304 INSECTS 



Pyralis farinalis, Linn. Meal Moth 



Mr G. Howes reported this species as common in Dimedin in 

 1903-4. Mr W. W. Smith also recorded it as common in Taranaki, 

 and later as common everywhere. It attacks all kinds of cereals 

 "whether as corn, flour, meal, bran, and even straw." The moth 

 appears during the summer months, wherever grain or farinaceous 

 materials are stored. 



Hymeniafascialis, Cram. 



Larva found on melons, etc. It has probably been introduced 

 with fruit from tropical or sub-tropical Australia. Hitherto it has 

 only been recorded by Meyrick in 1912. 



Diplopseustis perieralis> Walk. 



Found near towns, and probably introduced from Australia or 

 Fiji, where it is not uncommon. Mr Philpott is inclined to think the 

 species is indigenous, as it occurs throughout both islands. 



Galleria melonella, Linn. Bee Moth ; Wax Moth 



According to the reports of the Agricultural Department, this 

 moth was first observed at Okaiawa near Mount Egmont, in three dif- 

 ferent apiaries, in 1904. It was probably introduced from Australia, 

 where it is said to have been brought from Europe in 1880. There 

 was very considerable doubt thrown for some time on the identifica- 

 tion, but the fact of this species being established in the North Island 

 is now well known, alike to lepidopterists and to apiarists. Mr W. W. 

 Smith informs me (1919) that the species is common in hives in 

 Taranaki. It also occurs at Ruakura. 



In the Apiaries Act 1907, this moth is included among the diseases 

 of bees, which come under the powers of the Act. 



Family PHYCITID^E 

 Ephestia kuehniella, Zell. Mediterranean Flour Moth 



Mr A. Philpott writes (August, 1916): "This species has become 

 established in the flour-mills in Invercargill within the last two or 

 three years, and I also have had examples sent to me from Dunedin." 

 In 1905 it was reported from the Waikato. Mr A. H. Cockayne says 

 it has been found in pretty well every flour- mill in New Zealand. 



Crocydopora cinigerella, Walk. 



Mr Meyrick reported this moth as occurring at Whangarei and 

 Nelson in 1885-86, and says if this is " a recent accidental introduction 

 (from Australia) it will probably be found soon to become more 



