Notes on Insect and Fungus Pests, [july, 



(Hepiahis humuli) did considerable damage to a -field of oats 

 about the beginning of the month. 



A number of non-injurious insects were sent up for identi- 

 fication. A lacewing-fly, Chrysopa flavifrons, was sent from 

 Ross, in Herefordshire. The larvae of this fly, as is well 

 known, feed on green-fly. Specimens of Seoptera vibrans, 

 a fly of the family Ortalidas, were sent from Stoke-by- 

 Nayland, Colchester. Little is known of the habits or 

 metamorphosis of these flies, but there is no record of any 

 injury to vegetation which could be attributed to them. Their 

 relationship to the Asparagus-fly does not prove that they are 

 injurious. Several specimens of St. Mark's fly, Bibio marci, 

 have been sent from Stroud, Gloucestershire. These flies, 

 which often arouse suspicion and even alarm, owing to their 

 appearance in numbers, are harmless in the adult flying stage. 



Apple Mildew (Leaflet 204) was reported as abundant near 

 St. Columb, Cornwall, and from East Dulwich. In both 

 these cases, as well as in several others reported from different 

 parts of England, the blossom and leaves on part of the trees 

 withered suddenly and without any apparent cause. Frost 

 was suspected in some cases, but in others the phenomenon 

 was recorded in comparatively mild weather. In one or two 

 of the cases Apple Sucker was discovered, but by no means 

 in all, and it would seem that loss has been caused by some 

 pest which is present in numbers though irregularly distri- 

 buted. 



The fungus Phyllostictd prunicola, Sacc, was found at 

 Feltham and at Earl Soham, Suffolk. Cox's Orange Pippin 

 and Wellington were said to be almost the only trees attacked, 

 but these have been very seriously injured during the past 

 three years. This fungus is not very destructive except when 

 present to a great extent on the leaves, when spraying with 

 dilute Bordeaux is recommended. It has a superficial 

 resemblance to Shot-hole Fungus (Jour., June, 1910, p. 211). 



American Gooseberry Mildew was reported in the summer 

 stage on May 12th, or two days earlier than in previous years. 

 It has appeared with great intensity on the berries in certain 

 districts where the Board's requirements had not been properly 

 carried out in the autumn ; but in other places, where the prun- 

 ing had been systematically carried out, the amount of disease 

 is appreciably less than in previous years. Certain pustular 



