307 



saccharalis Fabr.). Valuable work on this subject was done 

 by Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy and published in West Indian Bulletin, 

 vol. i., p. 327 - ; the weevil borer {Sphenophorus sericeus 

 Oliv.) also received its share of attention, and an account of 

 this insect was published in West Indian Bulletin, vol. iii., 

 p. 88.' These two pests, and several others, whose attacks 

 are only to be considered as secondary in importance, are similar 

 to pests which occur in other parts of the world. 



The so-called root borer (Diaprcpcs abbreviatus), and the 

 white ants or termites attacking growing canes in the field, 

 are problems which present themselves for solution in the West 

 Indies, and so far as known occur nowhere else. 



Brown Hard-back. 



Entomologists, generally, will be aware of the serious attacks 

 of a Lamellicorn beetle in the sugar-cane fields of certain districts 

 in Mauritius.^ This insect, which is now to be known as 

 Phytalus sniithi Arrow, occurs also in Barbados, where it cannot 

 be said, however, at the present time to be a pest of sugar 

 cane or indeed of any crop ; but it is known to occur in sugar- 

 cane fields and in garden beds, tubs, and other receptacles in 

 which ornamental plants are growing. This occurrence presents 

 features of very considerable entomological interest, since it 

 is likely that here we have one or other of two conditions. One 

 has reference to the fact that Phytalus smithi may be a native 

 of the West Indies, especially of Barbados, and is being kept 

 in check by efficient natural enemies.* Closely connected with 

 this hypothesis must be recognised the probability that in 

 Mauritius the insect, being a recently introduced form, is not 

 accompanied by its natural enemies, and consequently has 

 developed in the most remarkable and alarming manner. When 

 it is remembered that in the endeavour to attain a degree of 

 control over this insect in Mauritius, by the capture of the 



* While this paper was in course oí preparation, a letter appeared m the 

 Barbados papers to the effect that -Mr. Nowell, Assistant Superintendent 

 of Agriculture of the Local Department, has discovered a parasite of 

 P. smithi in sugar-cane fields in that island. The parasite has been 

 identified as Tiphia parallela Smith. 



