189 



As we received no other notes on tUe natural history of the species we, 

 can say nothing as to time and mode of oviposition, the duration of the 

 larval state, hibernation, etc. The only other information is that con- 

 tained in the quotation from Blackburn and Sharp's Memoir on the 

 Hawaiian Coleoptera, viz: That the species attacks also banana stems, 

 and further that it has been introduced (no doubt with sugar-cane or 

 banana plants) from other islands in the Pacific Ocean. 



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Fig. 45. — Sections of sugar cane showing work of Sphenophorus obscurus: a, larva; b, pupa, in situ, 

 c, probably points of oviposition, somewhat reduced (original). 



In the absence of any more definite information it is difficult to sug- 

 gest any preventives or remedies for this pest. Since the larva appar- 

 ently works in the lower part of the canes and probably also in the roots, 

 many larvae will no doubt remain in those parts of the plants after the 

 rest of the cane has been cut and carried off to the sugar-houses. The 

 remaining stubble should be carefully examined and all infested stumps 

 destroyed. The same should be done with all diseased or dying banana 

 plants. 



Since neither sugar-cane nor bananas are cultivated in California 

 there is little danger that this Sphenophorus will become acclimated in 

 that State from the Sandwich Islands. 



