Monophlebince. 437 



strongly falcate, with two simple hair-like digitules. Derm with numerous 

 conspicuous pores, of two forms, more particularly crowded upon the marginal 

 area. The larger form of pore, as viewed from above {fii^. 5), has a circular 

 outline and a circular median orifice around which is a ring of (usually) nine 

 beads ; when viewed at an angle {fig. 6), or in profile ( fig. 8), the beads take the 

 form of deep fluting surrounding the orifice of the central tube, and the circular 

 rim is in the form of a broad funnel, so that the aperture of the pore is sunk 

 below the surface, or ' countersunk.' In some cases, there appears to be a 

 second inverted funnel below and opposed to the other (see fig. 7). Maskell 

 has incorrectly described and figured these pores as standing out prominently 

 above the surface of the body. The smaller pores (figs. 9, 10, 11), which are 

 by far the more numerous, are of the same general structure as the others, but 

 have a more oval outline and an elongated central aperture ; the number of // 



beads surrounding the aperture may be either seven or eight. The larger pores 

 are confined to the marginal area. Abdominal spiracles three on each side;'" 

 one pair on each of the three terminal segments. There are three, more or 

 less conspicuous, oval cicatrices on the venter, posterior to the genital aperture. 

 Length of fully developed female, 4 to 5 mm. 



Nymph similar to adult, but smaller. Antennae nine-jointed. 



Young larva with six very long setK radiating from the posterior extremity 

 of the body. Antennas six-jointed. Derm with pores of the smaller, oval type 

 only. 



I have not seen the adult male ; but it is described by Maskell as being 

 ' red, with a shining, diamond-shaped black patch on the dorsal surface of the 

 'thorax : legs and antennas black. Wings dark brown . . . main nervure red.' 



The species has a wide range of food plants in different parts of the 

 world, though it is as an enemy of plants of the Citrus family that it has 

 become notorious. In Ceylon its principal host appears to be Acacia 

 decurrens — a plant introduced from Australia (the original home of the 'Fluted 

 Scale'). But as the Acacias are always grown from seed the advent of the 

 pest cannot be attributed to this cause. It has also been recorded (in Ceylon) 

 from Casuarina, Citrus, and (very occasionally) from tea, though it does not 

 appear to have attacked any of these last-named plants to a serious extent. 



The introduction of this notorious pest into Ceylon is somewhat of a 

 mystery. It was first noticed in the year i()\.6,mi&si\ng Acacia decurrens in 

 the district of Ambawella ; but reports received early in the following year 

 showed it to have extended to the Agras, Lindula, Galaha, Hewaheta, and 

 Peradeniya districts. The fact that, when first observed, it was already 

 strongly established upon the Acacias, suggests that it must have been in the 

 country for several years ; but I feel sure that it could not have escaped my 

 attention if it had been present in Ceylon before 19 12. With the strict 

 quarantine regulations that have been in force since early in the present 

 century it is difficult to understand how it could have come in unobserved. 

 The Pests Ordinance of Ceylon provides that every growing plant, and most 

 fruits (including all of the Citrus family) must be subjected to fumigation 

 with Hydrocyanic Acid Gas, in a properly constructed Fumigatorium, at the 

 port of entry before being handed over to the consignee. Colombo being the 

 sole port of entry for ocean-going steamers it is a comparatively simple matter 

 to enforce this Ordinance. 



