LEPIDOPTERA 307 



bulrush or raupo (Typha angustifolid). Mr Howes says that when 

 potatoes are cultivated, the destruction of all small tubers and waste 

 by turning pigs on to the ground after the crops are dug, together 

 with the burning of the haulms, will easily keep the pest in check. 



The larvae of this species are attacked and destroyed by the larvae 

 of two common indigenous hover flies Syrphus nova-zealandics and 

 Melanostoma fasciatum . 



Endrosis lacteella, Schiff. (E.fenestrella). Window Moth 



This moth seems to have been introduced in the very early days 

 of colonisation. The moth itself is common throughout the year, but 

 particularly from October to March, and is very generally distributed, 

 being reported as a household moth from Whangarei to Invercargill. 

 The larva feeds on seeds, dried fruits, flour, pollard, honeycomb and 

 many other farinaceous or saccharine materials. This species appears 

 to have got both its technical name, and its popular designation of 

 " Milk-moth," in consequence of its being so frequently found drowned 

 in milk jugs. It is not a clothes moth, but is commonly destroyed 

 as such. 



Borkhausenia pseudospretella, Staint. ((Ecophora pseudo- 

 spretella, Staint.) A Clothes Moth 



This is probably one of the first moths which was introduced 

 into New Zealand, and it is now generally distributed, probably in 

 every house. The moth occurs between November and March. The 

 larva feeds on all sorts of dry refuse, and on cloth (woollen, cotton 

 and linen), paper, cork, etc. It is very destructive in museums. 

 Mr W. W. Smith says it occurs, but not commonly, in Taranaki. 

 Mr Meyrick (1883) recorded it from Hamilton, Napier, Wanganui, 

 Wellington, Christchurch, Castle Hill and Dunedin. 



It was reported by Mr Butler in 1877 in collections received 

 from N.Z. from Dr Hector and Mr J. D. Enys. Dr Hilgendorf (1917) 

 states that it is very common at Lincoln, and is destructive to stored 

 wheat. It is also met with in the Chatham Islands. 



Mr Butler calls this species "a detestable pest," and adds: 



This is one of the most destructive insects imaginable, and is apparently 

 a perfectly general feeder; nothing that is in the smallest degree edible 

 comes amiss to it. The moth is fond of concealment, and often hides amongst 

 the substances that have suffered from its depredations. When disturbed, 

 it runs rather than flies, and that very rapidly, at once seeking shelter again. 

 To pursue it with one's fingers is no easy task; it is so rapid in its move- 

 ments and so slippery when touched, in consequence of the glossiness of 

 its scales. The caterpillar is of an active habit, but conceals itself most 



