20 



grubs eventually get a footing, from which they are seldom or never 

 dislodged by the bees. 



Mr. Sidney Cliff, Government Entomologist for New South 

 Wales, when writing some time ago on the natural history of this 

 moth, said, " With us in New South Wales the first brood of moth 

 appears in the early spring, from caterpillars which have passed the 

 winter in a semi-dormant condition within the walls of their silken 

 coverings, and only turned to pupae or chrysalids upon the approach of 

 warm weather. These winter (or hibernating) caterpillars feed very 

 little, and usually confine their wanderings to the silken channels 

 which they have made for themselves before the cool weather sets 

 in. Upon the return of the desired warmth the caterpillars spin a 

 complete cocoon for themselves and turn to the chrysalis stage, and in 

 from ten days to a fortnight the perfect moth appears. The moth 

 then lays its eggs in any convenient spot, such as the sides and bot- 

 toms of the frames, on the walls of the hive itself, or on the comb. 

 In each case I have had an opportunity of observing the process, the 

 moth chose the sides of the frames, as near to the brood combs as 

 possible, the young larvae having a decided preference for this comb. 

 The larvae having once made their appearance, which they usually 

 do in from eight to ten days after the laying of the eggs, their 

 growth is exceedingly rapid, the average time before they are 

 ready to assume the chrysalis stage being only some thirty days. 

 The average duration of the chrysalis period is about a fortnight, 

 so it can easily be seen with what great capabilities for rapid 

 reproduction we have to deal. As we have said, the number of 

 generations, or broods, which develop in a season — i.e., between 

 early spring and late autumn — varies with locality and climate ; 

 but it may be worth while to record that, in my opinion, we have 

 sufficient evidence to prove the existence of four broods in the 

 Sydney district under ordinary circumstances." 



The average length of the grub is about 1 in., and " when first 

 hatched it is pale yellow with a slightly darker head, and of a 

 greyish flesh-colour when full-grown, with a dark reddish-brown 

 head." The length of the moth is about J in., " has reddish brown- 

 grey forewings, which are distinctly lighter in colour towards the 

 outer or hinder margins." 



Remedihs. 

 It has been frequently remarked, and no doubt with a con- 

 siderable amount of truth, that the moth is only the enemy of 

 the careless beekeeper — intending to convey the' idea that with 

 care and attention there need be no fear of it doing damage in 

 the apiary. A colony of bees at its normal strength is practically 

 proof against all its enemies, but the box-hive beekeeper who 



