53 



TowxsEND (C. H. T.). InstrucQoes practicas para a Extinc?ao da 



Sauva. [Practical Instructions for Ant Destruction.] — Clunavas 

 c Quiniaes, S. Paulo, xxiv, nos 2-3-4, 15th August-September- 

 October 1921 ; pp. 121-122, 219-220, 302-304 



This article gives a popular description of ants and of the various 

 fumigation methods employed against them. 



BoNDAR (G). Os Insectos damninhos. XVIIA. A Broca do Tronco 

 dos Coqueiros. [Injurious Insects. XVI Ia. The Larva infesting 

 the Trunk of the Coconut.] — Chacaras c Qiiintacs, S. Paulo, xxiv, 

 no. 4, 15th October 1921, pp. 276-279, 3 figs. 



Coconut palms in Bahia are killed by a weevil, Khina barbirostris, F., 

 which oviposits in any part of the trunk, preferably in wounds or in 

 the holes bored by the larvae of Homalonotus coriacens, Gyll. The 

 larva mines into the trunk perpendicularly to its axis and 

 pushes the debris towards the surface, thus closing the entrance to 

 various enemies. Very often sap exudes from the mines. On reaching 

 the centre of the trunk the larva no longer expels the debris, but stows 

 it in the sap channels. At this point butyric fermentation ensues, 

 and the larva bores through the wood until just beneath the surface 

 and pupates. The adult usually emerges from the trunk at night. 

 Sometimes the trunk is perforated to such an extent that the top is 

 broken off by wind. Most of the trees, however, remain intact, but 

 the number of nuts produced decreases to a marked extent. Injured 

 palms are often also infested by termites. R. barbirostris occurs in 

 all stages in June, but while there does not appear to be any definite 

 period for the appearance of the adults, it is believed that oviposition 

 occurs chiefly from September onwards. In Brazil this weevil also 

 develops in the trunk of Cocos romanzoffiana . 



Natural enemies include a fungus that kills the larva, Tachinid 

 parasites of the pupa, and birds that prey upon the adult. 



To destroy the larvae in palms without crowns they must be felled 

 and split open so as to expose the centre of the trunk to the sun. 

 Other badly-infested palms should also be felled, though it may be 

 possible to save some by injecting potassium cyanidC) iron sulphate or 

 copper sulphate. Recently-infested palms may be saved b}/ injecting 

 carbon bisulphide into the mines. The base of the stem may be pro- 

 tected by painting with carbolineum or tar. The careful application 

 of preventive and curative measures for two or three years should 

 eliminate this pest. 



BoNDAR (G.). Os Insectos damninhos. XVIII. A Broca da 

 Pimenta malagueta, Hcilipus destructor, Bhn. [Injurious Insects. 

 XVIII. //. destructor, the Capsicum Caterpillar.] — Chacaras c 

 Quintaes, S. Paulo, xxiv, no. 4, 15th October 1921, pp. 297-298, 

 2 figs. 



Much damage is done to Capsicum, which is largely grown in the 

 State of Bahia, by a weevil, Hcilipus destructor. Boh., the larvae of 

 which mine the stem and penetrate to the roots. The adults emerge 

 through a hole, which reveals the infestation after its occurrence. The 

 base of the stem should be minutely examined with a pocket-knife, 

 and all infested plants burned. 



