Chionaspis. 153 



from six to eight stout tapering squames. Pygidium {fig. 9) with the basal 

 space more distinct than in most species, its lateral margins strongly pro- 

 tuberant. Median lobes large, prominent, and conspicuous ; conical, the apex 

 nearest the inner edge ; outer edge minutely serrate ; extremity produced into 

 a rounded lobule. First lateral lobe very small and inconspicuous, simple, 

 bluntly pointed. Other lobes obsolete, or represented by small marginal 

 prominences. Squames tapering, spiniform, large and stout at base of pygidium, 

 but decreasing towards the extremity ; two on mesal and first lateral spaces, 

 three on second space, three to four on third space, four to five on fourth space, 

 and about six on base. A conspicuous pair of stout club-shaped organs pro- 

 ject inwards from the margin of the mesal space. Dorsal pores small and 

 circular with thickened rims ; three or four close to margin of first lateral space ; 

 extended series on second and third spaces ; three or four series on fourth 

 space ; and scattered pores on the base. A few similar pores occur on the 

 ventral surface, together with some minute scattered spines. No circumgenital 

 glands. Anal slightly anterior to genital apertui'e. Length 2 mm. Breadth 

 I "60 mm. 



Adult male unknown. 



The insect is ovoviviparous, as indicated by the absence of circumgenital 

 glands. The fully formed larvae can be seen within the body of the parent. 



Young larvae comparatively large, o"8o mm. long. Even at this early stage 

 parastigmatic glands (each with two orifices) are present at the anterior spiracles. 

 The extremity of the abdomen {fig. 11) bears a pair of large and conspicuous 

 triangular lobes, between which are the whip-like caudal setae and two very 

 minute divergent lobes. Rostral loop very long. 



Habitat on the stems and branches of cinchona and tea plants, rarely on 

 coffee. Also on Flacoiirtia sp., Microglossa zeylaiiica, and several unidentified 

 plants. In America it is said to occur upon leaves. In Ceylon I have observed 

 it only on the stems of plants. A very common and generally distributed 

 species in Ceylon. It has been collected by Mr. Koebele in the Sandwich Isles ; 

 and specimens have been found in conservatories in Ireland. 



This species occurs in distinctly injurious numbers upon cinchona and tea ; 

 in the latter case it is responsible for many unhealthy hide-bound bushes. The 

 insect is rendered so inconspicuous by the nature of its scale that its presence 

 is very generally overlooked. Often the only outward indication of the pest is 

 the roughened, ' pimply ' condition of the bark. On passing the back of a 

 pruning knife down an affected stem, many of the scales will be dislodged, 

 leaving a small circular scar marking their former position. A purplish juice 

 exudes from the crushed insects. The covering scale is so stout and impervious 

 to liquids that ordinary insecticides fail to reach the actual insect. It has even 

 been found to resist the action of hydrocyanic acid gas — a most deadly poison. 

 Kerosene emulsions or other soap washes, applied with a brush to the stems, 

 would destroy the young insects and help to keep the pest in check. Perhaps 

 the most efficacious plan is to scrub the affected stems with a pad made of coir 

 yarn or cocoa-nut matting, which will dislodge the scales and crush the insects. 

 This treatment has the further advantage of removing accumulations of lichen 

 and moss, which particularly affect such hide-bound trees. 



Drs. Berlese and Leonardi have erected a new genus (Howardia) to contain 

 this species, the distinguishing character being the absence of the circumgenital 



X 



