3o6 INSECTS 



In 1886 the moth was reported from Christchurch, next year 

 from Te Awamutu; in 189 1 from Paraparaumu, 1892 from Auckland, 

 and 1897 from New Plymouth. In 1899 it was stated to be spreading 

 to some extent about Hawera, and was also reported from Waikouaiti, 

 Timaru, Palmerston North, Wanganui and Hawke's Bay. It was 

 almost certainly in all those districts some time before its presence 

 was recorded. 



Mr Philpott informs me that it does not occur much further 

 south than the lower end of Lake Wakatipu. In all cases where the 

 pest has been reported from Southland, the species has turned out 

 to be one of the native moths Tortrix excessana, Walk., or Ctenopseustes 

 obliquana. Walk. The latter moth has frequently been mistaken in 

 other parts of New Zealand for the codlin moth, for it attacks apples 

 in much the same manner, but the damage it does is infinitesimal 

 when compared with that of the imported pest. 



The codlin moth has numerous enemies, both native and intro- 

 duced. The tiger beetle {Cicindela tuberculatd) destroys the grubs on 

 the ground, and also climbs up trees in search of them. The common 

 red ant (Apheenogaster (Monomorium) antarctiais) and the larger Am- 

 blyopone cephalotes also climb trees and destroy the grubs. 



The indigenous Ichneumon insidiator, or an allied variety, attacks 

 the gnibs. 



At least one fungus (Isaria farinosa) which is allied to Cordiceps, 

 the vegetable-caterpillar fungus, also attacks and destroys the codlin- 

 moth grub. 



Family Tineid^ 



Phthorimeea operculella, Zell. {Lita solanella, Boisduval.) 

 Potato Moth 



This species has been known for the last 25 or 30 years, and 

 is fairly common and destructive in the North Island, and as far 

 south as Canterbury ; but in the south its occurrence is only periodic. 

 A few years ago it caused some loss in the neighbourhood of 

 Dunedin. Mr A. Philpott says it does not trouble Southland. It is 

 reported every year in the reports of the Agricultural Department, 

 and the larva is found on stored potatoes or those exposed before 

 being dug. Potatoes introduced from New South Wales and Victoria 

 are frequently infested with the caterpillar. Mr Meyrick says this 

 species has certainly been introduced with the potato, and is probably 

 a native of Algeria. It feeds on all species of Solanum, and also attacks 

 tomatoes. 



Mr T. Kirk states that the larva can be reared on poro-poro 

 {Solanum aviculare); and Mr Allan Wright records it as feeding on 



