10 Oct., 1916.] Insect Pests of the Gardens. 607 



attacked by thrips, smudge fires^ as recommended against Rutherglen 

 bugs and cherry green beetles, be tried. 



Tomato Weevil. 



This is a native insect, which has become a serious pest to persons 

 growing tomatoes and other vegetables, and also garden plants. The 



Fig. 23. — Tomato Weevil {Dcsiantha nnciva, Lea). 



Fig. 24. — Rose and Raspberry Scale iDlasjiis n).s;i , Sandhcrg). 



larva of this insect is greenish in colour, and measures about \ incli in 

 length. Tt is usually found in the soil a few inches below the surface, 

 where it conceals itself in the day time, and at night comes out 

 to feed. It devours the whole plant very rapidly. One grower, 

 residing near Essendon, informed me that he lost eighty fine tomato 



