89 
We have seen many trees of the Java plum, recently planted, with 
every leaf eaten off, and some have died from the effects of the beetle 
and Hilo grass combined, while others again barely showed any sign 
of the beetle. Reports from Kohala state that the beetle also devours 
the bark of young trees. This we have never observed, but.have no 
doubt of its accuracy where food is scarce. Most any plant or tree, 
and even the grass, is attacked by the beetle. The insect appears to 
be most numerous along the border of the forest, and it is found from 
the seashore up as high as 5,000 feet. Seven years ago we were 
shown the beetle at Paia, destructive to roses and garden plants in 
general. Mr. Perkins reports having some years since seen remains 
of the same at the base of koa trees near Olinda to a depth of several 
inches. It must have been present on the islands long before it became 
prominent, and it is likely an introduction from Mexico, and probably 
came from Acapulco. 
The life history of the beetle is as yet but imperfectly known. Four 
years ago we found its larve under stones at Olinda, and collected 
large numbers of the same in all stages on this trip feeding on the 
roots of Hilo grass. We have obtained its eggs in confinement, depos- 
ited in clusters of some 75, of a light-yellow color, from three-fourths 
to 1™™. long and half as wide. At the office we find that large num- 
bers of young larve issue from galls produced by the Tortricid larvee. 
Here the eggs are inserted anywhere where a hole is convenient, and 
are embedded in irregular masses partly covered by excremental re- 
mains. We should think that they are also found under the bark of 
trees on which the beetles feed. It was found that the large number of 
gall-like swellings on the terminal branches of the koa trees brought 
down for observation produced hundreds of young larve of the ‘* Rose 
beetle.” Whenever the galls showed any holes, or if partly split, 
they had been thrust full of eggs, often an inch or more in length. 
Doubtless this is done by several individuals when present in such 
enormous numbers as at Haiku. In gardens and small areas of land 
the beetles are easily dealt with, since they are wingless and can only 
crawl. They can readily be shaken off smaller trees into a bucket of 
water with a little kerosene and destroyed. This can be done at any 
time during the day or night while the beetles remain stationary upon 
the plants, where, if numerous, they will congregate in clusters. 
Aramigus fulleri has not many enemies. The indigenous Carabid 
beetles on higher elevations must destroy many of their larve. 
Insectivorous birds evidently feed largely upon the beetles. We 
found excrements of the mina or mynah bird consisting entirely of 
remains of these beetles. Quails are considered as excellent birds to 
destroy such insects; fowls should keep the surroundings of houses 
free of them. Probably some 90 per cent of the food of the mongoose 
