428 SOME SOUTH INDIAN' INSECTS, ETC. 



Distribution. Probablj throughout the Plains but only actually 

 noticed at Coimbatore. 



Lifchistory. Not known in detail. The larva is moderately 

 stoutly built, the prothoracic segment large, the next two segments 

 short but projecting ; in colour it is purr creamy-white, tin- head 

 yellowish tinged with blackish around the mouth-parts ; there are 

 a few short, white, inconspicuous hairs on all segments. It bores 

 into the stem of the foodplant low down at about or just above 

 ground-level ami pupates in the stem or emerges and pupates in a 

 small chamber excavated in the soil. 



Foodplants. R igi. 



Status. A minor pest noted on the Central Farm at Coimbatore 

 in August and September in 1908, 1909 and 1913. 



( ontrol. The female moths are attracted to light at night. 



M ZOPHERA PERTICELLA, Rag. 



/ uzopliera pcrticella, Rag., Xouv. Gen., p. 32 ; Hmpsn., Faun. bid. 

 Mollis, XX. 73, I. 4S ; I.etrov, hid. Ins. I'ests, p. 106; Fnt. Mem. Agri. 

 Dept, lnd., 1, 203; Ind. Ins. Life. p. 514, t. 48. 



(See Plate XXX. Figs, i 4.) 



Distribution. Throughout the Plains of Southern India. 



Lifchistory. The caterpillar is about 20 mm. long, moderatelj 

 stout, smooth except for a few bristly hairs, in colour yellowish- 

 white with an orange brown head. It bores in the stems of its 

 foodplant. Pupa rather stout, red-brown, in a cocoon formed in the 

 larval burrow. 



Foodplant. Brinjal, chillies, potato. 



Status. — Sometimes a serious pest of brinjal, especially in 

 gardens. 



Control. Destruction of affected plants which wither and die 

 owing to the boring of the caterpillar in their stems. 



PHYCITA [NFUSELLA, Meyr. 



Phycita infusella, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., fV, 218 (1879) ; 



Lefroy, hid. his. Pests, p. 99, ff. 110 113: F-»<- Mem. Agri. Dept.. 

 hid.. I, 205. f. 61 ; Ind. Ins. Lite. p. 5] p 



Phycita bipartella, Hmpsn.. Faun. hid. Moths. IV. 90 (18961. 

 (SEE PLATE XXXI. 1 



Distribution. —Throughout Southern India 



Lifchistory.— The full-grown caterpillar is 10—12 mm. long, rather 

 stout, smooth except for a fi w scattered bristl] burs, in colour pale- 



