Insects., etc., Injurious to the Strawberry. 



449 



back of the larva and then plunge their beaks into them just behind 

 the head ; soon after this the larva sickens and dies. 



This pralaceous enemy was sent me in 1896 from Canterbury 

 and from Kimbolton in Huntingdonshire. A fungus, known as 

 Gordyceps cntomorrliiza, has been found invading these larvte (1) 

 near Maidstone and also at Wye. This parasitic fungus completely 

 invades the lame and replaces every part of their body. They may 

 frequently be found covered with a coarse white mycelium, forming 



[F. Edenden. 



FIG. 293. LARVA OF GARDEN SWIFT MOTH ATTACKED BY A FCXGUS 

 Cordyceps entomorrhiza. 



a mossy-like growth. Later, a curious large fruit-bearing body 

 (Fig. 293) about 1 inch long makes its appearance and grows up 

 into the air. This peculiar growth is reddish-brown in colour, 

 darkened towards the tip, and from this body "spores" are passed 

 out over the soil and thus fresh larva* are affected. These so-called 

 " Vegetable Caterpillars " have also been found at Hitchin by 

 Cook (7). The Swifts or Hepialidie are particularly liable to be 

 invaded by this and other Cordyceps. 



PREVENTION AND EEMEDIES. 



A good deal of good may be done in an infested bed by constant 

 hoeing ; numbers of the whitish larvre will then be destroyed. 



This should be followed by a top dressing of some noxious 

 substance, and for this soot has been found excellent if worked 

 into the soil around the plants. At other times it completely 

 fails. 



Kainit and muriate of potash have both been used with beneficial 

 results, wood ashes have also been found deleterious to them. The 

 best results I have had have been with gas lime and vaporite. This 

 is one of those attacks that can only be checked with patient work, 

 for it seems that if left alone it may recur year after year. 



We can do nothing to prevent the moths from laying their eggs, 



