352 



Insect, Fungus and other Pests. [sept., 



The rolled-up leaves containing the pupae or cocoons should be 

 pulled off where practicable and burned. 



Swift Moth. — A specimen caterpillar of the common Swift 

 moth (Hepialus lupulinus) was sent late in July by one corre- 

 spondent, who stated that this species of caterpillar was 

 doing great damage to dahlias and chrysanthemums grown 

 on land which, until the past spring, was old pasture. The 

 caterpillars of this moth are found in practically every month 

 of the year. Caterpillars of the genus Hepialus are charac- 

 terized by the fact that the hooks on the abdominal legs are 

 arranged in a complete circle, instead of being found only on 

 one edge as is typical with other caterpillars. 



The caterpillars are not easily dealt with, but it may be said 

 that the measures recommended against surface caterpillars 

 (see Leaflet No. 33) are generally applicable in the case of 

 Swift caterpillars. 



Beetles. — Two specimens of beetles taken from Australian 

 blackwood in store at Woolwich have been identified as 

 Phacodes obscurus and P. personatus, two Australian beetles 

 belonging to the family Cerambycidcz, or Longicorns. The 

 life history of these beetles resembles that of Neoclytus caprea 

 (see Journal, July, 1907, page 215), but they live in different 

 species of trees. The measures suggested in the case of 

 Neoclytus are applicable against these beetles. 



" Death-Watch " Beetle. — A beetle and grubs taken from an 

 elm plank at Chatham were found to be specimens of Anobium 

 domesticum. This is a common but small beetle which often 

 infests furniture in houses, and the little holes in chairs and 

 tables are frequently caused by it. The beetles bore into the 

 wood and lay eggs, from which come grubs that make galleries 

 in the timber. The injection of paraffin into the burrows 

 with a fine syringe will kill the brood if it be reached. If it 

 can conveniently be done, planks may be sunk in hot water 

 and left for a time, both beetles and grubs being destroyed. 

 This beetle is one of the so-called " Death- Watches," the name 

 arising from the ticking noise the beetles make in striking 

 the wood with their hard jaws (see also Journal, June, 1907, 

 page 157). 



Beetles infesting Cherry Trees. — In May and June, 1906, a 

 correspondent at Slough submitted to the Board some speci- 



