Reports to the Hoard of ^Jgrie/i/tiire. 16 1 



black lietid, Lliorax and thoracic lubes with tlnec bruad dark brown 

 marks on each al)dominal edge, a black mark over each honey-tul3e, 

 and a dark patch on the Inst abdominal ring; tlie cornicles are black, 

 legs yellow, with black knees and tarsi. These winged females occur 

 at all times of the year, even in mid-A\inter, on half evergreen roses. 

 In the autumn a male appears now and again, and even in summer, 

 but its exact appearance has not been described. The ovipan.tus 

 female is apterous and ferruginous-red with dark olive or black 

 coloured legs. The eggs are at first yellow, but gradually become 

 black ; they are glued to the base of buds and on to the shoots. 



The variety of this aphis, described by l)Uckton as var. ijlaura, 

 has the following characters : the winged female is bright green, the 

 thorax with dark olive green markings, abdomen with four large dark 

 spots on each side ; honey-tubes dark ; legs green. The apterous 

 viviparous female is oval and light green, covered witli a mealy 

 coating, and with two dark spots on the thorax. In the i)iipa' the 

 wing-cases are dark olive. These aphides occur both on the shoots 

 and on the leaves, all stages occurring at once. 



Numerous parasites prey upon the Rose Aphis, especially Ckalci- 

 didas. These parasites deposit their eggs inside the ))odies of tin; 

 aphides, and the larvte devour the internal organs of the aphides, 

 leaving the dry brown skins behind, from which the Chalculs 

 have escaped. Lady-bird larva' and the adult Lady-birds also feed 

 upon these pests, as well as the larva', of the Lacewing Flies 

 {Chrysopidse). 



TreatmeiU for Hose Aphis. 



The best wash for Eose Aphis is soft soap and quassia alone; 

 paraffin is not well to use, as it checks the growth of the roses. 



In w inter, spraying with caustic alkali wash would do some good 

 in checking the pest. Spraying with quassia and soft soap has to be 

 done repeatedly, for even if only a few are left they are enough to 

 cover the bushes again in a week or so. 



Correspondence on the Importation of Foreign 

 Lady-birds. 



A large consignment of Lady-birds, introduced by a grower from 

 California, were kept back at the Docks and examined, owing to there 

 being some idea that Colorado ]>eetles were included. Specimens of 

 the beetles were sent by tlie lioard for identilication. Tlic following 

 was reported to the Board : — 



M 



