432 



when applied to old knots. Heavy sprayings of oil, i.e., 1 :6 & 1 :8, 

 during the dormant period proved more effective up to a certain time 

 than the weaker strengths applied during growth. During the later 

 period Black-leaf 40, applied either alone or with soap or lime-sulphur, 

 proved the most satisfactory remedy, although its effect was very 

 temporary, the Aphids increasing rapidly three weeks after treatment. 



Dry (F. W.). Flax Caterpillars. — Separate from Daily Leader 

 [Nairobi], 29th June 1920, 3 pp. 



Observations show that roping is an adequate means for destroying 

 flax caterpillars, of which Phytometra {Pivsia) orichalcca, F., is the- 

 most common species in the Nakuru District of Kenya. The ropes, 

 about an inch in diameter, should be dragged through the flax about 

 six times a day. This operation should be done early in the day, as 

 the injured caterpillars, provided that they are not too large, are 

 then attacked by ants. 



Brindley (H. H.). Further Notes on the Food Plants of the Common 

 Earwig [Forficida auricularia). — Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc., 

 Cambridge, xx, part 1, July 1920, pp. 50-55. 



Forficula auricularia prefers to feed on plants wdth succulent leaves. 

 A hst is given of plants on which earwdgs were fed during these observa- 

 tions, the relative preference shown towards different species being 

 indicated. A knowledge of the preferred hiding places of these insects 

 facilitates their destruction should they become a pest, although the 

 actual damage done seems to be generally exaggerated. 



Thompson (W. R.). Sur un nouveau Parasite de la Gal6ruque de 

 rOrme, Degeeria coUaris, Fall. (Dipt. Tachinidae), — Bull. Soc. 

 Entom. France, Paris, no. 10, 26th May, 1920, pp. 180-184, 

 1 plate 4 figs. 



A Tachinid, Degeeria collaris. Fall, of which the various stages are 

 here described, is recorded as parasitising Galerucella luteola- (elm leaf 

 beetle) in Italy in the spring. 



Thompson (W. R ). Note sur Rhacodineura antiqua, Fall., Tachi- 

 naire Parasite des Forficules (Dipt.). — Bull. Soc. Entom. France, 

 Paris, no. 12, 23rd June 1920, pp. 199-201, 5 figs. 



The egg and first-stage larva of Rhacodineura antiqua. Fall., a 

 Tachinid parasite of earwigs, are described. The first stage of the larva 

 was found to be completely developed inside the egg. In the second 

 stage the larva lies in the body-cavity of its host [R.A.E., A, iv, 324]. 

 The eggs are deposited on the food of the host. 



PiCARD (F.). Sur quelques Insectes nuisibles a la Vigne. — Bidl. Soc. 

 Entom. France, Paris, no. 12, 23rd June 1920, pp. 201-202. 



The insects recorded as injurious to vines include a weevil, Tanymecus 

 pcdliatus, F., w^hich appeared in the valley of the Herault in the spring 



