522 



EwiNG (H. E.). U.S. Bur. Ent. Studies on the Taxonomy and Biology 

 of the Tarsonemid Mites, together with a Note on the Transforma- 

 tions of Acarapis ( Tarsonemus) ivoodi, Rennie. (Acarina.) ^Canat^. 



Ent., Orillia, liv, no. 5, May 1922, pp. 104-113, 3 figs. 



A key is given to the families and genera of Tarsonemid mites, 

 and to the males of the genus Tarsonemus. The food-plants of T. 

 pallidus, Banks, the feeding habits of Pediculoides ventricosus, Newport, 

 and the transformations of Acarapis woodi, Rennie, are recorded. The 

 enormous size of the egg of A. x&oodi is due to the fact that it has a 

 quiescent, apodous n\Tnphal stage. Such a nymph must have handed 

 on to it an added supply of energy ; for this purpose the larva receives 

 an abnormal amount at the time of hatching, which it gets in the form 

 of egg substance, and it increases but little in size afterwards. 



The transformations of Tarsonemid mites, with a comparative table 

 illustrating the different instars of the above species and of Pedicidopsis 

 graminum, and the degeneration and adaptation in parasitic species 

 are also discussed. 



Jar VIS (H.). Fruit Fly Investigations. Third Progress Report. — 



Queensland Agric. Jl., Brisbane, xviii, pt. 1, July 1922, pp. 15-17. 



Further investigations [R.A.E., A, x, 416, 477] on Dacus fernigineus 

 (tryoni) have been made. This fly is rarely seen in winter in orchards or 

 sheltering in packing sheds, and the female seems less able to stand cold 

 than the male. No indication of its hibernating as a mature insect has 

 been noticed. Pupae have recently been found in the ground below 

 cases of stored apples and quinces. So long as they are protected from 

 light they do not necessarily require access to soil to enable them to 

 pupate. Temperature is an important factor in determining the duration 

 of the pupal period, and some results of laboratory observations on 

 this point are given. Experiments on the subjection of infested fruit 

 to cold storage show that a temperature of from 33 to 34° F. for a period 

 of three weeks kills all eggs and larvae, and it is probable that a shorter 

 period will be found quite as effective. 



Another injurious insect is Calandra oryzae (grain weevil), which 

 damages stored apples, but has so far not been knowoi to damage fruit 

 in orchards. Heliothrips sp. has been found attacking garden shrubs, 

 and if met with on economic plants or trees may be sprayed with 

 miscible oil, tobacco extract or kerosene emulsion. The bagworm, 

 Thyridopteryx hiihneri, which damages pine {Finns insignis), should be 

 watched for in orchards, as it has developed a taste for apple foliage. 

 Psylla mali has also caused considerable damage to apple. The 

 Stratiomyiid fly, Neoexaireta spinigera, is abundant and breeds in 

 decaying vegetable matter, but does not cause primary injury to fruit or 

 vegetables. 



Jarvis (E.). Cane Pest Combat and Control. — Queensland Agric. JL, 

 Brisbane, xviii, pt. 1. July 1922, pp. 32-34. 



Cane beetles have been much in evidence in 1921-22, but recent 

 rainfall may check the worst period of larval activity. Information 

 has been received regarding the influence of climatic conditions as a 

 controlling factor during the period of oviposition, showing that when 

 early thunderstorms are followed by a week of continuous rain the 

 larvae will be numerous the next year, but that if one or two days of 

 wet are followed by dry weather lasting from four to six weeks there 

 will be fewer of them. 



