58 



The late Mr. .Sidney Oliff, when Gnvernment Entomologist for New 

 South Wales, in an article on the natural history of this moth, said, — 



With us in New South \\'ales 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 co^'erings, and only turned to pupae 

 or chrysalids upon the approach of warm weather. These winter (or hiber- 

 nating) caterpillars feed ver)- little, and usually confine their wanderings 

 to the silken channels which thev 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 bottoms 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 larva? having 

 decided preference for this comb. The larvte having once made their appear- 

 ance, 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 wc 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 he 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 vellow 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 | in., " has reddish lirown-grey forewiugs, which are dis- 

 tincth' lighter in colour towards the outer or hinder margins." 



The Remedy. 



That wax-moths, large and small, are only enemies of careless bee- 

 keepers and of those who have not advanced beyond the common box-hive 

 stage is a well-known fact. C'areful, up-to-date beekeepers have nothing 

 to fear from these or any other insect enemies. Follow the golden rule of 

 beekeeping — viz., "Keep all colonies strong" — and insect enemies will 

 ni>ver trouble. 



FuMiG.VTixG Combs. 



Not onh- the combs within the hives, but also any which may happen 

 to be unprotected, are liable to be attacked by the moth. No combs or 

 pieces of combs should be allowed to lie about ; when they are of no further 

 service they should be melted into wax at once. Spare combs should 

 always lie stored in a place of safety from the moth, and inspected frequently. 

 On 1he first sign of moths or grubs they should be fumigated, and a few 

 days afterwards they should mKUMgo a second fumigation. WTren there are 



