MEALY WINGS. 



according to season, and other conditions. When nearly full grown the 

 insect rests, entering into a condition similar to that of a butterfly 

 chrysalis. When this is completed, a tiny white insect emerges, with 

 two pairs of wings large for its size, which give it the appearance of 

 a tiny moth. Both sexes are winged ; this and the fact that they have 

 four wings distinguishes them from the very similar scale insects 

 (Coccida] in which the male alone has two wings, the female none. 



Having mated, the female lays eggs and dies. 



Mealy wings are found upon a variety of plants and there are many 

 species in India. Two attack orange, one attacks sugarcane, another 

 attacks rose ; a common one in Western India attacks the mango, the leaves 

 being 1 covered with the small black scales. Another is found on castor, and 



O * 



many wild plants are infested. The group is not fully known yet, and, though 

 not as important as the scale insects, many species remain to be discovered. 



If the insects have not yet reached the flying stage, they may in 

 some cases be destroyed by cutting tiff the infested part and burning it. 

 No other treatment is possible except spraying insecticides on to them 

 to kill them. This is quite simple if the necessary appliances are avail- 

 able and is described elsewhere (Chapter VII). The insecticides best for 



FIG. 289. 



The Clouded Mealy Wing. (Magnified six times.} 



use are kerosene emulsion or rosin wash (made on the spot) or crude oil 

 emulsion or McDougal's Insecticide (bought ready for use). This is 

 the simplest treatment and one that should be used in all gardens or 

 orchards where fruit-trees or valuable plants are grown. 



