COLEOPTERA 289 



Cryptolcemus montrouzeri, Mulsart. Red-headed Ladybird 



In 1899 the Agricultural Department introduced this insect from 

 Australia— (it had previously been introduced into Hawaii from 

 Australia, with good results) — and liberated it in the district north 

 of Auckland and about Whangarei. It proved itself a very valuable 

 introduction, attacking and destroying the mealy-bug (Dactylopius 

 adonidum), the orange-scale {Lecanium hesperidum) and the scale {Erio- 

 coccus araucariee) which infested the Norfolk Island and other pines. 

 Considerable numbers were reared and distributed in succeeding 

 years. The species does not appear to breed south of Auckland. 

 Colonies were taken down to Timaru in 1906, and liberated in the 

 gum-tree plantations to combat the scale {Eriococcus coriaceus), but 

 the winter of South Canterbury proved too severe, and the field was 

 abandoned to Rhizobim ventralis which soon almost cleared the pest 

 away. 



Orcktis chalybeus, Boisd. The Steely-blue Ladybird 



This species was also introduced from Australia by the Agricul- 

 tural Department (in 1899?) and liberated north of Auckland; and 

 in 1906 a large consignment from New South Wales was liberated 

 near Timaru to assist in the destruction of Eriococcus. The winter 

 climate of Canterbury is, however, too severe for it. It is now very 

 abundant, north of Cambridge, Waikato, on oakscale. 



Orcus australasta, Boisd. The Six-spot Blue Ladybird 

 A single specimen of this Australian insect was taken by Mr 

 Hudson among some apples, in April, 1887, in Wellington. It is 

 probable the apples were imported. 



Family Latridiid^ 

 Monotoma ptcipes, Herbst. 

 Recorded in the Index (1903). 



Monotoma sub-^-faveolata, Watson 



Mr W. W. Smith met vnth this beetle in the eighties, among 

 rotten grain sacks, at Albury, S. Canterbury. This is probably the 

 cause of its appearing in the Index. 



Monotoma spinicollis, Aube. 



Another European species recorded in the Index (1903). 



Coniuomtis nodifer, Westwood 



Recorded in the Index (1903). 



T. N. z. 19 



