2G B.C. Entomological Society. 



This form of iu.iiivy i.s, so far as known, practicall.y uni-eeordeil : consequently we 

 are unable to aclvi.se an.y definite course of remedy. Arsenate of lead aiiplied in the 

 spring might have the right effect so long as the blossoming period and the setting 

 of fruit were not interfered with. 



Thk Fruit-tree Leaf Syneta (Siincta albida. Lee.). 



This is another species of beetle found in early spring attacking the blossoms 

 of apple-trees. Its comparative economic importance is not known. 



The Bronze Apple-tree Weevil (Maijdalis wncsceiis. Lec.K 



Is present in Lower Fraser orchards, and aiipears to be secondary and asso- 

 ciated with the canker of the stems and trunks of apple-trees. The egg-chambers 

 may be recognized in the bark by a series of minute punctures closely congregated. 

 The adults may frequently be seen in the spring in the vicinity of blossoms and on 

 the new leaves. We have no evidence as yet that this insect is of sufficient economic 

 importance to warrant attention. 



The Pear-le.\f Blister-mite {Eriophijes pyri, Pagnst.). 



This Arachnid is to be found in every orchard visited in the Lower Fraser 

 A'alley. Its work can be recognized by the rusty, rough, blister-like appearance of 

 the under-surfaces of the leaves. The mites are microscopic in size and can only 

 .Inst be seen with a lens; consequently the orehardist may account for the apparently 

 unassignable cause for the appearance of his leaves. The mites pass the winter in 

 the egg stage in the buds, hatch in sjiring, and migrate to the leaves when the buds 

 are expanded. Here they burrow between the two surfaces of the leaf and feed 

 and set up an irritation which produces at first the rusty-brown colour on the surface, 

 which later becomes black. 



To control these animals great care is required. Lime-sulphur or Bordeaux mix- 

 ture, or an.y of the oil emulsions, applied in the fall or spring, under pressure, will 

 lie found quite eflieacious as remedies. 



The Apple-leaf Hopper (Empousca mall, LeB.). 



Causes the peculiar white specking of apple-leaves. Caustic or soap sprays 

 applied in the spring, with special attention being paid to the under-snrfaces of the 

 leaves, will retain these insects within reasonable bounds. 



Small-fruit Insects. 



The Strawberry-root Weevil {Otiovhynchns ovatus). 



The larva of this weevil is a small white grub which when full grown is about 

 % inch iu length. It is commonly found in the soil of a strawberr.y plantation 

 among tlie roots of the plants, which it devours readily and causes, in so doing, 

 rapid deterioration of the field. The adult is a small dark-brown almost black beetle 

 about % inch long. It feeds during the night on the leaves, forming irregular feed- 

 ing areas on the edge of the leaf. In the adult stage it has not proven destructive, 

 and the appearance in houses during the summer and in fall is not indicative of any 

 harm. In the larval stage it is of great economic importance, and as such is the 

 worst enemy of this class of fruit. The eggs are laid during June, July, and August 

 in the soil to the depth of % inch. The larvse feed lightl.y on the roots until fall 

 and pass through the winter without causing untoward injury to the roots. In the 

 spring the larvre continue feeding ravenousl.y until the pupal stage is reached in May 

 and June. From these pupre which are formed in the soil, from 1 to 3 inches deep, 

 the adults emerge to continue the generation. In the Fraser Valley the weevil is 

 single-brooded and in habit inclined to be gregarious, which means that, provided 

 sufficient food and shelter is at hand, they do not move very much and remain con- 

 gregated in infestation areas. From these considerations it has been found that 

 plantations suffer more each succeeding year of growth, it frequently happening that 



