498 Journal of AyricuUure, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. 



results: — Arsenate of lead, hellebore, Paris green, and kerosene emul- 

 sion. Another remedy has been tried with good results, viz., 1 part of 

 kei-osene oil, 1 part of sour milk, and 100 parts of water. The crude 

 oil of tar, which is used generally for veterinary purposes, and costs 

 about 2s. per gallon, can be used. One gallon makes 80 gallons of 

 spray. When the pumpkin beetles were very plentiful in 1913, this 

 spray was used with good results. Dusting the plants with air-slaked 

 lime has also proved effectual. 



Mottled Cup Moths. 



The common name of the cup moth has been adopted on account 

 of the singular woody and cup-shaped cocoon of the insect. The larvae 

 of this moth are peculiar creatures, being flat and soft on the under 

 side, and raised saddle-like on the upper side, the upper part being 

 covered with clusters of spines. These spines can be withdrawn at 

 the pleasure of the insect, and when handled by the incautious they 

 produce a sharp stinging sensation, and on this account the larv« have 

 earned for themselves the name of "stingers." This insect is usually 

 found feeding on the leaves of the eucalypts, and at the present time 

 are exceedingly numerous in and near the Dandenong and other Ranges, 

 on the leaves of the peppermint and other eucalypts. The larvae eat 

 the epidermis from the leaves, and in some localities many trees look 

 as if a fire had scorched them. Like many of the other native insects, 

 it has taken to fruit trees, principally apples and cherries. They are 

 voracious feeders, and sometimes nine or ten larvae are found upon one 

 leaf. The caterpillars of this moth have a very persistent enemy in one 

 of the large Ichneumon wasps, which deposits its eggs on the grub before 

 it begins to spin its cocoon ; and when the wasp is fully grown it 

 gnaws a circular hole through the side of this prison, as, unlike the 

 moth, it is unable to push the lid oflF. Arsenical sprays, Paris green, 

 or arsenate of lead will deal effectively with this pest when on fruit 

 trees. The caterpillars of this moth were killed in great numbers a 

 year or so ago near Melbourne by means of a bacterial disease. Owing 

 to their spines, the caterpillars of the cup moths are left severely alone 

 by insect-eating birds. 



{To he continued.) 



