28 
Indian Forest Records. 
[VoL. II. 
coixfiae theiiiselves to the young twigs of the tree. As they grow older 
they go down to the larger branches and are to be found encrusting quite 
thick branches which have a coating of old bark and moss on them. 
t the same time, old scales may be found on the smallest green twigs, 
on leaves and leaf stalks and, more curious still, on unopened buds and 
on youug acorns on the tree (see Plate VIll, figs. 1, 2). 
The scale greatly resembles the lac scale [Tacliardia lacca) in its 
habit of collecting together in dense masses on the branches, but it has 
not the power of exuding an exudation as is the case with the lacand so 
the scales do not become joined together in a solid mass. In colouring 
they bear a strong resemblance to oak branch bark and appear like small 
natural excrescences or warts on the branch ; so much so that at a little 
distance it is impossible to distinguish a few scattered scales on a branch. 
It is only when they are in the mumbers such as were to be seen this 
year (1908) that their presence attracts attention. 
It is probable that the larvae which hatched out towards the end of 
June spend the summer and autumn forming the scales on the trees, and 
that the old female insects in the scales pass through the winter beneath 
the scale, laying their eggs, as seen, in the spring and early summer. 
Damage committed in the Forest. 
It is perhaps too early to say what effect the appearance of this scale 
in large numbers would have upon an area of oak forest. It is more 
than probable, however, that the insect would be able to kill off 
weakly and sickly trees and young growth. That the present increase 
would appear to be due to climatic conditions favourable to the insect 
seems probable. We have yet, however, much to learn about the 
habits of this insect. 
Points in the Life History requiring further observations. 
These are many : — 
(1) The period taken by the insect to pass through a single life 
cycle. 
(2) Length of time spent by the young insect on the branches before 
it comes to rest and commences to form its scale around it. 
(3) Length of time for the scale to reach full size. 
(d) Time passed in the egg stage beneath the old scale covering. 
(5) Distribution and abundance of the scale. 
(6) Does it infest the Moru as well as the Ban oak ? 
