358 



ii. The second insect found on the camphor plants in abun- 

 <iance is the Atlas moth the life history of which is as follows : — 



The brown eggs, rather over H inch in diameter through the 

 shorter axis, for they are somewhat oval in shape, are laid singly or 

 in small clusters on the underside of the leaves. They hatch out into 

 greyish white spined larvae which feed on the leaves and when they 

 come to maturity are over three inches in length, green in colour with 

 humps on the first three segments behind the head (caterpillars of 

 moth and butterflies always consist of 14 segments including the head 

 but the 14th is difficult to see). On segments five to twelve there are 

 transverse rows of bluish grey processes (like the arms of a small 

 sea anemone but stiff; pointing backwards. On the outer side of the 

 hind leg is a blue spot with a red ring round it. 



All the damage done by this insect is during this stage. 



From a caterpillar it turns into a pupa encased in golden brown 



silk. 



The moth spans over 8 inches across the wing and is coloured 

 with various shades of red, yellow, blue and black and has a large 

 triangular window-like spot in the centre of the fore and hind wings.; 

 a number of specimens have a further glassy streak over and beyond 

 the marks on the fore wings. 



The pest can easily be dealt with by collecting the cocoons spun 

 up generally in the fold of one leaf or pulling off the caterpillars. 

 Shaking is not of much use as they have a firm grip. 



Spraying with tobacco water or soap emulsion should be tried 

 where the pest is bad. 



The moths are very conspicuous and may be destroyed, 

 especially the fat bodied females which lay over two hundred 

 eggs. 



Camphor appears to be one of the coming products of the 

 Federated Malay States and of late a number of inquiries have been 

 received as to its cultivation, so I hope that the above hints will be 

 of use to those who wish to grow it. 



The beetle in question has also been found feeding on rubber but 

 the height and stability of the trees will prevent of the possibility of 

 getting rid of it by shaking. If it becomes a pest on that plant 

 spraying will be the best remedy. 



Kuala Lumpur, 

 i6th October, 1911. 



C. B. HOLMAN-HUNT, 



Assistant Entomologist, 

 F.M.S. 



