345 



in the larval stage into the mid-rib of the leaf, causing the injured tissue 

 to turn red and in some cases the leaf-blade to wither prematurely. 

 A related species, C. pallifasciella, attacks sugar-cane in Java. 



Four insects are known to attack the cane-stalk below ground ; 

 these are the Dynastid, Heteronychus sp., the Scarabaeid, Pentodon 

 ■mistralis, Blackb., the Elaterid, Monocrefidius sp., and Termes 

 ineridionalis. 



A large number of insects feed on the foliage. Locusta danica, L., 

 has been reported from western and northern Queensland. Egg 

 parasites of this species occurring in Australia are Scelio australis, Frogg., 

 and S. ovi, Gir. Sarcophaga aurifrons, Coq., has been reared from the 

 adult, and several undetermined Dipterous larvae have emerged from 

 adults taken at Gordonvale. L. australis, Brunn., occurs in the coastal 

 districts of Queensland and New South Wales. Other members of the 

 family Acridiidae occasionally of importance are Atractomorpha 

 crenaficeps, Blanch., Oxya velox, F., Cyrtacanthacris ? proxima, Walk., 

 C. plagiata, Walk., and C. giittulosa, Walk. The Noctuid moth, Cirphis 

 nnipimcta, Haw., may be present in destructive numbers, but is 

 normally controlled by birds and parasitic Hymenoptera and Diptera. 

 TheHesperid, Parnara mathias, F., feeds in the larval stage within the 

 folded leaves. The pupal stage occupies about 11 days at a shade 

 rtemperature of 81° F. A Braconid parasite has been reared from the 

 larva. Other Hesperids similar in habit to the preceding species are 

 Telicota aiiguiskreffti, Macl., and Padraona mamas, Feld. Additional 

 species attacking the foliage are the Noctuid, Chusaris rhodias. Turn., 

 the Tortricid, Harmologa ? miserana, Walk., Euproctis holoxutha, Turn., 

 and the Chrysomelids, Rhyparida morosa, Jac, Rhyparida sp. {hasi- 

 pennis var. ? ), R. didyma, F,, and Colasposoma sellatum, Baly. The^rst- 

 named beetle occurs on the native plant, Imperata arundinacea, and the 

 last two on Commersonia echinata and Sorghum halepense respectively. 

 The weevil, Stenocorynus aridus, Pasc, feeds normally on Urena lobata, 

 but may attack the leaves of sugar-cane. 



Sap-sucking insects include : — Teitigonia parthaon. Kirk. ; Perkin- 

 -siella saccharicida. Kirk. ; Aphis sacchari, Zehn., occurring on the 

 underside of the leaves in the hot season ; A. adusta, Zehn., a bud 

 aphis, found at the base of the shoots or on the buds in late winter and 

 early spring ; Aleurodes berghi, Sign., Pseudococcus ? calceolariae, 

 Mask., and Riper sia sp. 



The most important insect attacking the roots of sugar-cane is 

 Lepidiota albohirta, Waterh. The natural enemies include the digger 

 wasps, Dielis formosus, Guer., Campsomeris radida, F., and Discolia 

 -soror, Sm., parasitic Tachinids and Muscids and the predaceous larvae 

 of the Elaterid, Agrypnus ynastersi. L.frenchi, Blackb., often occurs in 

 cane fields situated near forest land. L. rothei, Blackb., and L. caudata, 

 Blackb., may occasionally be present in injurious numbers. The 

 iScarabaeid, Dasygnathus australis dejeani, Macl., is usually abundant 

 and is widely distributed ; it is parasitised by an undeteimined 

 Dexiid fly. Anoplognathus boisduvali, Boisd., is an important pest 

 of cane in sandy soil and is widely distributed in north and south 

 Queensland. The adult is readily attracted by artificial light. The 

 Rutelid, Anomala antiqua, Gyl. {australasiae, Blackb.), may be 

 abundant. The natural enemies include undetermined parasitic 



