GARDEN PESTS IN NEW ZEALAND 



foliage, but in other cases it is only the beetles that feed on foliage while 

 their larva? live underground on roots. The following species are 

 outstanding : 



COCKCHAFERS. These are the adults of the grass grubs, and there 

 are several species, all native to Xew Zealand. The commonest and most 

 destructive one (Fig. 11, la) is the so-called brown beetle (Odontria 

 zealandica), misnamed the "turnip fly," which is on the wing for about 

 six weeks each year, during November and early December as a rule. It 

 swarms at dusk, creating a loud, droning sound, and is responsible for 

 widespread damage by defoliating garden plants and field crops, as well 

 as trees. 



This beetle is easily identified. It is rather plump-bodied, brownish, 

 smooth, and measures about three-eighths of an inch long. Like all 

 beetles, the front wings are hard, and form a cover over the body when 



FIG. 11. 



(1) a, Brown-chafer-beetle; b, antenna of beetle, showing finger-like processes; c, larva 



or grass grub. (2) Bronze beetle. (3) a, Gum-tree weevil ; b, egg capsule ; c, larva. 



(4) Eucalyptus tortoise beetle. (5) a, Pear saw-fly; b, larva from the side; 



c, larva from above. (6) Pear midge. 



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