722 



The pupal stage lasts 50 days in the winter months. The enemies of 

 V. verriculata include a Dipteron, which is parasitic in the larva, while 

 Syrphus ropalus, Walk., and the Pentatomid bug, Cermatulus nasalis, 

 prey upon the larva. This species has only been recorded from New 

 Zealand. 



Miller (D.) & Watt (M. N.). Contributions to the Study of New 

 Zealand Entomology, from an Economical and Biological Stand- 

 point. — Trans, and Proc. New Zealand Institute, Wellington, xlvii, 

 12th July 1915, pp. 274-284, 16 figs., 2 plates. [Received 23rd 

 October 1915.] 



The larva of the Tachinid, Phowcera nefaria, Hutton, is an internal 

 parasite of the larva and pupa of the Geometrid, Ven-usia verriculata. 

 The method by which the host becomes infested is unknown. The 

 larva, when mature, emerges from the pupa of the host, and pupates, 

 being protected by the cocoon spun by the host just prior to its final 

 moult. In the specimen described the pupal stage lasted from 10th 

 August till 1st October. This species has also been reared from the 

 pupa of the Psychid, Liothula {Oeceticus) omnivora, and it seems 

 probable that other Lepidopterous larvae are attacked. 



The larva of Syrphus ropalus, Walk., destroys those of Venusia 

 verriculata (cabbage-tree maggot). The larval stage probably lasts 

 several months. In captivity the larvae of Tortrix postvittana were 

 also attacked. The pupa is usually found near the base of the leaves, 

 on the underside. The duration of this stage is about 3 weeks. 



The eggs of Phytomyza albiceps, Mg., are deposited in pockets of 

 the cuticle of the outer margin of the leaf of the host plant. The larva 

 hatches on the 6th day and at once proceeds to burrow into the leaf. 

 The larval period lasts 9 days, pupation taking place within the 

 substance of the leaf. This fly is attacked by two Hymenopterous 

 parasites belonging to the genus Chrysocharis, the smaller of which 

 may be a hyperparasite of the larger. The food-plants of this species 

 are Sonchus asper (sowthistle), S. oleracem, S. arvensis, Taraxacum 

 officinale (dandelion), etc. It has been recorded in New Zealand from 

 October to April. 



Beeson (C. F. C). Forest Entomology. Reprint from Ann. Rept. — 

 — Bd. Scientific. Advice for India, 1913-1914, Calcutta, 1915. 

 Economic Zoology, pp. 8-11. 



Insect pests of the sal (SJiorea robusta) included the Longicorns, 

 Molesthes Jiolosericea and Hoplocerambyx spinicornis ; these species 

 were observed in Bengal and the United Provinces. Their appearance 

 is identical in the larval stages, and their feeding habits are similar, 

 but H. spinicornis is probably the more dangerous pest. It was 

 intended to attempt the control of the Scolytid, Diapus furtivus, 

 Samps., in 1914. The sd^seedling moth-borer, Pammene theristis, 

 Meyr., has been found throughout the United Provinces and appears 

 to be responsible for the death of 30 per cent, of the seedlings annually. 

 The following Scolytids were found to be common sal borers in Bengal 

 and the United Provinces, some of them being recorded from India 

 for the first time : — Xyleborus andrewesi, Bldfd. ; X. laticollis, Bldfd. ; 

 X. parvulus, Eichh. ; X. perforans, WoU. ; X. semigranosus, Bldfd. ; 



