68 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA ; 



our plate. In New South Wales, and also on the coast, 

 there occurs a black variety of this beetle, which how- 

 ever may prove to be a distinct species, as I learn from 

 many good observers who have collected both kinds that 

 the two always keej) apart from each other and do not 

 copulate as does the typical species. There are three 

 other species known to entomologists, but these do not 

 occur in Victoria. When the insect emerges from the 

 wood in which the larvse has been feeding (we do not 

 know how long) it commences, as soon as possible, to fly on 

 to the young Banksias, where on a very hot and still day 

 these beetles may be seen perched upon the top points of 

 the shoots with antennae extended, the beetles being now 

 very much on the alert, and the hotter the day the more 

 difficult they are to capture. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



This insect, which with other kinds yet to be described 

 in this book, bids fair to destroy the greater part of the 

 Banksia trees, which together with the so-called " Tea 

 tree " {Leptospermum IcBvis^atuni) line the sea shores from 

 Brighton to the furthest end of the Victorian coastal line 

 and on into New South Wales, and which trees are so 

 valuable in assisting to protect the banks from sea en- 

 croachments, has, so far as we know, not yet attacked our 

 introduced trees ; but as many orchards are now being 

 planted along and near the coast it will be well to be on 

 the alert, as we never know when, as in many other in- 

 stances, the insects will transfer their attentions to our 

 orchards and gardens. The destruction, by any means 

 whatever, of the fringe or belts of trees which line our 

 sea shores is of very grave moment, and has not had the 

 attention which such a serious matter deserves. If it be 

 doubted whether such extensive inroads have actually 

 taken, or are taking place, let any one walk from Brighton 

 Beach to Mentone, and he will see for himself ample 

 evidences of the vast inroads which during the last 30 or 

 40 years the sea has made. We must preserve these 



