33° INSECTS 



and will probably more or less disappear when the trees are older." 

 Though only reported from Rotorua and Waiotapu, the insect is 

 probably widespread. 



Lachnus strobi, Fitch 



Recorded by Mr D. Miller as occurring on Douglas Spruce {Abies 

 Douglasii) at Palmerston North in 1919. 



Phylloxera vastatrix, Planchon. Vine Louse 



This insect appeared in one locality in Auckland in 1885, and 

 efforts were made to exterminate it. In 1889 and 1890 it was found 

 in several places near Auckland, and at Whangarei. In 1895 it was 

 reported from three localities near Masterton, and in 1 898 at Carterton . 

 In the Agricultural report for 1898-99 it is also stated to have been 

 found in Eden, Waitemata, Whakatane, Tauranga, Piako and Manukau 

 counties, and to be common from Auckland North. In 1902 it was 

 rediscovered at Mt Eden, Auckland, and in the following year was 

 reported from Opotild, and was said to be bad at Whangarei. 



In 1920 it was still present in a number of localities in the Auck- 

 land district. 



Schizoneura lanigera, Haus. {Eriosoma lanigera, Haus.). 

 Woolly Aphis ; American Blight 



This species has been known for a very long time in New Zealand, 

 and is universally distributed throughout the country. It is very 

 abundant still in old and neglected orchards, but has been greatly 

 reduced in recent years by the use of "Northern Spy" stocks on 

 which to graft the different varieties of apples. Dr Hilgendorf con- 

 siders that it is more common in the northern half of the North 

 Island than elsewhere. 



In 1 86 1 the Otago Provincial Council passed the "American Blight 

 Protection Ordinance," the preamble of which reads : 



Whereas considerable injury has been done to Fruit Trees within the 

 Province of Otago by the Blight, or Insect called the American Blight; 

 and whereas it is expedient to prevent as much as possible the increase 

 thereof: Be it therefore enacted, etc. 



This is interesting as showing how early this insect was recognised 

 as a dangerous and common pest in New Zealand, and also how 

 unscientific is the definition of the pest itself. 



The majority of apples in New Zealand are now grafted on Northern 

 Spy stocks, an American apple which has a hard bark and very firm 

 wood, thus enabling it to withstand the attacks of the woolly aphis. 



