REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1907. 



In forest nurseries a soil fumigant of this kind must prove of great 

 value. 



THE HEART AND DART MOTH. 



Agrotis exclamationis, Linn. 



As in the case of the last mentioned species, there has been an 

 appreciable increase in the number of cases reported in which the larvae 

 of this moth have been doing serious damage. 



The habits and life-history of the Heart and Dart Moth are very 

 similar to those of the Turnip Dart Moth, described in my Fourth 

 Report (p. 25,) and the treatment also. 



Various experiments have been made with soot, soot and lime, 

 kainit, gas lime, etc., scattered on the land ; poisoned baits, consisting of 

 bunches of clover, etc., that have been steeped in a solution of Paris 

 green, and then distributed about the field have given fairly good 

 results, but such a method is risky owing to the possibility of live-stock 

 eating the same. 



THE GREAT YELLOW UNDERWING MOTH. 

 Triphacna pronuba (Linn.). 



The larvae of this moth 

 have proved very trouble- 

 some to horticulturists and 

 others during the past 

 season. In private gardens 

 it has been especially numer- 

 ous and has done a large 

 amount of damage. 



The life-history briefly 

 indicated in my Second 

 Report, (p. 37.) may be 

 usefully repeated. 



The female deposits 

 her eggs in July and August 

 at the roots of different plants, the larvae hatching out in about fourteen 

 days. They are nocturnal feeders, and lie hidden in the surface soil 

 or beneath the roots of their food-plants during the day. Through the 

 winter months they seem to lie dormant ; but on the return of spring or 

 mild-weather, they commence to feed again. Most of them become 

 full-fed tow r ards the end of April, or early in May, when they bury 

 themselves and turn into pupae, the moths emerging towards the end 

 of June or early in July. 



REMEDIAL MEASURES. 



In gardens, stirring the surface frequently during the winter and 

 spring destroys some of the larvae ; and exposes others to the attack 



FIG. 12. THE GREAT YELLOW UN T DER\VING MOTH 

 i. Larva. 2. Pupa. 3. Moth. 



