153 



VI. PUBLICATIONS OF THE YEAR. 



Two circulars (Circulars 1 and 2 of the Division of Entomo- 

 logy) were published since the last report, so was also a series 

 of "Entomological Notes" in the "Forester," beginning with 

 September. Some of the latter were reprinted in the body of 

 this report. Since the "Forester" is not for gratuitous dis- 

 tribution, it seems advisable to reprint the remainder here- 

 with. To give the circulars a wider distribution they are also 

 reprinted herein. 



ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY 

 OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY. 



BY JACOB KOTINSKY. 

 SIPHANTA OR TORPEDO BUG, (Siphanta acuta, Walker)-* 



Siphanta is the generic name of the insect generally known 

 on these Islands as torpedo bug. Being shorter and moro 

 euphonious, it is preferable to adopt the uncouth name us^d 

 hitherto. 



The writer is unable to ascertain how^ long Siphanta has 

 been upon these Islands. At present it is known to exist upon 

 all the principle Islands of the group. It is much more numer- 

 ous in some places than in others, and where it is numerous 

 it occurs in prodigious numbers. It is still a mooted question 

 among observers whether or not the insect is directly in- 

 jurious. Some believe it to be harmless, while others, includ- 

 ing the winter, are of the opinion that it scarcely can be other 

 than a pest. The insect occurs in largest numbers during the 

 seasons when plants grow most rapidly and congregate in im- 

 mense numbers upon the tender shoots and leaves of the plants 

 attacked. How can a plant endure having its life blood, the 

 sap, pumped out of it through innumerable punctures in its 

 tenderest parts without suffering materially? Moreover, the 

 honey dew produced by the insect falling upon the foliage, in- 

 duces the growth of that dirty black fungus characteristic of 

 the presence of scale bugs and hoppers upon a plant ; in fact 



Reprint from "Forester and Agriculturist," October, 1905, p. 295. 



