UPON SCALE-INSECTS. 33 



40 x 30 n (fig. 26) and ascospore 20-30 x 8-11*5 ,, (fig. 

 27). 



It agrees very closely with Ziininermann's description. 

 His measurements are for the ascus35^ long and for the 

 spore 25 x 10. 



It has been chiefly studied on Aspidiotus camellice on the 

 stem of Osbeckia (fig. 25), and on Chionaspis biclavis on 

 Tabernyemontana. 



A curious point is that it has almost invariably been found 

 associated with scales attacked by the Nectria already de- 

 scribed, suggesting the possibility of the one fungus being 

 in some degree dependent on the other. Myriangium being a 

 black fungus and not unlike in external appearance and habit 

 to Meliola and Capnodium, which follow " honey dew," it 

 might be thought to be connected with such coccid excretion. 

 This, however, cannot be the case here as it has only been 

 found associated with scale-insects which do not excrete 

 •' honey dew." Notwithstanding I have always had a doubt of 

 its parasitism. Zimmermann expresses a similar doubt. He 

 says the fungus is not bound to the presence of the coccid 

 and perhaps penetrates dead scales only. On account of its 

 association with the Nectria it may follow this fungus as a 

 scavenger feeding on the remains of the scales and possibly 

 on the Nectria itself ; thus it is probably only a saprophyte. 

 Further observation together with inoculating experi- 

 ments should explain its share in the destruction of the 

 coccid. 



A black conidial form similarly situated as the above has 

 been found on two occasions in connection with Mytilaspis 

 citricola on Citrus, and M. lasianthi on Codiaeum, both 

 scales being at the same time attacked by Nectria. It 

 possessed receptacles (pycnidia) holding pale brown oval 

 conidia produced by a hymenial lining and measuring 4 x 3,, 

 Most likely this is the conidial stage of the Myriangium, but 

 direct proof was not obtained. No conidial fructification 

 is mentioned for the genus in " Die Pflanzenfamilien." 

 9(1)06 ( 5 ) 



