BRITISH INSECTS 



Aphis {Schizoneura lanigera) is one of the worst enemies 

 of all. It is incorrectly called American Blight as it is 

 of European origin. It is a great enemy of apple trees 

 all over the world, and is soon recognised by the soft 

 white mildew-like substance which covers both the 

 adult females and young. The wingless females are 

 purplish-brown in colour, and these are constantly 

 giving birth to living young, and the latter, in due course, 

 commence to perform a like operation. The eggs are 

 deposited by wingless oviparous females, and these 

 hatch the succeeding Spring, but adult insects also 

 hibernate in cracks, crevices, and elsewhere. The whole 

 story cannot here be told, though it is as fascinating in 

 interest as a fairy tale, but has a much less pleasant 

 ending. As the Woolly Aphis attacks the roots, as 

 well as the parts above ground, remedies must be appHed 

 for combating both sets of enemies. The best method 

 is to paint the patches on the branches with methylated 

 spirit, and below ground it is essential that carbon bi- 

 sulphide should be injected into the soil around the 

 roots in Winter. Grease banding — as carried out for 

 the destructive Winter Moth — is also a preventive, and 

 can be recommended. Another serious pest belonging 

 to the same Sub Order Homoptera is the Apple Sucker 

 {Psylla mail). It attacks buds, blossoms, and leaves 

 of apples, and the eggs may be found in Winter and 

 early Spring on the twigs, especially around the buds. 

 They are pale yellow, and curiously shaped. Larval 

 and nymphal stages are passed through, and eventually 

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