38 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1906. 



in the space of two hours, or even less, the integument hardens, and 

 the puparium assumes its normal colour. In cases where soil was placed 

 below the faeces the larvae generally burrowed into the former to a 

 depth of about half an inch, but a few also pupated in the dryer por- 

 tions of the dung. Where no soil was provided the larvae generally 

 pupated at the bottom of the breeding cage. 



A few days before the emergence of the insect the cuticle of the 

 puparium darkens, and eventually splits anteriorly along the lateral 

 and madian lines, and also transversely along the fourth segment ; 

 the section falls away, and the fly escapes. Prior to this the nymph 

 undergoes its final ecdysis, pushing its effete skin off backwards into 

 the posterior end of the puparium. On its emergence it appears as a 

 small dark-grey fly, with thick rudimentary wings of a dull leaden 

 colour, and a deep notch in the mid costa, below which are strong 

 convoluted folds. The head is much larger and wider than the thorax, 

 and the abdomen is attenuated. 



THE PLUM SAWFLY. 



Hoplocainpa julvicornis, Klug. 



In the Evesham district the larvae of this fly have been the cause 

 of much damage and loss. Observations made during the spring of 

 1907 show that in Worcester and Hereford it is on the increase. 



I hope to issue a full account of its life-history and suggested 

 remedies shortly. 



THE APPLE SAWFLY. 

 Hoplocampa testudinea. 



This is another hymenopterous insect, which, so far as I am aware, 

 has not previously recorded for the Midlands. During the past sea- 

 son it was found in an orchard in Worcestershire, but only a few trees 

 were attacked, and I think most of the fruit was picked off. 



How long it has been in the Midlands I cannot say, for it is quite 

 possible that it may have been mistaken for the larvae of the Codling 

 Moth, from which, however, it differs by its greater number of legs. 



