PEACH INSECTS 275 



The Pacific Peach-tree Borer 

 Sanninoidea opalescens Henry Edwards 



This insect, closely related to the peach-tree l)orer of the 

 Eastern states, attacks the peach, almond, apricot, ])rune and 

 cherry on the Pacific Coast. Its habits and mode of attac.'k 

 are very similar to those of the Eastern form. Nearly all sizes 

 of larvae are found in the trees in the winter ; these mature and 

 transform to moths at different times throughout the growing 

 season, thus giving a long period during which the eggs are de- 

 posited. The male moth has the transverse mark and outer 

 margin of the front wings broader than in the Eastern species ; 

 in the female the fore wings are opaque, the hind wings trans- 

 parent and the abdomen is entirely blue or green-black, with- 

 out any yellow band. 



This pest may be controlled by digging out the larva during 

 the winter or early spring. To prevent the entrance of the 

 newly hatched larvse a protective wash should be applied to 

 the trunk, from the roots to a height of 18 inches from the sur- 

 face of the ground. Excellent results have been obtained by 

 using a wash made according to the following formula, and 

 known as the lime-crude-oil mixture : place about 50 pounds 

 of rock lime in a barrel and slake with 10 or 15 gallons of warm 

 water ; while the lime is boiling, slowly pour in 6 or 8 gallons 

 of heavy crude oil, and stir thoroughly. Add enough w^ater to 

 make the whole a heavy paste. Asphaltum has also been 

 found a safe and efficient protection. 



The bisulphide of carbon treatment, strongly recommc^nded 

 in California a few years ago, is now generally discarded as be- 

 ing too dangerous and expensive. 



References 



Cal. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 143. 1902. 

 U. S. Bur. Ent. Bull. 97, Pt. IV. 1911. 



