622 The Insect and Allied Pests of the Hop. [nov., 



under the lower leaves. They seemed to feed for some 

 hours into the night. Numerous nests were found later 

 in and around the plant centres. The earwigs were jarred 

 off the bine in the daytime and collected with those that hid in 

 the soil by placing pieces of moist sacking at the base of each 

 bine. 



A Spring-tail. 



(Entomobrya nivalis, Linn.) 



This small apterous insect may be found on all kinds of 

 plants, and occurs commonly under the bark of trees. 



A single case only of its damaging hops is on record. 

 This was at Chilham, in 1907, where it did considerable 

 harm. The attack manifested itself in July, and when the 

 garden was visited on the 18th and 19th enormous numbers 

 of these small Spring-tails were found, some on the bines, 

 others on the soil. The attack started at the tips, and in 

 many cases the damage extended down to the lower parts. 

 Most of the burr was damaged and the bine itself in all tender 

 places. The damage was done mainly at night, but many 

 could be found feeding in the daytime. These insects are 

 very shy, and fall or spring to the ground at the least shock. 

 They seem to shelter under clods of earth during the day, 

 and in crevices in the poles. 



This Spring-tail apparently lays its ova under the bark of 

 trees, and also in moss, damp grass, and under stones. 



The importance of Aptera is becoming more noticeable 

 every year. Another species, Smynthurus luteus, I have 

 found this year damaging currant and potato foliage to a 

 considerable extent. Although they have a weak biting 

 mouth, they are nevertheless very harmful when present in 

 numbers. The hop garden attacked was well washed with 

 soft soap and quassia, sulphured, and washed again, and the 

 land dressed with lime. This checked the pest, but did not 

 destroy it entirely. 



Probably in such bad attacks as this the best way would 

 be to jar all the Aptera off, having previously smeared the 

 bine for 3 ft. up with molasses to prevent those on the soil 

 getting back again. 



