278 L. D. CLEARE, JR.^ — A BUTTERFLY INJURIOUS TO COCONUT PALMS, ETC. 



There is little doubt that these natural enemies play a very important part in the- 

 control of this species, and it is only when natural conditions are adverse to their 

 development that the pest gains a foothold and causes extensive damage. 



Methods of Control. 



The habit of the larvae of living in " nests " during the daytime offers the best 

 means of controlling this pest. The nests can be easily seen from the ground and 

 a boy can be sent up the tree to cut down the branches bearing them. Care should 

 be taken to destroy all the caterpillars in the nests when the branches fall to the 

 ground. This can be done either by immersing them in a pail containing water and 

 kerosene oil, or by simply crushing the nests with a piece of wood or other heavy 

 instrument. When the caterpillars are numerous the work could be carried out 

 by gangs under an intelligent driver. 



Mr. Stockdale writes, " The labourers might be paid by the number of nests they 

 destroy, and I believe on some estates the price of 2 cents {Id.) per nest has been 

 paid for their destruction." 



Acknowledgments. 



In preparing the paragraphs on the life-history, the reports of Messrs. Bartlett 

 and Stockdale have been largely used, though several points have been added from 

 the notes in the possession of this Division. The description of the butterfly is 

 taken from Mr. Guppy's article as previously acknowledged. For the photographs. 

 I am indebted to Mr. G. E. Bodkin, Government Economic Biologist. Although 

 they were taken in January 1915, when the trees were recovering, they give a good 

 idea of the appearance of a tree when attacked. 



