LEPIDOPTERA. 



277 



the folded leaves and injuring the leading bud and shoot. This is 

 the larva of Depressaria conterminella. 



It should be noted that several species of Lepidopterous larvae 

 do similar damage, so that the injury represented in fig. 264 should 

 not be taken as solely due to the species given. The species in 

 question, however, was most injurious in Cheshire to osier rods 

 (Salix viminaJis). I am obliged to Mr J. 

 Collins, Oxford, for the identification of 4>l 



this species. 



Depressaria assimilella, Tr. 



If an inspection of broom be made from 

 March to the beginning of May, it will be 

 found that the twigs are often very much 

 drawn together, as in fig. 265. If the 

 twigs are separated at the points where 

 they overlap, it will be found that a small 

 brown larva lives within the folds, and has 

 injured them very considerably. This is 

 the larva of Depressaria assimilella. 



The moth appears in June and July. 

 The fore wings are of a pale ochreous colour, 

 and about 9 lines in expanse. The antennae 

 are dark-brown. 



It cannot be said that this species is of 

 any great economic importance, but it 

 often happens that broom is grown for 

 ornament or covert purposes, and in such 

 cases the insect may be considered a 

 pest. In order to effect remedial meas- 

 ures it would be well to top the broom 

 while the creature is in the larval stage, and burn the prunings. 

 When broom is cultivated it is well to prune off the tops in any 

 case, either in early autumn before the frosts appear, and thus 

 prevent the winter winds from blowing the bushes about, or after 

 the spring frosts and prior to the vigorous growth of early summer. 

 Thus the adoption of practical work is a remedial measure against 

 the pest. 



Fig. 265. Shoots of broom drawn 

 together by larva of Depressaria 

 assimilella. 



