127 



Lantana Scale or "Maui Blight' 



(Orthezia insignis, Dougl.) 



Fii. S— Lantana scale or "Maui Blight" (Oythezia 

 insignis. Dougl ) a, young: b, adult female. Magnifica- 

 tion indicated by figures. (Author's illustration^ 



This lantana enemy (Fig. 8) was xot introduced by Mr. Koe- 

 bele. In fact in an exhaustive paper published in the "1902 

 Reports of The Commissioner of Agriculture," he warned the 

 people most emphatically against its distribution. Despite this 

 warning ranchmen have been scattering lantana infested with 

 this scale all over the Islands. Only in a few localities does it 

 seem to spread rapidly, but, wherever it exists, it surely assists 

 in reducing the vitality of the lantana giant. Fortunately 

 this insect has not yet been observed in injurious 

 numbers on any plant of economic importance, if Ave disregard 

 the ornamental plants. At Wailuku, Maui, it has been ob- 

 served by the writer to have practically destroyed a Gardenia, 

 and at Ulupalakua, Maui, Mr. Eli Snj^der called attention to 

 serious infestation of Altenianthcra, Coleus and Achyranthcs by 

 this scale bug. Where the insect will stop it is impossible to 

 say. Its adaptability to plants other than lantana on these 

 Islands it has shown. "A hint to the wise is sufficient." 



A similar study of the horn fly and its parasites was made. 

 The following notes on the subject were presented to the same 

 Association. 



