INSECTS INJURIOUS TO AGRICULTURE IN JAPAN 33 



FIG INSECTS 



The pyralid moth Margaronia (Cin % hochrista) brizoalis (14-3) is 

 a pest of fig in Japan. There are two broods a year, the first adults 

 appearing in May and June and those of the second brood in August 

 and September. The winter is passed in the early larval stages 

 in webs on the tree, and in May these larvae become active and bore 

 into the stem of the fruit, and then into the fruit itself, causing it 

 to become deformed and finally to drop from the tree. More than 

 one fruit is attacked by each larva, it being estimated that the larva 

 moves to a fresh fruit at intervals of about five days. Pupation of 

 the summer brood of larvae occurs late in July in crevices in the 

 bark. The method of control recommended is the removal of 

 infested fruits in the early stages, these being easily recognizable by 

 the presence of brown spots on the surface. 



Two other fig pests are the noctuid Phytometra cUalcytes, a cos- 

 mopolitan species whose larvae feed upon the foliage, and the 

 cicadellid Tartessus ferrugineus. Both, however, are of minor 

 importance. 



In some sections the trunk borer Apriona rugicollis inflicts very 

 serious damage on fig trees. The life history is discussed on page 

 24, where the insect is treated as a pest of apple and pear. 



GRAPE INSECTS 



Of the Lepidoptera attacking grape in Japan, eight species repre- 

 senting the Sphingidae and Noctuidae are foliage feeders, and four 

 of the latter family attack fruit. 



Ampelophaga rubiginosa (96) is found on the islands of Honshu 

 and Hokkaido in Japan proper, but extends to Chosen, China, and 

 India. The adults are to be found in the field from July to Septem- 

 ber. The eggs are laid singly upon the foliage, and the larvae feed 

 upon the leaves and occasionally upon the blossom stems. The winter 

 is passed in the pupal stage in rubbish beneath the vine. 



Theretra japonica (114) ranges in distribution over all the main 

 islands of Japan and to Chosen, Taiwan, and China as well. The 

 larvae feed upon a number of plants, but the cultivated grape and 

 the so-called blind grape (Cissus japonica) are much preferred. The 

 food plants of this genus are largely restricted to grape and related 

 plants, as there are four species in India attacking it, and others are 

 recorded in various countries. The adults emerge in May and June. 



Acosmeryx castanea (114) is limited in distribution to the islands 

 of Honshu and Hokkaido and feeds upon Cissus japonica as well as 

 upon the cultivated grape. Adult moths may be found from May to 

 August and the larvae from June to September. 



Rhagastis mongoUana (114) is found in Honshu, Shikoku, and 

 Kyushu, and feeds upon cultivated grape, Cissus japonica, Impatient 

 balsamina, and Berberis vulgaris. The adult moths appear from 

 May to August and the larvae may be found upon the foliage until 

 the end of September. 



Among the Noctuidae the most important are the fruit feeders 

 Othreis fullonica, Ophideres (Adris) tyr annus, Calpe cmarginata, 

 and C. excavata. Upon grape the latter is most important, particu- 

 larly in Chosen. The injury is produced by the adult moths, which 

 55059—31 3 



