4 
C. F. H. Jenkins. 
An account of tlie biology of the mite is given by Jenkins (1935) shoM^- 
ing that the creature passes over tlie summer in the egg stage. Discussing 
the population density of Sniinlliurus and Biscit'Ufij on a small area intensively 
studied over a period of 2 years, Norris { 1 938) states “ The impression was gained 
in the held that BrnBiihurus diminished in numbers at the end of the season 
long before the meteorological conditions were siifheiently adverse to account 
for the fall whilst Haloiydetis, though oven more susceptible to conditions 
of drouglit and high temperatuies was still present in large mmibers. It 
seems possible that the Bdellid was at least partly responsible for this early 
decline.” 
LFTKRATUKE. 
Anon, 1930 Journ. Cimn. ^ci. Ind. Res., (Anst.) iU, p. 189. 
Currie, G. 1931, Ihid. vii, p. 9. 
Davidson, J. 1934 Conn. Sri. Ind. Res. (Auat.) Bull, p. 79. 
Holdaway, F. G. 1927, Coun. Sci. Ind. Res. Ansi. Pmnphlet 4. 
Jenkins, C. F. H. 193“) Journ. I)epl.. Agric. IT. di/sh 2nd ser. Vol. XII., p. 342. 
Madagcn, D. S. 1932. Bull Eni. Res. Vol. XXIH.. p. 182. 
Newman L. J. 1910, Ann. Repf. Dept. Agric. IT. p. 46. 
Newman, L. J. 1927. Journ. Dept. Agric. If. 2nd ser. Vol. IV., p. 78. 449. 
Newman, L. J. 1934. Ibid. Vol. XI., p. 100. 
Newman, L. J. and Womersley, H. 1932, Ibid. 2nd ser. Vol. IX., p, 289. 
Norris, K. R. 1938, Conn. Sci. Ind. Res. Aust. Pamphlet 84. 
Womersley, H. 1933, Journ. Coun. Sci. Ind. Res. (Aust.) Vol. 6, No. 2, p. 83. 
Order. HEMIPTERA. 
F. PENTATOMIDAE. 
Nezara viridula (Linn.) (Green Tomato Bug.) 
This introduced bug was first reported within the State at Bunbury in 1920. 
Since then, it grndually spread tliroughout the loAver South West to become 
,a serious A*egetable ]iest. Artificial control measures have never proved very 
satisfactor>- owing to tlio robust nature of the insect, and several experiments 
with parasite introductions have been made. 
The tirst attem]>t at biological control was made in 1932 Avhen Newman 
obtained from tlie Kkuhla Agricultural Experimental Station, two consign- 
ments ot a tachiiiid fly {Trickopoda pemiipcs E.). In both instances no living 
material survi\ed tJie journey. 
In 1933 from 14r. Rriesner of Egypt, NcAvman obtained a few rafts of bug 
eggs parasitised by the Scelionid Microphinurns hasalis Woll. and from the 30 
wasps wliich emerged, a nucleus colony was formed (Newman 1934). 
Dui’iug 1934 about I.O(K) wasps were distributed and parasitised material 
was regained in the held. The wasp carrietl over the winter as an adult in the 
laboratory and suivi\ed successfully in the field as parasitised material was 
obtained from several localities in the spring of 1935. 
Ill 1935, 30.000 and in 1936, 20,000 parasites were distributed and the in- 
sect is now Av itlely established. A marked decrease in the importance of 
the pest has been noted since the establisliment of the Egyptian parasite. 
Mkrophanurus has been reared from the eggs of Oechalia consocialis and the 
Pittos])oruni hug (A^rines geminata) in Western Australia. 
