322 A BOOK OF INSECTS 



Other insects, too numerous to mention, attack wheat 

 in all stages of its growth ; nor is the corn safe when it 

 has been harvested, for many other species feed upon it 

 in granaries, mills and ships. Among the latter the most 

 harmful are probably the grain weevils of the genus 

 Calandra. Cargoes of wheat and barley, valued at many 

 thousands of pounds, have been rendered almost worthless 

 during the course of a voyage through the ravages of 

 these pests. 



Almost all kinds of stored goods which contain nourish- 

 ment in any form are liable to the attacks of insects. 

 Tobacco, for instance, is greatly relished by a small beetle 

 (Lasioderma testacea) and its grubs ; while wine corks are 

 burrowed into by the caterpillars of a tiny moth, with the 

 result that the wine becomes tainted. Later, the cork may 

 be so much riddled that the wine escapes — the loss caused 

 by the leakage being the so-called "ullage" of wine. 

 Certain wood-boring beetles and their grubs tunnel into 

 our furniture, while half a dozen kinds of caterpillars feed 

 upon furs, feathers, clothing, and tapestry. Even the 

 contents of the chemist's shop is not exempt ; for the so- 

 called "paste" beetle (Anobium paniceum) feeds greedily 

 upon such substances as dried capsicum and ginger. This 

 insect is very common in factories and stores, where it does 

 much mischief. In one instance it practically destroyed 

 a stock of boots and shoes. Paste had been used to fasten 

 the linings and leather together, and in devouring their 

 favourite dainty (i.e. the paste) the beetles had perforated 

 and damaged the leather, reducing it literally to rags. 

 This happened in South Africa; but reports of similar 

 damage have been received from manufacturers in 

 England. 



Termites, or " white ants," rank among the most 

 formidable pests in tropical countries. Only iron and the 



