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and not since then until now, and as far as I can see there is little 
probability of it occurring again next year, even though numbers 
of these moths must have hatched and laid eggs. A sharp look-out 
should, however, be kept for its first appearance, and information 
forwarded to the Department of Agriculture directly it is noticed. 
If, as the owner stated, the virulence of the disease was as 
bad seven years as during the present year, it seems likely that 
there are other food plants on which the larvae feed. 
This, of course, entails careful observation for some time, but 
should such prove to be the case, the preservation or cultivation 
of the food plant or plants would assist in preventing this insect’s 
attacks, these plants being used as traps. 
The more probable reason, however, for the appearance of 
this insect at considerable intervals is that a disproportion may 
arise between the insect and its parasites. 
During one year the eggs of the insect may have been 
parasitised to a large extent, and consequently a far greater number 
of parasites will appear than the true insect itself. The parasite, 
as it gradually gains the upper hand, will decrease in number on 
account of the greater rarity of food. Hence in the course of 
time the latter is reduced to a small number, and the pest again 
has the opportunity to increase in individuals, and will do so until 
its destroyers again gain the upper hand. I think it is not unlikely 
that 60 to 70 per cent, of the eggs from a large brood are parasitised. 
At present the long intervals between the attacks of this larva 
renders the harm done of no great importance, unless the fruit is 
subsequently injured by the defoliation of the trees. 
Description of Larva. 
The larva is a small creature, the length of the specimen I 
have being 8 mm., i.e., ^ in., and is probably nearly adult. It 
consists of 13 segments, the three thoracic each bearing a pair of 
legs. The 6th, 7th, 8th and gth abdominal segments each bear a 
pair of prolegs and the last the anal prolegs. 
Head and first two thoracic segments ochraceous; mandibles 
dark brown ; 2nd thoracic segment has a few dark stripes on it, 
but they vary in size in different individuals. 
Abdomen below luteous, lateral margin of the same of a light 
greenish-yellow. Dorsal surface of abdomen with a longitudinal 
blue facia, commencing at apex of 3rd thoracic segment, and 
terminating at base of the 10th. A large median spot on the 12th, 
a small lateral spot on each side of the nth, a spot on each side 
of the 3rd, and a spot (somewhat smaller) on each side of the 4th 
dorsal segment of the colour as the facia. Radiating from the 
