AUTUMN NUMBER P| 
the wild bays, it would seem unlikely that identically the same 
species should be found in Ceylon. Altho the Ceylon specimen 
is undoubtedly a Cryptothrips and remarkably similar in size 
and color to C. floridensis, a close examination reveals differ- 
ences in the shape of the thorax and the antennal segments. The 
Ceylon specimen is probably a distinct but closely related spe- 
cies. 
The injury inflicted on bay is similar to that on camphor but 
less severe. There is the same destruction of the new terminal 
growth but fewer and less severe bark lesions. The larvae seem 
to feed more on the leaves and less on the bark than when attack- 
ing camphor. Following the destruction of the terminal bud 
the lateral buds develop freely, resulting in a sort of witch’s 
broom or “multiple bud” growth. The withered terminal shoots 
cling to the tree longer than do those of camphor and form 
retreats in which the thrips commonly hide. These dead twigs 
are the most likely places in which to search for the insects. 
Thus far the larvae have been found on only the shore bay, 
Tamala littoralis, but trees of Tamala barbonia about Gaines- 
ville show typical thrip injury. The avocado belongs to the 
genus Persea to which genus the bays have been commonly 
referred. Upon the discovery that the latter were the native 
hosts of the thrips, some apprehension was felt lest the insects 
might be able to feed also on avocadoes and ultimately perhaps 
to invade the avocado orchards of the state. In the laboratory, 
however, they have refused to feed on young growth of the 
Mexican avocado. 
The life history of the camphor thrips has not been worked 
out in detail. A single generation was raised in May 1913. The 
eggs hatched in eight or nine days and the larvae had become 
adults by the 24th day. 
Contrary to our previous experience we have lately observed 
the insect to fly. The flight was, however, very short. That it 
does not commonly fly far is indicated by the fact that camphor 
trees less than a half mile from a center of infestation have 
remained free for years. A hedge near the writer’s home at 
Gainesville is still uninfested, altho a colony of thrips has for 
six years existed within a half mile and for the past year within 
900 feet. This hedge borders an unused alley where opportu- 
nities for transportation are few. Trees along the neighboring 
street where traffic is heavy have become infested. 
J. R. WATSON (Ag. Exp. Sta.). 
