60 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA: 



away at the leaves of the plants attacked, the singular 

 leafy structures appearing, although constantly moving, 

 not to be inhabited. 



These grubs are not particular as to their food plants, 

 and will by reason of their numbers and inconspicuous 

 appearance, qiiickly make short work of a tea-tree hedge, 

 pine trees, &c., &c. In fact there are very few plants 

 which these grubs will not tackle, and quickly denude 

 of their foliage. 



In the coastal districts of Victoria, the damage done 

 is mostly in spring and summer, although the little 

 stick nests may be found hanging on the tree long after 

 their former inhabitants were dead. 



As some set off to the great damage which these 

 insects do, they are very subject to the attacks of 

 ichneumons, and other Hymenopterous insects, the 

 damage done to the Stick Case Moth being very great. 



Some years ago, the Messrs. Hill Bros., so well known 

 for their enthusiasm in entomological matters, exhibited 

 some cocoons of Saunders' Large Case Moth, now named 

 Oiketicus Elongatus, which had been torn open by some 

 bird, the elegant little swallow, Diceum, being the 

 suspected culprit. I could never, however, believe that 

 so small a bird could have torn open these strong cases, 

 as I have frequently failed to tear them with my fingers. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



It has already been stated that the larvae of these 

 moths are very voracious feeders, so that the simple 

 remedy of spraying their food plants with a deterrent, 

 an infusion of quassia chips, or a weak kerosene emulsion, 

 should be sufficient for the purpose. 



If the larvae should have commenced their attacks, 

 spray the trees with Paris green (paste form is the easiest 

 to use), 1 Ib. of Paris green, 4 Ibs. best lime, diluted with 

 150 to 200 gallons of water, according to the nature of 

 plants to be treated. When spraying in the latter case, 

 the plants should be well watched, as two or even more 



