go THE WOMBAT. 



tree. So far as I can gather it has not been recorded from* 

 that colony, and I think it quite possible — indeed probable — 

 that the species is indigenous to Victoria, as I have found it 

 very plentifully on Acacia dealbita at Myrniong, and at 

 Greendale on the same plant. As the twigs were so densely 

 covered and the usual procession of ants always in attendance, 

 I am inclined to think that Acacia dealbata is its natural food 

 plant. Mr. Brittlebank tells me that the " silver wattles" in 

 the Melbourne gardens are covered in places with this insect. 

 The dark purplish colour of the adult female presents quite a 

 singular appearance resting on a cushion of snowy-white 

 mealy cotton. It is not uncommon to find insects in all 

 stages on the same twig, and the adult male may often be 

 observed hovering among the branches — an uncommon 

 occurrence among Dactylopi. The form of the adult female 

 is sub-globular, A in. in length. Antennae, normally of eight 

 joints, sometimes only seven. The larvae are z\ in. in length, 

 elliptical, antennae of six joints. 



Hab. In Victoria on Albizzia lophanta, Acacia decurrens,. 

 at Myrniong, Werribee and Greendale. 



I should not be surprised if this insect some day is in- 

 cluded amongst the " Destructive Insects of Victoria." Has 

 any collector of Coccids ever noticed that trees or plants 

 growing close to or overhanging running streams, always 

 yield better results than plants in drier situations. I have 

 noticed it to be the case with many species, including t re- 

 present . I have taken Fiorinia acacice, Mask , and an un- 

 determined species of Inglisia, on trees for several months in 

 the year inundated. 



D. adonidum. Linnaeus. 



A European species which is now pretty generally dis- 

 tributed over the globe. I now record it on Acacia : Gasuarince 

 at Myrniong : and on Pinus at Sandringham (passim.). 



D. affinis, Mas/cell — Maskell JY. Z. Trans. 1893, P- 9 0, 



Adult female pinkish ; length about \ in. Powdered 

 with thin white meal on the dorsum ; distinctly segmented ; 

 at gestation the insect forms a small thin white posterior 

 ovisac. 



Antenna: of eight joints, all of which bear several hairs ;. 

 feet slightly pubescent ; rather long and slender ; digitules 

 four ; anal ring compound, with six hairs. 



xYdult male unknown. 



