64 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 17 
to be offset by the observed disposition of three Australian scavenging 
flies to breed in decomposing cactus when available. 
One of the cochineals (Dactylopius tomentosus Lamarck) was privately 
imported and liberated. From this we know definitely that it is capable 
of destroying the two most serious pest pears, and also that an Australian 
ladybird beetle (Cryptolaemus montrousieri ) will greatly lessen the 
efficiency of the cochineals. 
Ultimately, the value of the insects must be determined by their action 
as a complex in the field over a considerable period. After becoming 
acclimated, if they are able successfully to cope with the environmental 
factors, the insects should, in time, change the pest from a spreading- 
menace to a stationary or regressive factor in the Australian flora. 
At best many years will be required to bring this about. Complete 
eradication is beyond reasonable expectation but biological control is 
quite within the realm of possibilities. 
This prospect is so far based entirely upon the reduced insect complex 
from the United States. The Argentine has other important cactus 
insects. My recent survey of Mexico revealed three other insects 
biologically valuable in this connection. Again diseases of cactus are of 
prime importance and would undoubtedly greatly accelerate the control 
of the pest. With the addition of these organisms to the complex 
already established the chances of success in this unique biological 
problem will be greatly enhanced. 
President A. G. Ruggles: The next paper is by E. P. Felt. 
THE GIPSY MOTH PROBLEM IN NEW YORK STATE 
By E. P. Felt, Chief Entomologist , Conservation Commission , Albany , N. Y. 
Abstract 
The gipsy moth, Porthetria dispar Linn., has been found in small numbers near or 
on most of the eastern border of New York State, thus necessitating close scouting 
and clean up work in nearly all of the proposed barrier zone some 25 miles wide and 
extending from Long Island Sound north to the Canadian border. Available data 
indicate a relatively slow spread in the Connecticut valley and even more favorable 
conditions for control work along much of the border in New York State. There was 
somewhat rapid spread on the eastern slope of the Berkshires and this may also be 
expected if the pest is allowed to establish itself in the Catskill and Adirondack 
mountains. Liberal Federal aid is considered essential to the maintenance of a 
barrier zone. 
New York State is bounded on the east by gipsy moth infested 
territory, practically speaking. At least, the finding of a series of in- 
