66 G. F. HILL. 



mango trees infested with Eidhyrrhiniis. It may be remarked here that the type 

 and other specimens of Thaumasura curciilionis were reared by me in Darwin 

 (Northern Territory) from the branches of custard-apple trees and an undetermined 

 introduced tree infested with Euthyrrhimis meditahundus. A third and somewhat 

 similar Chalcid, of which a single specimen only has been secured, is also a parasite of 

 this weevil. Mr. Dodd has identified this species as Thaumasura pavo, Girault. 

 In addition to the above, two specimens of a much smaller parasitic wasp were bred 

 from the eggs of this host, while a rather brightly hued Braconid has been taken fre- 

 quently on infested branches. Although the latter has not been definitely associated 

 with E. meditahundus as a parasite, there is little doubt as to its relationship with the 

 latter. 



It is only too evident that these parasites have not proved themselves to be of 

 much practical value in controlling this pest, and that artificial means must be resorted 

 to if efforts are to be made to prevent the destruction of these valuable shade and 

 fruit-producing trees. 



Artificial IVIethods of Control. 



No experimental work has been attempted with the object of devising means for 

 combating the ravages of this insect, a pest which will probably prove difficult to 

 control, and for several reasons. The adults are capable of flight as soon as they 

 emerge from their burrows in the wood; and certainly disperse soon after emergence 

 from trees which do not provide suitable conditions for rearing future broods. For 

 this reason badly infested trees should be cut down and burnt before the adults 

 leave them, for it is evident they cannot be saved once the main branches and trunks 

 show evidence of heavy infestation. Whether the spread of the beetles from infested 

 to healthy trees could be effectively checked by this means remains to be proved, but 

 there is some evidence to suggest that such a measure would have the effect of localising 

 the area affected. 



