416 



Of many insect enemies of cactus introduced from America, several, 

 including weevils {Gerstaeckeria spp.), a bug {Narnia), and a midge 

 [Asphondylia), have proved to be of little value. Others, such as 

 certain kinds of cochineal insects {Dadylopius), have been found to 

 prefer certain kinds of prickly-pear, and one at least is expected to 

 prove quite useful, though its effects are slow. Four species of Chelinidea 

 have been introduced, and these Coreids should help in retarding the 

 growth of prickly-pear. The Longicorns, Moneilema spp., devour 

 the plants, both in the larval and adult stages, but breed slowly. It 

 is hoped that in time, and particularly if the moths mentioned breed 

 sufficiently rapidly, the prickly-pear may be completely controlled by 

 these natural means. 



Froggatt (J. L.). Banana Beetle Borer. — Queensland Agric. J I., 

 Brisbane, xvii, no. 5, May 1922, pp. 240-242, 2 figs. 



An account is given of the banana beetle borer [Cosmopolites sordidtis] 

 in Queensland, and attention is called to the necessity of co-operation 

 among banana growers to cope with it. A series of tests is being 

 carried out on poisoning ; from laboratory results these appear 

 satisfactory as a means of destroying the weevils, though field tests 

 have not yet been made. Meantime, corm baits to attract the 

 beetles are recommended, and the method of using these is described 

 [cf. R.A.E., A, X, 233]. 



Jarvis (H.). Fruit Fly Investigations. — Queensland Agric. Jl., 

 Brisbane, xvii, no. 5, May 1922, pp. 246-247. 



Investigation into the occurrence of the fruit-fly, Dacus ferrugineus 

 (tryoni), in the Granite Belt has revealed the presence of this pest in 

 every district visited. It is active for about six months, appearing with 

 the earliest fruit and disappearing when the last is over. Peaches and 

 nectarines, as well as many pomaceous fruits, are found to harbour 

 the larvae. No wild fruits suitable for development of the pest have 

 been found in this region. The mmiber of eggs laid in individual 

 punctures varied from four to eight, and as many as 40 larvae have 

 been found in one peach. Pupae have been observed a little below 

 the surface of the ground under fruit-trees and also within or projecting 

 from apples. One individual only of D. ferrugineus var. solani was 

 met with. 



Two species of Carabids are predacious on D. ferrugineus ; the 

 parasite, Opius tryoni, has not as yet been met with. The only 

 practical remedial measure at present is the removal of all infested 

 fruit, both on the ground and on the trees, and its immediate 

 destruction, preferably by boiling. Of 80 individuals of D. ferrugineus 

 captured in a bait-trap, about 25 per cent, were males. 



Maggots very similar to those of D. ferruginens have been found 

 in tomato ; these may prove to be larvae of the tomato-fly, Lonchaea 

 splendida. 



Hough (W. S.). Observations on two Mealy Bugs, Trionymus trifolii, 

 Forbes, and Pseudococcus maritimus, Ehrh. (Horn., Coccidae). — 



Ent. News, Philadelphia, Pa., xxxiii, no. 6, June 1922, pp. 171-176. 



A brief description is given of Trionymus trifolii, Forbes, adults 

 of which were placed on roots of small clover plants transplanted 

 into straight vials for the purpose of the present observations. Young 



