100 Insect Pests. 



constantly, so as to exterminate the moth, which may occur under 

 certain conditions in dangerous numbers. This is especially to be 

 borne in mind by growers, for we can hold out less hope of com- 

 bating this insect than the Pear Midge, which still to some extent 

 baffles treatment and yet has a distinct period in its existence when 

 we should be able to destroy it. 



In examining specimens sent from Huntingdonshire I found 

 many of the larva? dead in their galleries. Each of the dead ones 

 contained the larva of a Chalcid which had destroyed it. These 

 natural enemies, unfortunately, did not hatch out. 



REFERENCE. 



(!) Theobald, F. V. Second Report on Economic Zoology (Brit. Mus. N.H.) 

 p. 37 (1904). 



THE WILD CRAB LEAF MINER. 



(Nepticiihi ma fella. Sta.) 



This small mining Tineid Moth was reported from Kent as being 

 very abundant on apple trees in the autumn of 1906 (2). In one 

 case nearly every leaf was found to be mined in early October. 

 Many of the leaves had fallen in the latter part of September owing 

 to this little insect's depredations. At this time of year, the damage 

 is, of course, not serious, but the loss must, to some extent, check the 

 final annual growth, especially in certain young trees. 



The mine caused by the larva is very characteristic. It starts 

 as a small, thin, sinuous tunnel, which gradually swells out into a 

 blister-like area, at first green, and then becoming yellowish-green. 



Stainton (1) who gave an excellent account of this moth, describes 

 the mine as greenish-orange. None were seen of those sent in which 

 any orange tone appeared, but the identification is beyond doubt. 

 One very noticeable feature is that the track of the larva is marked 

 by a dark, sinuous line of black excrement. 



As many as six mines were frequently seen on one leaf. All 

 varieties of apples seemed to be affected but Cox's Orange Pippin ; 

 no trace could be found on any of the latter, although they were 

 growing amongst attacked trees and the leaves were still firm. The 

 early maturing of the leaves may have something to do with this. 



Should this moth continue in abundance in the following year 

 after an autumnal attack, it might cause a good deal of harm, as the 

 first brood attacks the leaves early in July. 



