246 



A species of MicroQo'aciis that attacks white grubs in America and 

 the development of which is favoured by excessive moisture, might 

 iprove beneficial if introduced into Queensland against L. albohirta. 

 v_ The life-history of Cami^someris radula, F., a Scohid wasp that preys 

 '.on several kinds of cane beetles, is being successfully worked out. 



Becker (G. G.). Control of Insects affecting Stored Seed and Food 

 Products. — JJniv. Arkansas Agric. Expt. Sta., Fayetteville, Circ. 

 no. 33, 1918, 8 pp., 1 plate, 2 figs. [Received 9th April 1918.] 



This circular suggests practical and econoixdcal methods of pre- 

 venting to a large extent the losses caused to stored seed and food 

 products by weevils and other insects, including Sitotroga cerealella 

 (Angoumois grain moth), Plodia inter punctella (Indian meal moth), 

 Tenebrio obscurus (meal worm), Calandra oryzae (rice weevil), Silranus 

 surinamensis (saw- toothed grain beetle), Bruchus quadrimacuhtvs 

 (bean weevil), etc. The recommendations given are based upon the 

 investigations of Dr. W. E. Hinds, which have been previously noticed 

 [see this Review, Ser. A, ii, p. 382]. Particulars regarding carbon 

 bisulphide fumigation are given and Dr. Hinds' apparatus is described 

 [see this Review, Ser. A, iii, p. 685]. 



Becker (G. G.). The Dormant Spray for the San Jose Scale. — Univ. 

 Arkansas Agric. Expt. Sta., Fayetteville, Bull. no. 141, January 

 1918, 11 pp. 



' This bulletin reviews the various lime-sulphur, miscible oil and 

 kerosene or crude oil emulsions for the control of San Jose scale 

 [Aspidiotus perniciosus], discussing their efficiency, effect on the trees, 

 cost and convenience. Various formulae are given, with tables showing 

 the cost of different materials. The times recommended for using 

 the sprays are in autumn when the leaves have fallen, and during warm 

 days in \\dnter or in spring when the buds begin to swell, the latter 

 appearing to be the most effective. 



Taylor (T. H.). Observations on the Habits of the Turnip Flea-Beetle. 



—Entomologist, London, li, no. 659, April 1918, pp. 83-86. 



Of the two species, usually classed together as the turnij) flea-beetle 

 in the Leeds district, Phyllotreta undulata is always more abundant 

 than P. nemorum and does far more damage. Both species hibernate 

 in the adult stage and begin feeding again in May and June on horse- 

 radish and charlock. Oviposition takes place during June, July and 

 the first part of August, after which the adults die off, none surviving 

 the autumn. The new brood appears in July, August and September 

 and feeds, chiefly on the turnip, till the weather turns cold, when 

 the beetles begin to hibernate, mainly in crevices in the bark of 

 trees. Before doing this, they have the habit of congregating in large 

 numbers upon one or more of the plants where they have been feeding, 

 producing the appearance of an unusual infestation. 



The eggs of P. nemorum are laid on the moist soil and not on the host 

 plant, and after about 9 days the larvae hatch out and, crawling up 

 the leaves, burrow into them. The larval stage lasts for 25-30 days, 

 the last 6 or 10 being spent by the larva in burying itself in the soil, 

 preparatory to pupation. The pupal stage last 'for 7-17 days. 



