98 



TURNIP. 



Diamond-back Moth. Plutella cniciferarum, Zeller. 





Plutella crucifkeardm. — 1, caterpillar ; 2, eggs; 3, Diamond-back Moth (all 

 natural size) ; 4, 5, Diamond-back Moth, at rest and flying (magnified). 



Diamond-back Moth, which was scarcely noticed in 1893, appeared 

 again in the past season, not as a widespread pest, as far as appeared 

 by reports received, but once again mainly at localities on the eastern 

 sea-coast. 



The record of its appearances of late years stands thus : the 

 memorable outburst in 1891, causing almost a panic; a lesser but 

 still injurious appearance in 1892 ; and in 1893 no reports, or reports 

 of no presence ; whilst 1894 has brought a repetition of some slight 

 amount of attack, apparently much checked by weather influences 

 favourable for growth, but at the same time (as will be seen by the 

 following observations) to some degree helping us by confirming the 

 benefit to be received from stimulating treatment and dressings, 

 mechanical measures for knocking the caterpillars off the leafage, &c. 



The first note regarding appearance of the Diamond-back Moth 

 was sent me by Mr. Edward A. Atmore, F.E.S., from King's Lynn, 

 Norfolk, on the 9th of June, as follows : — " I thought you might like 

 to know a little about Plutella cruci/erarum, viz., the Diamond-back 

 Moth, this season. 



" On the 1st of June I saw one specimen on the wing in a garden 

 in the town, but last evening (the 8th), whilst collecting Lepidoptera 

 and Coleoptera at Westwinch near this town, I found the pest flying 

 about in abundance on the edge of a field of late-so^n Turnips. As the 

 Turnips have not been long up, I shall expect these moths to deposit 

 their eggs upon such cruciferous plants as exist on the ^ceedi/ border, 

 and I noticed some little Charlock there ; but no doubt other plants 

 of the order Crucifera exist there. 



"Last year P. cruci/erarum was quite a scarcity here, and I confess 



