyla gossypii, Coq. Aletia lurid ula and Alabama argillacea comidiexdXAy re- duced the crop when dusting with Paris green was neglected. During the period of drought, Aphids appeared in numbers, but were soon checked by a lacewing, Chrysopa sp., and a Coccinellid, Cycloneda sangiiinea, L. Diaprepes abbreviatus destroj'ed the roots of many cotton plants on fields formerly used for sugar-cane. Sweet potatoes {Ipomoea batatas) were injured by a serious outbreak of Protoparce cingulata, ¥., in one localit^^ Though it was apparently absent at first, the Tachinid parasite, Sturmia distincta, Wied., fmally checked the infestation, assisted by the activities of field mice against the pupae and of blackbirds against the larvae. Thrips and Tetranychus telarius (red spider) were also troublesome during the drought, and were controlled by dusting with equal parts of flowers of sulphur and lime. Laphygma frugiperda, S. & A. (corn-ear worm) did considerable damage to maize. A mixture of equal parts of lead arsenate and hydrated lime, well dusted among the folded leaves of each plant, proved a good remedy. Plutella mactdipennis, Curt., caused the entire loss of many plantings of cabbages on the southern part of the island. A spray of 3 lb. lead arsenate to 50 gals, of water, with the addition of an adhesive substance, is recommended. Thrips tabaci, Lind., attacked shallot {Allium ascalonicuin) , and was controlled by nicotine sulphate. A lace-bug, probably Corythaica monacha, was abundant on egg-plants {Solanum melongcna) ; a spray of 8 lb. fish-oil soap in 50 gals, of water, sprayed on the upper surface of the leaves when the bugs were present, proved a good remedy. Larvae of the Cossid, Duomitus punctifer, Hmps., infested whitewood {Tecoma leucoxylon), and the branches thus destroyed were pruned off and burnt ; in cases of slight infestation the larvae were extracted with a hooked wire or the burrows were fumigated with carbon bisulphide. 323 Coccids and Aleurodids included a species of Pulvinaria on arti- choke that has apparently not been previously'' recorded from Bar- bados, and Orthezia praelonga, Dougl., Saissetia nigra, Nietn., Coccus mangiferae, Green, Vinsonia stellifera, Westw., Chionaspis citri, Comst., Psendococciis calceolariae, Mask., Aspidiotus sacchari, Ckll., Pseudococcus sacchari, Ckll., and Aleurodes goyabae, Goldi, on various fruit trees and garden plants. Selenaspidus articulatus, Morg., was frequently found on Tamarindus indica, and was apparently checked by the fungus Hormodendron sp. Coccus viridis. Green, abundant on Citrus, was sometimes successfully controlled by the fungus, Cephalosporiiim lecanii. The Chalcids, Aspidiotiphagus citri- nus, Craw, infesting Aulacaspis rosae, Bch., and Encarsia sp. attacking Aleurodes goyabae, Goldi, exercised a considerable measure of control. Special investigations into the life-histor\^ of Lachnosterna {Phytalus) smithi, Arr., under Barbados conditions, are recorded at length. It is estimated that the loss due to this beetle in one year over 1 1 ,666 acres was 7,945 tons of sugar-cane, valued at approximately /33,400. Almost any green foliage is eaten by the beetles, though they seem to prefer leaves of sugar-cane, cassava and roses. Sometimes banana foliage is severely injured. The larvae devour roots of various grasses, particularly sugar-cane, maize, palms, bananas, legumes and rose trees. Life-history studies show an average length for the stages as fol- lows : — incubation period 13 days, larvae (active) 227 days, pre-pupa 31 days, pupa 17 days, adult life, before emergence. 27 days, from emergence to oviposition 60 days, reproductive period 61 days, post- reproductive period 16 days. The adults fly and feed on the leaves shortly after dusk, remaining underground in the daytime ; the eg§„ larval and pupal stages are all passed underground. As the life-cycle may vary from 308 to 618 days, there is a great overlapping of broods ; the maximum emergence of adults is during May and June, but emergenc<=! may continue until January. The average number of eggs produced by one female was 108. For oviposition and hatching of eggs a certain amount of moisture is necessary; under dry conditions this is obtained by burrowing deeper into the soil. The effect of irrigation has not been studied, but it is thought that the beneficial effect of the green muscardine fungus, Metarrhizum anisopliae, would counterbalance the encouragement to breeding of the humid conditions. Many larvae seem to be killed by a bacterial disease, caused by an organism resem.bling Bacillus pestis. The Scoliid parasite, TipJiia parallela, which was considered to be an effective check some years ago, no longer seems so efficient, neither is Dielis dorsata, F., sufficiently active. The possible effect of certain Nematodes on the eggs is discussed. It is suggested that there should be rigorous co-operative action on the part of planters in collecting beetles throughout the year. A central insectary should be estabhshed for the rearing and distri- bution of Tiphia parallela. Permanent ponds should be constructed on estates for the rearing of the common toad, Bufo agua, which is a very useful predaceous enemy of these hard-back beetles. Rotation of crops does much to discourage the insect in infested fields ; cotton is an excellent crop in this respect. Any new parasites of L. smithi that are discovered in the future in any country where the hard-back occurs should be introduced into Barbados. (3393) z 2 324 Pink Bollworm Notes. — Agric. News, Barbados, xx, no. 494, 2nd April 1921, p. 106. Reports from Montserrat, where the pink bollworm {Platyedra gossypiella) has lately been discovered, indicate that in that island this moth also breeds in okra [Hibiscus esculentus] ; attempts are consequently being made to provide a close season for this plant to coincide with that for cotton. The pink bollworm has now appeared also in Nevis and St. Croix. VAN DER GooT (P.). De Invoer op Java van een nieuw en nuttig Lieveheersbeestje {Cryptolaemus nionirouzieri) . [The Introduction into Java of a new and beneficial Coccinellid, C. montrottzieri.] ■ — Tevsmannia, Batavia, xxxi, nos. 10, 11-12, 1920, pp. 456-473, 493-510, 2 plates. [Received 27th April 1921.] The introductory part of this paper deals with the biological method of controlling insect pests in general, and its practical application in Hawaii. A brief notice is given of some attempts in this direction in the Dutch East Indies, and of the work done with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in California and Hawaii. In 1918 the author introduced this Coccinellid from Hawaii into Java in order to combat the dangerous lamtoro scale, Pseudococcus virgatus, Ckll. Honey-water was used for feeding during the forty days journey from Honolulu to Java, where 200 individuals of C. montrouzieri, 10 of Rhizobius ventralis, and 5 of Scymnus biguttatus arrived alive. The last two species died without reproducing themselves, but during June, July and August 1918, C. montrouzieri was bred in numbers. The various stages of this Coccinellid are described. The larvae^ especially those of the later instars, are very voracious, and imder natural conditions they rapidly clear up Pseudococcus crotonis on the leaves of Castilloa. The total length of the larval stage ranges from 13 to 23 days, with an average of 20. The pupal stage usually requires 6-9 days. The entire life-cycle from egg to imago requires 22-35 days, with an average of 30. The adults feed before mating, which occurs 5-8 days after emergence. Thus a new generation is present in 4-7 weeks, so that from 7 to 13 generations a year are possible. The number of eggs obtained from a female varied from 64 to 176. The food of the adults is similar to that of the larvae. In the labora- tory Pseudococcus virgatus, P. crotonis and P. citri were freely taken. Though well able to fly, the adults show Httle disposition to spread by this means ; this is a disadvantage as regards the speedy control of an outbreak of scales. In the breeding-cages portions of plants infested with P. crotonis were placed as food. The green fruit of Anona mnricata (custard apple) proved especially suitable after the black ants present had been removed ; other material used included cacao twigs infested with the same scale, and cassava stalks with P. virgatus. In June 1918 the first liberations were effected, and observations made since then show that C. montrouzieri has been able to breed naturally in Java for two years. Only small numbers have been seen, however, and this seems to be due to the period when food is scarce owing to the decrease of scales during the rainy season. It appears necessary to keep a stock of the Coccinellid ready for immediate increase and liberation at the beginning of the dry season in places where scales are abundant. Without this artificial assistance C. man- 325 trotizieri cannot become really valuable in the Dutch East Indies. Pseudococcus citri, which lives on Castilloa and is protected during the rainy season by the broad leaves of that plant, provides the necessary medium for maintaining the stock. Peterson (A.). Some Soil Fumigation Experiments with Paradi- chlorobenzene for the Control oJ the Peach-tree Borer, Sanni- noidea exitiosa, Ssiy. —Soil Sci., New Brunswick, N.J., xi, no. 4, April 1921, pp. 305-318, 1 plate, 1 fig. The results obtained with sodium cyanide are briefly stated [R.A.E., A, viii, 309], and subsequent experiments with paradi- chlorobenzene for the destruction of Aegeria [Sanninoidea) exitiosa, Say, are described. This substance gives promise of becoming a valuable and important insecticide for the control of this moth. For the most part the results of similar experiments agree with those obtained by Blakeslee [loc. cit. 189]. In the majority of cases I oz. gave as good results as f and 1 oz. with the same exposure, i.e., 21 days or more ; smaller doses than this were, however, unsatisfactory. Trees of six years and over are not seriously injured if the soil is warm at the time of application. Slight injury to the bark may occur. The effect on these trees at a soil temperature of 55° F. or less has not been ascertained. So far no variation in the susceptibility of different varieties of peaches has been noticed. Trees from 3-6 years old were successfully treated with \ oz. of paradichlorobenzene with a 7 to 10-day exposure, about 80 per cent, of the larvae being killed on the average with a 10-day exposure. Trees treated twice in the summer proved free from borers in the autumn, winter, spring and early summer, while those treated only in June were only free from borers for six to eight weeks following the treatment. Early spring treatment is not advocated owing to the low temperature of the soil. The best time for New Jersey is from 25th August to 10th September. The crystals should be evenly distributed in a circular band between one and two inches from the tree. Should there be any indication of borers in the tree 1 to 6 inches above ground, the soil should be mounded about so that its upper level reaches the highest point where the gum, containing sawdust-Uke particles, is exuding from the tree. The application is made on this level. The crystals are then covered with soil free from weeds, grass, stones, etc., and this is packed down with the back of a spade. The present experiments indicate that soil texture does not have much influence on the rate of evaporation, which is, however, retarded should the soil be moist. As a rule evaporation is complete in from 6 to 8 weeks if the temperature of the soil is 60" F. or higher, and the soil moisture is low. Further investigations are needed to deter- mine the influence of moisture in long exposures. High soil tem- peratures produce greater rates of evaporation than low ones. The ineffectiveness of paradichlorobenzene at low temperatures is probably also partly due to the consequent lower oxygen requirements of the larvae. Fairly satisfactory results have been obtained at temperatures ranging between 55" and 60° F. Phipps (C. R.). Control of the Pear Thrips.— A'. 1'. Agric. Expt. Sta., Geneva, Bull. 484, January 1921, 11 pp., 5 plates, 2 tigs. As soon as the adults of Taeniothrips inconsequens, Uzel {Pyri, Dan.) appear in numbers, the ends of the buds should be thoroughly 326 wetted with miscible oil and nicotine sulphate. The usual time for this application is about the middle or latter part of April in the Hudson Valley. If the infestation is severe, the spray should be repeated in about three or four days. A spray of lime-sulphur and Bordeaux mixture with the addition of f pint of nicotine sulphate to every 100 gals, of spray should be applied when the cluster buds are separating. For the destruction of the larvae on the fruit, nico- tine sulphate may be added to the usual Bordeaux or lime-sulphur spray, or nicotine sulphate and soap may be used. Fulton (B. B.). Insect Injuries in Relation to Apple Grading.^ N. Y. Agric. Expt. Sta., Geneva, Bull. 475, Mav 1920, 42 pp., 4 plates, 2 charts, 17 figs. [Received 28th April 1921.] The economic importance of insects in crop standardisation depends largely on their destructive influence on crop production. The insects attacking apples are described and grouped according to the injuries they produce. A key is also given for the identification of injuries to mature apples and directions are given for a routine system of spraying. The insects dealt with are : — Cydia (Carpocapsa) pomonella, L. (codling moth) ; Enarmonia prtmivora, Wlk. (lesser apple worm) ; Cydia (Laspeyresia) molesta, Busck (oriental fruit moth) ; Rhagoletis pomonella, Walsh (apple maggot) ; the green fruit worms, Graphiphora alia, Gn., Xylina anteiinaia, Wlk., Graptolitha {X.) laticinerea, Grote, and X. grotei, Riley ; Tortrix {Arc-hips) argyrospila, Wlk. (fruit-tree leaf-roller) ; Dickomeris {Ypsolophiis) ligulella, Hb. (palmer worm) ; Tortrix (Archips) rosaceana, Harr. (oblique-banded leaf-roller) ; Hemerocampa leucostigma, S. & A. (white-marked tussock moth) ; Eucosma {Tmetocera) ocellana, Schiff. (bud moth) ; the apple red bugs, Lygidea mendax, Rent., and Heterocordylus malinus, Reut. ; Conotrachelus nenuphar, Hbst. (plum curculio) ; Anthonomns quadri- gibbus, Say (apple curculio) ; Aphis sorbi, Kalt. (rosy apple aphis) ; Aspidiotus perniciosHS, Comst. (San Jose scale) ; Macrodactylus subspinosits, F. (rose chafer) ; the case-bearers, Coleophora fletcherella. Fern., and C. malivorella, Ril. ; and Syntomaspis druparum, Boh. (apple-seed Chalcid). McDonald (R. E.). The Pink BoUworm in Texas. — Mthly. News Bull., Texas Dept. Agric, Austin, iii, no. 6, April 1921, p. 7. Referring to a recent article on the pink bollworm [Platyedra gossy- piella) [R.A.E., A, ix, 269] an appeal is made to cotton growers in Texas to back up the efforts of the State entomologists to combat this pest. HouLBERT (C). Les Col^opteres d'Europe, France et Regions Voisines. Anatomic g6n6rale ; Classification et Tableaux g6n6ri- Ques illustr6s. Vol. I. — Paris, Librairie Octave Doin, 1921, xii + 332 pp., 16 pi., 104 figs. [Price 10 fr. paper, 12 fr. boards.] This useful handbook is the first of a series of three vohmies which aim at giving briefly as complete a summary as possible of the chief subdivisions of the Coleoptera of Europe. The classification of genera is based upon that of Lacordaire (1854-1876), with certain 327 necessary modifications. An explanation of entomological termino- logy is included, and each volume will contain an index to its contents, an alphabetical index of the sections, famihes, subfamiHes and genera, and a systematic index. A feature of the volume is a series of excellent figures, illustrating the general characters and types of the families dealt with. Where possible, a few interesting notes on the biology of the family or group are attached. A bibliographical index is also appended. Iatchevsky (A.). 06 YHpewfleHMM npM PyccKOH BoiaHMHecKOM 06iMecTBe CeKUMM m/im OiAena MHKOJiorMH m OMTonaTOJiorHM. [On the Establishment of Sections or Departments of Mycology and Phytopathology attached to the Russian Botanical Society.] — BfOJineieHb 2-ro BcepoccMMCKoro3HTOMo-(DMTonaTonorMHecKoro C'esAa b neiporpafle 25-30 0KTfl5pfl 1920 r. [BmU. 2nd All- Riissian Entomo-Pliytopathological Meeting in Petrograd, 25th-30th October 1920], nos. 2 and 5, 26th and 29th October 1920, pp. 1-2 and 29-32. [Received 30th April 1921.] The need for a mycological and phytopathological centre has long been felt in Russia. It is therefore suggested that a section or depart- ment of mycology and ph3'topatholog3^ in connection with the Russian Botanical Society should be established. K Bonpocy o Pa6oTax MeCTHbix SHTOMOJiornHecKMx CiaHUHM. [The Question of the Work of Local Entomological Stations.] — BronneTGHb 2-ro BcepoccMWCKoro SHTOMO-OmonaTonorMHecKoro C'esfla B neiporpaAe 25-30 OktaSpa I920r. [Bull. 2nd All- Russian Entomo-Phytopathological Meeting in Petrograd, 25th-30th October 1920], no. 5, 29th October 1920, 32 pp. [Received 30th April 1921.] One of the initial questions to be discussed at the second meeting of the All-Russian Entomo-Phytopathologists included the problems of existing and future entomological stations. A general programme of work for such stations is outlined by N. M. Kulagin, and a brief account of the work of the Ivano-Voznesensky station is given by A. N. Kazansky. The following pests for the summer of 1920 were recorded : — Anthonomiis pomonim, L., Psylla mali, Forst., and Cydta pomonella, L., on apples ; and Emphytus grossidariae, L., on currants and gooseberries, three generations of this sawfly having occurred. Cabbages were seriously injured by Pieris brassicae, L. The second brood was much reduced by parasites, but the numbers increased again in the third and a partial fourth was produced, which is unusual under existing climatic conditions. Flea-beetles caused serious damage to radishes, rape and turnips. Other cabbage pests were Brevicoryne brassicae, L., and Phorbia brassicae, Bch. Adults of Loxostege sticticalis, L., were unexpectedly abundant, but the larvae confined their attention to weeds. Forficula aiiricidaria caused serious injury to the foliage of beet, and even of potatoes. Homoeosoma nebidella, Hb., was also abundant. The pests of field crops included the Hessian fly [Mayeliola destructor] , frit fly [Oscinella frit] and Chlorops taeniopus, Meig. Potatoes were seriously injured by wire- worms. 328 The work of the Don Bureau for the control of pests since its inauguration is reviewed by A. N. Buchheim. The director's report by Zvierezomb-Zubovsky for 1919 has been prepared, but not yet printed. The reports for 1917 and 1918, here mentioned, have already been noticed [R.A.E., A, viii, 103-107]. The work of the station was greatly curtailed, and at times completely stopped, during the period of 1918-1920, owing to its position in the centre of war activities. As practically nothing is known of the plant pests of the south-east of Russia, it is suggested that a specialist should be sent to investigate the districts of Stavropol, Kuban, Terek and the Black Sea. The pests recorded by Rimsky-Korsakov as observed at the district experiment station at Kniajesky Dvor, are : — Cephiis sp., on timothy and other grasses {Calamagrostis epigeios, Agropyrum repens and Dadylis glomerata) ; Harmolita {Isosoma) spp. on the above grasses, as well as on Poa pratensis and Festnca ovina ; Cleigastra sp. and Eremobia (Hadena) ochroleuca on timothy grass ; Depressaria depres- sella on various umbelliferous plants ; Pieris brassicae, Brevicoryne {Aphis) brassicae and Phorbia brassicae on cabbages ; Acrolepia assectella and Crioceris merdigera on onions ; and Tetranychus sp. on cucumbers. Three generations of frit fly [Oscinella frit] occurred on oats and winter wheat, also the Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor] on rye, and Agromyza sp. on rye and oats. Currants were injured by ZopJiodia convolntella, and apples by Psylla mali and Anthonomus pomorinn. Special observations were made on Cydia {Grapholiilia) strobilella, infesting pine cones, and on Byctiscus betulae. This bulletin also contains particulars of courses for the preparation of specialists in economic phytopathology and applied zoology. General cultural measures for the protection of plants are discussed b}' D. M. Korolkov, and their application is especialty urged in view of the present difficulty in obtaining the appliances required for other remedial measures. Bogdanov-Katkov (N. N.). PancOBblM [\BeTOe!\{Meligethesaeneus,F). — DeTporpaACKafl CraHUMfl SaiuMTbi PacTeHHii ot BpeAMre/ieM [Petrograd Station for the Protection of Plants from Enemies], Petrograd, 1920, 14 pp., 10 figs. [Received 30th April 1921.] The Nitidulid beetle, Meligethes aeneiis, F., is one of the chief pests of cruciferous plants grown for seed in Russia. Its various stages are described. In the Petrograd district the adults emerge from hibernation in the soil from April to May. The plants attacked include Rammculiis, Crocus reticidatus, Salix, Anemone ranuncidoides , Caltha palustris, Viola sp., rye, wheat, and even fruit trees. Later on, rape, beet, cabbage, mustard, turnips, etc., form the principal food-plants. The adults feed on various parts of the flowers and oviposit in the young flower buds [R.A.E., A, viii, 542J. The eggs hatch in from 10 to 14 days, and the larvae feed on the interior of the buds ; those of later development may also attack the pods. The larvae appear at the beginning of June. Pupation occurs in the soil 3 or 4 weeks later, and lasts about 12 to 15 days. In the district under consideration two generations occur in the 3^ear. The natural enemies are Malachitis aoteus, F., Microgaster sp. and probably Coccinella septempimctata, L. The remedial measures advocated [cf. R.A.E., A, viii, 6] include cultural methods, spraying with Paris green and covering the plants with cheese-cloth bags. The latter is also beneficial by preventing cross-pollination. 329 Bogdaxov-Katkov (N. N.). neiporpaACKoe OropoAHiiMecTBO m BpeAMienM. [Petrograd Kitchen Gardening and Pests.] — nerporpaACKOe OropOAHMHeCTBO [Petrograd Kitchen Gardening], Petrograd, 1921, no. 1, pp. 47-78, 19 figs. The history and work of the Petrograd station for the Protection of Plants from Pests during 1918-20 is reviewed. The remedial measures adopted are chiefly cultural, but also include spraying and •dusting. The pests dealt with are: — Phorbia {Chortophila) brassicae, Bch. ; Phyllotreta undulata, Kutsch. ; P. nemormn, L. ; P. vittata, F._; P. nigripes, F. ; Barathra [Maniestra) brassicae, L. ; Plntella maciili- pennis, Curt. ; Brevicoryne {Aphis) brassicae, L. ; Pieris brassicae, L. ; P. rapae, L. ; Euxoa {Agrotis) nigricans, L. ; wire-worms ( Agriotes and Athous spp.) ; Phaedon cochleariae, F. ; Hylemyia antiqiia, Meig. ; Eumerus strigatus, Fall. ; Meligethes aeneus, F. ; Polia siiasa, Schiff. ; P. oleracea, L. ; Sitones crinitus, 01. ; S. lineatus, L. ; Pionca Jorficalis, L. ; /{phis gossypii, Glov. ; Ceiithorrhynchns quadridens, Panz. ; ' C. sulcicollis, Gyll. ; C. contractus. Marsh. ; Athalia spinarwn, L. ; Eitrydema festivum, L. ; E. oleraceiim, L. ; E. dominidum. Scop. ; and Tetranychns telarius, L. CouvREUR (E.) .S: Chahovitch (X.). Sur un Mode de Defense natiirelle contre les Infections microbiennes chez les Invertebres.— C. R. Hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 11, 14th March 1921, pp. 711-713. The experiments described were in progress in June 1920 and confirm the conclusions arrived at b\- Paillot with reference to immimity in invertebrates [i?.. 4. £., A, ix, 234]. They were carried out with the larvae and pupae of Bombyx {Sericaria) mori. both Bacillus coli and the organisms of blue piis [B. pyocyaneus] being destroyed by the body fluid and digestive juices of this moth. Paillot (A.). Role des Humeurs dans la Destruction extracellulaire des Microbes chez les Insectes. — C. R. Hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 14, 4th April 1921, pp. 876-878. In view of statements in the preceding paper, it is pointed out that the phenomenon of the destruction of micro-organisms by the action of blood and digestive juices of insects in vitro is not new, and was only mentioned in a recent paper by the author [R.A.E., A, ix, 234] as an argument in favour of the theory propounded therein. CouvREUR (E.) & Chahovitch (X.). Contre les Infections microbien- nes chez les Invert6br6s. — C. R. Hebdom. Acad. Sci., Paris, clxxii, no. 18, 2nd May 1921, pp. 1126-1127. The criticism of the authors' previous paper [see preceding abstract] is discussed. They do not claim to be the discoverers of the phe- nomenon of the destruction of micro-organisms by various body fluids in insects, but merely state that the fact occurs. 330 Paillot (A.). Influence de la Temperature sur le M^eanisme de I'Immunite humorale chez les Insectes. — C. R. Soc. Biol., Paris, Ixxxiv, no. 14, 23rd April 1921, pp. 737-739. The results of experiments to ascertain the effect of temperature on the mechanism of the reactions of humoral immunity in insects are described. The modifications resulting from a prolonged low tempera- ture are more easily accounted for if the humoral transformations are admitted to be the result of colloidal reactions between the micro- organisms and certain constituents of the blood than if they are considered to be caused by antibodies or diastasis [R.A.E., A, ix, 234]. The colloidal equilibrium of the blood of caterpillars in a state of immunity is different from that of normal individuals. Cutler (D. W.). Observations on the Protozoa parasitic in the Hind Gut of Archotermopsis larougJiioni, Desn. 1. Ditricliomonas {Trichomonas) tcrmitis, Imms. 2. Joenopsis polytricha, n. gen.,, n. sp., with brief notes on two new species, Joenopsis cephalotricha and Microjoenia axostylis. 3. Pseudotrichonympha pristina. — Qrtlv. Jl. Microscop. Sci., London, N. S. nos. 252, 255- and 258, April" 191 9, March 1920, and March 1921, pp. 555-588, 383-410 and 247-264, 8 plates, 11 figs. The contents of these papers are indicated by their titles. Order made by the Governor-in-Executive Committee under Sections 45 and 46 of the Trade Act 1910 (1910-16), Barbados.— il/S. from Colonial Office, 30th April 1921. This order, dated 2nd September 1920, prohibits the importation into Barbados of cotton seed or cotton lint except when accompanied by a permit from the Director of Agriculture and a certificate stating that the permit is in order and listing all insect or fungous pests of cotton known to exist in the locality to which the permit relates. The method of obtaining such a permit is described, the particulars required being the name and address of both exporter and importer, and the country or locality where the seed or lint was grown. Before being landed, any cotton seed or cotton lint must be subject to fumigation or other treatment required by the Director of Agriculture. Goods of any other description shipped in the same vessel as cotton seed may also be required to be fumigated, and may not be landed without the consent of tlie Director of .Agriculture. Departmental Activities : Entomology. — //. Dcpt. Agric, Union S. Africa, Pretoria, ii, no. 4, April 1921, pp. 301-306. The Coreid bug, Holopterna valga (tipwilter), is very troublesome in gardens, particularly on dahhas and sunflowers, and is found on the veld on small yellow composites ; the only remedy is to knock the bugs from the plants into a can of water and paraffin oil, and this should be done in the morning, when the insects are sluggish. The fruit-fly [Ceraiitis capitata] has, on the whole, been less destructive than in the previous year, but in February yellow peaches were badh^ infested. The mite infesting tomatos has been the main cause of failure of the summer crops ; while no remedy has been found for the pest, the application of nicotine extract or very dilute lime-sulphur 331 may arrest its spread in its early stages. The larva of the moth Euzopliera villora has recently come into notice as a potato pest, boring in the stems and tubers and riddling them with galleries. Caterpillars of Sesamia calamistis, Hmps., considerably damaged wheat, which ripened prematurely ; and they also attacked barley and oats. Lema hilineata (tobacco slug) has recently been recorded from Middelburg, Transvaal [cf. R. A.E., A, ix, 186, 229]. Extensive outbreaks of locusts are expected in many of the Karroo districts, and'fanners are urged to be on the watch and to report any observations of oviposition. About 1,500 swarms are reported to have been destroyed in the Graaff-Reinet district alone, but complete eradication was impossible, and swarms arising from individuals that escaped the poisoning are now widespread. The chief movement has been from west to north. The establishment of the parasite [Aphelinus mali] of the woolly apple aphis [Eriosoma lanigeriim] received a check owing to the Aphid almost dying out in February ; with its reappearance in March, however, the parasites were found in numbers. Outbreaks of the mystery worm [Laphygma exempta] have been reported in the low veld of the Transvaal, and later outbreaks are expected in the high veld. For cheese mites in factories, about which many com- plaints have been made, there is no easy method of destruction, owing to their power of surviving for an almost indefinite period in the absence of food. Infested rooms should be cleaned out thorough^,, fumigated with sulphur at the rate of 2 lb. to every 1,000 cu. ft., and then washed with strong soap solution. Coccotrypes dadyliperda, F. (vegetable ivory beetle) damages the buttons made from so-called vegetable ivory, which is the hard seed of the palm, Hyphaene crinita. In stores, buttons on ready- made garments kept in exposed places are the most damaged, while those kept in closed packages are not attacked. All stages of the beetles may be found together in the buttons, which are eaten out until only a shell is left. Fumigation is hardly practicable in clothing stores, and there is no assurance that reinfestation will not occur. It is suggested that the buttons might be made proof against attack by incorporating some poisonous substance with the material with which they are coated. A list is given of n)iscellaneous minor pests of orchards, gardens, etc. Davis (J. J.). Orchard Insect Problems. — Hoosicr Horticulture, Indiana Hortic. Soc, La Favette, iii, no. 2, February 1921, pp, 19-24. [Received 2nd May 1921.] The essential factors in insect control in orchards include an accurate knowledge of its importance and relation to profitable fruit-growing. Only those recommendations should be followed in Indiana that are suitable for conditions in that State. The importance of general care of the orchard b}^ following only the best practices and of thoroughness in spraying is emphasised. Many small, privately-owned orchards in Indiana are very much neglected and prove a continual source of reinfestation to neighbouring large commercial ones. Among the most important fruit-tree pests are the codling moth [Cydia pomonclla], which has two generations annually in Indiana, with possibly a third or partial third in certain years. As these overlap, spraying should be continuously carried on at intervals of about two 332 weeks from the first summer spray imtil about mid-August. The first two summer sprays are, however, the most important. The plum curcuHo [Conotrachelus nenuphar] is difficult to control, but its occur- rence can be largely prevented by cultural practices. As hibernation occurs in the adult stage under leaves or rubbish, the elimination of these hibernating places and the maintenance of good cultivation will greatly reduce the number of weevils, while cultivation of the ground from about 10th July to 20th August, that is after the larvae have entered the soil for pupation, will destroy many of the pupae. These practices, together with the first two sprays for C. pomoncUa, should destroy the insects almost entirely. For Aphids and scale-insects the recognised remedy is a dormant spray of lime-sulphur or miscible oil for the latter and a nicotine extract with the first summer spray for the former. The value of the delayed dormant spray is discussed ; it is considered decidedly satis- factor}^ as an annual practice in Indiana, but its use requires consider- able judgment, and it is not recommended for universal application until it has been more thoroughly studied. The peach-tree borer [Aegeria exiliosa. Say] is being successfully controlled by paradichlorobenzene [cf. R.A.E., A, ix, 325] . This method is largely used in the peach-growing districts in Georgia. Ca;munas (M.). Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Labour. — 19th Ann. Rcht. Gov. Porto Rico to Secy. War, Washing- ton, D.C., 1919, Appendix ix, pp. 685-707. [Received 4th Mav 1921.] Experiments with paraffin emulsion sprays against pests of Citrus show that two successive sprayings at an interval of one to two weeks are required for the control of scale-insects, the same results being obtained against Pseudococcus nipac, Mask., on guava. It is doubtful if the Yothers oil emulsion spray can be increased sufficiently in strength to control mealy-bugs without injury to the trees. The pests of Citrus recorded for the year under review included : Vinsonia stcllifera, Westw. (star scale), which, in common with the black scale [Saissetia oleae], was heavily parasitised by the fungus, Aschersonia tiirbinata, this scale also occurring on mango, coconut, etc. ; and a leaf-hopper, Ornienis pygmaea, F., found for the first time on Citrus, and also breeding on Cordia corymbosa, C. cylindrostachya, young coffee foliage and passion-fruit vine, which is parasitised by Metarrhizimn anisopliae Other Citrus pests are an undetermined thrips, two mealy-bugs — probably Pseudococcus gahani {citrophilus) and P. longispinus — a bagworm, and the larvae of an Arctiid moth. Several mealy-bugs, including P. gahani, were attacked by the larvae of a Micropterygid moth. During May some of the trees were greatly infested with the citrus leaf-roller, Eantis thraso, Hb. Adults of a Fulgorid, Bothricera sp., were common on twigs of grapefruit, and were also seen feeding on sugar-cane in March. Experiments are now in progress in connection with insects involved in the transmission of mottling disease of sugar-cane. Among the numerous sugar-cane plants subjected to the attacks of insects previously fed on infected ones, only two exhibited the disease. The insects responsible for the transmission were Stenocranus sacchari- vorus, Westw. (cane fly) and Aclerda tokionis, Ckll. (sugar-cane leaf scale) 333 Watson (J. R.). Insect Damage to Crops in Florida. — Qtrly. Bull. Florida State PI. Bd., {Gainesville, v, no. 3, April 1921, pp. 138-140. Besides the direct loss of crops due to insect attack in Florida, there is a good deal of indirect loss caused by hindrance to the development of industries from fear of insect pests. It is thought that the average loss, as estimated for the United States — about 42s. per year for each individual — is too low for Florida, where growth continues all the year round without any prolonged and severe winter to kill off insects. The average plantations of Citrus probably jdeld onl}' one-half of what they might produce if freed from insect pests ; only in the best- cared-for groves is the loss nmch less. Winter vegetables do not suffer very severely, as many insects are hibernating during the peiiod of their growth, but vegetables grown in autumn and spring are often badly attacked. Late-planted maize frequently fails owing to insect attacks. Some instances are given of the control of insect pests by entomogenous fungi and by introduced parasites, and the importance of discovering and propagating fresh natural enemies is emphasised. Berger (E. W.). Natural Enemies of Scale Insects and Whiteflies in Florida. — Qrtly. Bull. Florida State PI. Bd., Gainesville, V, no. 3, April 1921, pp. 141-154, 10 figs. The climate of Florida is very favourable to the development of certain fungi, which are of great assistance in keeping down the scale- insects that infest Citrus. The Plant Board of Florida grows and supplies pure cultures of these fungi with instructions for applying them to the trees. Their importance is soon apparent if a tree is sprayed with a fungicide, such as Bordeaux mixture ; this destroys the fungi, and the scale-insects rapidly increase in consequence. Artificial dissemination is best carried out during the summer rains, but the use of fungi is not recommended for trees less than three years' old. These are better sprayed with oil, and a spray of oil emulsion, miscible oil or soap solution is recommended towards the end of September on all trees where scales seem to be increasing. The fungi may be applied by spraying a mixture of the spores in water into the trees. For whiteflies this must be applied to the lower side of the leaves. About 100 heads of fungus should be used to one gallon of water. Fungi not obtainable in pure cultures should be collected from deciduous trees when wanted for use on Citrus, or vice versa. These beneficial fungi include the red-headed scale-fungus, Sphaeros- tilbe coccophila, which infests Lepidosaphes beckii (purple scale) on Citrus, Aspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale) chiefly on peach, plum and pear, L. glover i (long scale) on Citrus, A. hederae chiefly on chinaberry, and Parlatoria pergandei (chaff scale) mainly on Citrus. The pink scale-fungus, Microcera fujikuroi , greatly resembles the above and has long been confused with it. It attacks ChrysotnpJialus aonidum (Florida red scale) mainly on Citrus, C. obscurus (water-oak scale) and C. tenebricosus (red maple scale) on their respective food- plants, and C. aurantii (California red scale) and L. beckii on Citrus. The white- or grey-headed scale-fungus, Ophionectria coccicola, is ver}' commonly found on L. gloveri, L. beckii and P. pergandei. The black scale-fungus, Myriangium duriaei, which probably occurs throughout Florida, but is more abundant in the north, kills L. beckii, L. gloveri. 334 P. pergandei, A. perniciosiis. and A. ancylus, the latter mainly on pecan. The Cuban species, Aschersonia cubensis. infests Toumey- ella liriodendri on banana shrub and magnolia, Pulvinaria pyriformis on guava, swamp baj^ [Tamala puhescens), Ilex cassine, avocado, camphor, cinnamon, etc., and Eucalymnatus tessellatus on mango from Porto Rico. The turbinate fungus, A. turhinata, controls Ceroplastes floridensis (Florida wax scale), which infests Citrus and many other plants. The red whitefly-fungus, A. alcurodis, is an important factor in the control of Dialeurodes citri (common whitefiy) and D. citrifolii (cloudy- winged whitefly) on Citrus, and has also been found infesting a whitefiy, probably Bemesia inconspicua, on sweet potato and an unidentified black Aleurodid. The yellow whitefly-fungus, A . flavocitrina, is very effective against D. citrifolii. The brown whitefly-fungus, Aegerita webberi, infests D. citri and D. citrifolii, and continues to thrive late in the season after the dry weather has begun. The white fringe fungus, which is an unidentified species of Microcera, is so universally present, destroying the larvae of D. citri and D. citrifolii whenever weather conditions are favourable, that its artificial propagation has not been undertaken . The cinnamon fungus, Verticillium hcterocladum is widely distributed on whitefly larvae and the scales P. pergandei, L. glover i, L. beckii, and others. The principal predators of scale-insects and whiteflies are the Coccinellids, Novius cardinalis, introduced from Australia ; Chilocorus hivulneriis, feeding chiefly on the armoured scales ; Delphasius catalinae and D. pusillus, which feed on the eggs of whiteflies ; and Cycloneda munda and Hippodamia convergens, which devour some scales, though their preferred food is Aphids. Other predaceous enemies are the Tenebrionid beetle, Epitragus tonicntosus ; the larvae of Chrysopa spp. (lace-wing flies) and Hemerobius spp. ; a Pyralid larva, Laetilia coccidivora ; and Syrphid larvae. Parasites are numerous, particularly in colonies of Coccus hesperidum (soft brown scale), and include Braconids and Chalcids, such as Eretmocerus haldemani, which effectively controls the woolly w'hitefly, Aleurothrixus howardi. The Agromyzid fly, Cryptochaetum monophlebi, introduced from Australia, is very efficient in destroying the cottony- cushion scale [ I eery a purchasi], Chaffin (J.). Mealy-bugs. — Qtrly. Bull. Florida State PL Bd., Gainesville, v, no. 3, April 1921, pp. 154-158. Nearly every fruit and plant grown in Florida is attacked by mealy- bugs, which are very serious pests of Citrus, and do considerable damage in greenhouses and ornamental nurseries, and sometimes attack the roots of peanuts, cowpeas and other plants. Many of them are destroyed by natural enemies, such as the caterpillars of Laetilia coccidivora, several species of Coccinellids, and the larvae of Syrphids and lace- wing flies [Chrysopa spp.]. It is during dry seasons in spring and summer that the greatest damage is done in Citrus groves. Grape- fruit is the preferred food-plant, oranges and other species of Citrus also being attacked. There are some 50 species of mealy-bugs in Florida, but only a few of them have any economic importance. The chief is Pseudococcus citri, which occurs throughout the State, and is most injurious to Citrus, besides attacking numerous other plants ; there are often as 335 many as four generations in Florida, and each female lays some 300 to 500 eggs. Ants frequently accompany them and are a great protection against enemies. P. lonaispmus (long-tailed mealy- bug) attacks Citms. but is less widely distributed, is held more in check by its natural enemies, and is less protected by ants. It apparently prefers greenhouse plants, particularly palms, and also attacks avocados, mangos and oleanders. P. bromeliae (pine- apple mealy-bug) is occasionally found on Citrus, generally on nursery stock or tender twigs, but prefers pineapple or banana. P. nlpae (coconut mealy-bug) is abimdant on many tropical plants in South Florida," preferring guava, palms and avocado in nurseries. P. solani is found on the roots of cowpeas, peanuts and ragweed, but is of little economic importance. Other minor pests are P. saccharifoliae, found on sugar-cane in South Florida, P. virgatus on oleander and other ornamental plants, and Ericoccus queycus on oak or gallberry. Trionvmus quaintancei is widely distributed over the State, and occurs on the roots of sumac during the entire year. A simple remedy against mealy-bugs is to wash them off the trees with a spray of clear water, but a pressure of 200 to 250 lb. is necessary for this to "be effective. If only a small sprayer is used, some strong insecticide, such as 1 lb. whale-oil soap to 5 U.S. gals, of water, or an oil insecticide about one-third or one-fourth stronger than is used for whiteflies or scale-insects, should be employed, a second application being given about two weeks after the first. After spraying the trees, all ants' nests in the vicinity should be destroyed by thrusting into them a piece of cotton saturated with carbon bisulphide, or by pouring in a mixture of 4 oz. sodium cyanide to 1 U.S. gallon of water, A Spray Schedule for Citrus. — Qtrly. Bull. Florida State PI. Bd., Gainesville, v, no. 3, April 1921, pp. 159-160. This schedule was issued as the result of a conference of entomolo- gists and others. A list of 10 sprays is given for grape-fruit and oranges, with materials, times of application and instructions for their use. Pettit (R. H.). Report o! the Entomological Section.— 5