T.O Feb., 1912.] The Light Brown Apple Moth. iiK 



THE LIGHT BROWX APPLE MOTTL 



{Tortrix {C acacia) rcsponsaua.) 

 C. French, Junr., Aciiiig Gove r nine ut Entomologist. 



During last October several growers at Mildura forwarded, for ex- 

 amination, several bunches of young Zante currant grapes that were almost 

 destroyed by caterpillars. On examining them, I was of opinion that 

 the cause of the trouble was the larva of the Light Brown Apple Moth, a 

 very destructive insect which attacks almost any kind of garden plant, as 

 well as apples, and other fruits. 



This moth is found in most parts of Victoria. The larva is of a 

 greenish colour, and measures about I in. in length. The moth itself is 

 about the size of the well known Codlin Moth, and is of a pale yellowish 

 trown colour. The accompanying illustration shows the life history of 

 the moth : — 



EXPL.iXATIOX OF PLATE. 



Fig. 1. Apple branch and fruit, sliowing damage done to pip.s. witli larvae escaping. Natural size. 

 ,, 2. Moths on wing. Natural size. 



„ 3. Upper portion of apple when newly formed, sliowing where eggs of moth are deposited. 

 ,, 3. Larvae. Magnified. 



Some additional specimens of the caterpillars were .sent at my reque.st. 

 These I placed in the breeding cages on 19th November, and on the 24th 

 they pupated or turned into the chrysalis ; on the 12th December they 

 emerged as perfect moths. When about to pupate, the caterpillar .spins 

 a loo.'^e silken web in which it turns into the chrysalis. In this stage of 

 its existence it is often attacked by para.sitic wasps and other useful in 

 sects, which to a certain extent keep it in check. 



Fortunately, in arsenate of lead, we have an excellent remedy, 

 The sprav must be forced well into the bunches of young grapes as it is 

 in the middle of the bunch that the caterpillars are generally found. 



Trapping the moths by lights has also proved effective. An ordinary 

 hurricane lamp placed on a brick in a basin of kerosene will answer 

 admirably. The moths are attracted to the light, fly against the glass and 

 fall into the kerosene, and are destroyed. 



If this pest is not kept in check it will cause hea^•y losses to growers 



of grapes. It is therefore advisable that immediate action be taken to 



stamp it out. 



* * * * -^f -x * 



Mr. F. de Castella, Government ^'iticulturist. submits the following 

 note : — 



" I have read with interest the proof of your note on the Light Brown 

 Apple Moth, now api^earing as a vine pest. I have long known vines, in 

 different parts of the State, to be attacked, at flcAvering time and after, 

 by small green caterpillars, which spin a web and make a nest in the 

 young bunches, thereby interfering with their development and causing 

 more or less .serious damage. I distinctly remember these at St. Hubert's, 

 on the Yarra, as long ago as the early seventies ; in general appearance, 

 at least, they were the same as the caterpillars which T recently saw at 

 Mildura. 



It is reassuring to know that this is an Australian native, and net 

 one of the French bunch caterpillars, for w^e have but little idea here._ of 

 the fearful havoc which is sometimes wrought in Europe by allied species. 



