'640 journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 'j.\ Sept.. 1911 



DRIED FRUITS BEETLE. 



{CarfopMlus hemifterus, Steph.) 



C. French, Junr., Acting Government Entomologist. 



The Dried Fruits Beetle is a native of Europe; and, like many other 

 European insects, has spread throughout the world. Unfortunately it has 

 got a firm hold in Victoria, and is causing considerable losses to growers 

 and others interested in the dried fruits industry. Though seldom seen out 

 of doors, it has recently been found in several of the large warehouses 

 where dried fruits are stored. During the last few months quite a number 

 of dried figs, apricots, and prunes, "damaged by it have been submitted 

 to this Branch. 



Life History. 



The Dried Fruits Beetle is about g in. long by 1-16 in. broad, with 

 dark-brown, sometimes black, elytra or wing cases marked with yellowish 

 white markings on the upper and lower parts of the cases, the lower mark- 

 ings being the largest.' The wing cases are short, exposing the last two 

 .segments of the body. 



The insects breed in pantries and other places where dried fruits are 

 Icept. 



The eggs are deposited on the dried fruits generally in the spring, and 

 hatch in about a week. The larvse at once commence to feed, ultimately 

 turning into pupae. In this state, they remain for about one month, when 

 they emerge as perfect insects. During the time they are at work, they 

 eat part of the fruits, causing .some of them to turn black. The fruit is 

 also covered with excreta from the insects and thus rendered unfit for 

 human consumption. 



Explanation of Plate 



1. Perfect insect, upper view. Magnified. 6. Antenna. Magnified. 



2. Perfect insect, under view. Magnified 7. Foreleg. Magnified. 



3. Larva. Magnified. 8. Wing. Magnified. 



4. Larva. Head and Segments. Magnified. 9. I'erfect insect. Natuial size. 



5. Larva. End of Abdomen. Magnified. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



When dried fruits are attacked by these insects the only measure that 

 -can be taken is to separate the good from the damaged fruit, a tedious 

 undertaking. The damaged fruit should then be destroyed. 



Cleanliness in stores is one of the most important matters which should 

 recei^'e attention. Prior to receiving a consignment of dried fruits, the 

 store should be thoroughly swept, and then fumigated with hydrocyanic 

 acid gas. The latter will destroy any beetles that may be hiding in the 

 crevices. Great care must be exercised in the use of the gas. It would 

 be advisable, before using it, to communicate with the Entomological 

 Branch and obtain full information as to method to be adopted. Similar 

 treatment for Flour Moths has pro\'ed most effectual in the large mills, 

 and is now coming into general use. 



When the fruits arrive, the boxes should be wrapped with strong paper 

 -or, better still, placed in large airtight tin boxes. This will prevent attack, 

 <^specially if the fruits are to be stored for a lengthy period. The boxes 

 -should be kept off the floor. The beetles are liable to enter a building 

 .at anv time during the warm weather. 



