305 



2. The ''Spotted mealy bug" (Fsciidococcus 7'irgatus) on 

 leaves of Ceara, was twice received from the windward side of 

 Oahu thickly infested with this mealy bug. In Iwth instances 

 the bugs were accompanied by their natural enemies, which are 

 well known to keep them in check. These comprised the black 

 ladybird above referred to, the "Brownie" ladybird {Cryptolaciniis 

 montroiizieri) and at least one internal parasite. This latter is a 

 comparatively large, black, four-winged fly usually abundant in 

 the presence of the scale and a powerful aid in keeping it in check, 



3. Red spider or mite. The identity of this animal (being 

 a mite it is more closely related to spiders which are not insects 

 in the true sense of the word) has not been ascertained, but it be- 

 longs to a species very widely distributed both as to territory 

 and plant host on these islands. It has been observed on leaves 

 of Ceara in Honolulu. I imagine it might prove serious on 

 young plants in which case a sulphur wash applied to the under 

 sides of the leaves will keep it in check. 



4. An undetermined species af aphis or plant lice has been 

 observed by '\ir. Austin and others on the Maui rubber planta- 

 tions. These plant lice seem to gather about the mid rib a^nd 

 leading veins on the under side of the leaf. Their punctures 

 cause an exudation of the latex which, after drying, assumes a 

 marked resemblance to scale bugs. There are a number of use- 

 ful insects that keep all sorts of aphis on these islands in sub- 

 jection, but if immediate relief becomes necessary it will be found 

 in an application of a soap solution of one pound of soap to four 

 gallons of water. Any soap will answer the purpose and, if 

 the leaves are delicate, ivory or castile soap, because of their 

 neutrality, will be found* best. 



5. No specimens were sent, but reports were current- that 

 "'worms" are wont to attack seeds in the bed. So far as investi- 

 gated those seeds suffered for having been filed too deeply. 



6. What seemed to be related to a group of destructive mites 

 (Rhyzoglyphidae) was found in numbers upon seeds imported 

 from ]\Iexico in course of inspection. The seeds were promptly 

 fumigated and planted in beds at the Government Nursery where 

 they remained" under observation until it was certain the plants 

 were free of them. 



Note. — This completes the insects of rubber so far observed 

 on these islands. 



