THE INJURIOUS SCALE INSECTS AND MEALY BUGS, &c. 249 
large colonies on the trunks of the Laburnum. It is easily removed, 
however, by brushing, and if done when the young females are seen 
on the tree trunks in March the method will be found most effectual. 
Subterranean or Root Coccus 
(Bipersia terrestris, Newstead). 
Ripersia is also an offset from Dactylopius, and separable only by 
possessing five to six joints to the antennae, six joints being the normal 
number. 
The species in question is a subterranean insect, and was discovered 
by Mr. Chas. 0. Waterhouse, of the British Museum of Natural History, 
on Palm roots in London. It much resembles a minute " mealy bug,' 
and when full fed constructs a similar cottony ovisac. The antennas are 
placed rather closely together, and bent suddenly downwards at the second 
joint. The mouth organs are placed between the first and second pairs 
of legs, projecting slightly beyond the latter : they consist of a double- 
jointed rostrum, from which the filamentous sucking tube extends in the 
form of a looped hair. 
SECTION IV. 
I have included in this section those species which pass nearly the 
whole of their existence completely enveloped in a white felted or cottony 
sac, in which the eggs are laid and the larvae hatch. 
Felted Beech Coccus 
{Cryptococctis fagi, Barensprung). (Fig. 111.) 
This coccid feeds exclusively upon the Beech, selecting the tree trunk, 
and occasionally ascends to the main branches. Owing to the whiteness 
of the ovisacs and their exposed position upon the tree trunks, it is at all 
times a conspicuous species, and more especially so when, as is often the 
case, the sacs unite and form one homogeneous mass of felted wax. It is 
a common species, and when abundant renders the tree unsightly, if it 
does not materially injure it.* But I have heard foresters say it will in 
time cause the bark to peel off in patches and the tree to decay and die. 
It is probably common throughout Europe wherever the Beech occurs. 
Dr. Karel Sulc informs me it is common near Prague, in Bohemia. It is 
very abundant in Cheshire, and I have received it from the Forest of 
Dean. But, strange to say, the Beech woods on the Witcombe Park 
Estate, between Birdlip and Painswick, near Gloucester, are almost free 
from its attacks, and I found it altogether absent in the grounds of Powis 
Castle, Welshpool. 
The young larvae hatch about September, and although active many 
never see daylight, but work their way under the old felted sacs and the 
* This Coccus is doing much damage to the magnificent Beech trees in the 
eastern districts of Surrey. Many of the finest trees have been destroyed, the bark 
peeUng off as described. The foresters tell me that a dressing of sulphur and spirits 
of tar is effective, but I have no experience of it as yet — Ed. 
