38 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



it on either the Golden Wattle (A. pycnantha) or on 

 any other of the more arborescent, or others of the wattle 

 " family." When I say that I have not found this beetle 

 on any other plants other than the two wattles before 

 mentioned. I mean that I have not seen it in any harmful 

 numbers —an odd beetle or so will when riving alight 

 almost anywhere. As an example of their numbers, I may 

 say that I have shaken off as many as 600 beetles from one 

 small wattle. 



When the larva? are full grown (in Victoria from about 

 July to January), they descend into the soil, the grubs 

 being at this time of a much lighter green — -almost yellow 

 in colour. When in the soil, usually from 1 to 4 yards 

 from the stem of the tree, and about 2 inches below the 

 surface, they remain until assuming the pupal stage, and, 

 upon emerging from the soil as perfect beetles, climb up 

 the stem of the tree. Here their wing-cases harden, and 

 the function of reproduction at once commences. From 

 my own observations, which have been extensive. I judge 

 that the birds are not partial to the grubs of this beetle, 

 as both larva? and beetles may be seen crawling up and 

 down the stem quite unmolested, either by birds or ants. 



According to what I have both heard and ' seen, the 

 stripping of the foliage in such a wholesale manner renders 

 the bark very difficult of removal, and results, owing to 

 constant attacks, in the death of the affected tree. Many 

 trees so attacked will manage to temporarily recover, the 

 principal effect being that the tree becomes what is generally 

 known as ' ; hide-bound." Thus the bark is more difficult 

 to strip, and even when stripped has lost much of its tannic 

 value. 



It appears very singular that a tree so astringent in its 

 nature should furnish such a palatable food for this pest, 

 although it is well known that some beetles will live upon 

 capsicums, cigars, and on the turpentine-impregnated 

 Coniferoe, such as White Deal, &c. According to my own 

 experience, the beautiful Silver Wattle is mainly responsible 



