( 19 ) 
Objections to. the employment of sound preventive 
measures are frequently made on account of the 
initial cost, but the wisest policy to follow is un- 
doubtedly clean-clearing, since the danger from 
“ White Ants ” and fungus diseases is thus greatly, 
reduced. 
Platypus lepidus, Chap. 
This Scolytid beetle is not a pest of healthy rubber 
trees, but is always ready to enter damaged trees. 
Rubber trees scorched by leaf fires are paiflicularly 
subject to attack. 
Hemithea costipunctata , Moore. 
.Caterpillars of this Geometrid moth may be found 
during the whole year feeding on the flowers of 
rubber trees. Although not at present of economic 
importance, this insect would reduce the yield of 
rubber seeds for the extraction of oil. 
Pests of Padi. 
Rice in Malaya, although grown sometimes on 
estates to provide food for the coolies, is essentially 
cultivated by the Malay. Several insects cause a 
reduction in the yield; these may be conveniently 
classified as (1) sucking insects, (2) boring cater- 
pillars and (3) leaf-eating caterpillars. 
(1) Sucking The most important are Scotinophara 
Insects. coarctata , (“Kutu Bruang”), and 
Leptocorisa spp., (“ Pianggang ”) , and 
although others attain local significance from time 
to time, enquiries concerning these major pests 
have been more numerous. 
( 2 ,%.- 48 i MZ 
