89 



We have seen many trees of the Java plum, recently planted, with 

 every leaf eaten off, and some have died from the effects of the beetle 

 and Hilo grass combined, while others again barely showed any sign 

 of the beetle. Reports from Kohala state that the beetle also devours 

 the bark of young trees. This we have never observed, but have no 

 doubt of its accuracy where food is scarce. Most any plant or tree, 

 and even the grass, is attacked by the beetle. The insect appears to 

 be most numerous along the border of the forest, and it is found from 

 the seashore up as high as 5,000 feet. Seven years ago we were 

 shown the beetle at Paia, destructive to roses and garden plants in 

 general. Mr. Perkins reports having some years since seen remains 

 of the same at the base of koa trees near Olinda to a depth of several 

 inches. It must have been present on the islands long before it became 

 prominent, and it is likely an introduction from Mexico, and probably 

 came from Acapulco. 



The life history of the beetle is as yet but imperfectly known. Four 

 years ago we found its larvae under stones at Olinda, and collected 

 large numbers of the same in all stages on this trip feeding on the 

 roots of Hilo grass. We have obtained its eggs in confinement, depos- 

 ited in clusters of some 75, of a light-yellow color, from three-fourths 

 to l mm . long and half as wide. At the office we find that large num- 

 bers of young larvae issue from galls produced by the Tortricid larvae. 

 Here the eggs are inserted anywhere where a hole is convenient, and 

 are embedded in irregular masses partly covered by excremental re- 

 mains. We should think that they are also found under the bark of 

 trees on which the beetles feed. It was found that the large number of 

 gall-like swellings on the terminal branches of the koa trees brought 

 down for observation produced hundreds of young larvae of the " Rose 

 beetle." Whenever the galls showed any holes, or if partly split, 

 they had been thrust full of eggs, often an inch or more in length. 

 Doubtless this is done by several individuals when present in such 

 enormous numbers as at Haiku. In gardens and small areas of land 

 the beetles are easily dealt with, since they are wingless and can only 

 crawl. They can readily be shaken off smaller trees into a bucket of 

 water with a little kerosene and destroyed. This can be done at any 

 time during the day or night while the beetles remain stationary upon 

 the plants, where, if numerous, they will congregate in clusters. 



Aramigus fulleri has not many enemies. The indigenous Carabid 

 beetles on higher elevations must destroy many of their larvae. 



Insectivorous birds evidently feed largely upon the beetles. We 

 found excrements of the mina or mynah bird consisting entirely of 

 remains of these beetles. Quails are considered as excellent birds to 

 destroy such insects; fowls should keep the surroundings of houses 

 free of them. Probably some 90 per cent of the food of the mongoose 



