Indian Museum Notes. [Vol. VI. 



which makes it difficult or impossible to reach them with any 

 spraying operations. The only practical treatment at present is to 

 watch for the earlier indications of attack, and pluck off all affected 

 leaves. 



Economic Entomology in Ceylon, 



Of recent years Economic Entomology, under the able guidance 

 of that indefatigable and distinguished Entomologist, Mr. E.Ernest 

 Green (who holds the appointment of Government Entomologist) has 

 made great strides in Ceylon. We have recently received two excel- 

 lent circulars from his pen which we would wish to shortly draw atten- 

 tion to here. 



The first* deals with the life-history of the Tea Tortrix [Caprea 

 coffearia, Nietner) an insect which was described in Ceylon as long ago 

 as 1 86 1 by Nietner, it having proved an enemy to the coffee plant in 

 the island. Of recent years the insect has come again into prominence, 

 its food plant now, in the absence of the coffee, being the tea bush. 

 The outbreaks were at first spasmodic, but during the last three years 

 they have become of a more permanent character and the insect 

 is responsible for a considerable annual loss of yield in some localities, 

 this being estimated on some estates at Rs. 10 per acre. 



Mr. Green tells us that the yellow eggs are laid upon the tea 

 leaves. They are very visible and it is this stage that is recommended 

 as the best in which to institute preventive measures, The larva is 

 dull green in colour with a shining black head and spins two leaves 

 together, living in the shelter and feeding on the enclosed surfaces of 

 the leaves. About a week is spent in the pupa stage. The moths 

 are pale reddish brown in colour, often striated and mottled with 

 darker markings. Six to eight weeks is the period of one generation 

 from egg to moth and there are several generations in the year. 



Mr. Green deals at length with various measures of attacking the 

 pest and mentions the known natural checks. The larva also feeds 

 upon Grevilleas, Acacias, Albizzias and even Eucalyptus trees, besides 

 many jungle plants. 



The circular is well illustrated. 



The second circular t describes the life history and gives notes upon 

 a severe attack of the Lobster Caterpillar [Stauropus alternus) an 

 insect which has been known for some time and which would attract 

 attention if only owing to the remarkable shape of its caterpillar. 



* Circulars and Agricultural Journal of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Ceylon, 

 Volume II, No. 3. The Tea Tortrix by E. Ernest Green. 



t Circulars and Agricultural Journal Royal British Botanical Gardens, Ceylon 

 II, V (1903). The Lobster Caterpillar. A Tea Pest in Ceylon, by E. Ernest 

 Green. 



