1 Aprit, 1898. ] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 313 
hollowed out, and from it arises a large rounded tooth-like process. From this point 
commence two or more rows of thickly-set sete, which continue the whole length of 
the antilia (the two applied maxille, or proboscis). Above and on the outer side of 
the terminal is placed, diagonally, a second process similar to that already described, 
whilst above in a line between the first and second, occurs the third. The fourth is 
placed above, and in a line alternating between the second and third. ‘The fifth is 
similarly placed in relation to the third and fourth ; and the sixth and last in respect 
of the fourth and fifth. ach superior process is slightly larger than that below it. 
At the base of the sixth process, in a slightly cupped hollow, is a solitary long spine, 
whose office may be to prevent the teretron being plunged too deeply into fruits to 
permit of withdrawal. 
Under Surface.—Tip acutely pointed, expanding upwards, then suddenly con- 
tracting, gives a sharp transverse ridge one half-way up the barbed portion, which 
again expands upwards and outwards and forms a second sharp-edged transverse 
ridge. The remainder of the terminal is divided unequally into three divisions, each 
of which presents a very strong, sharp, lancet-like process. At the junction of the 
terminal with the remainder of the maxille are set diagonally upwards and outwards 
four conically-shaped spines; then, a space intervening, there is placed higher up the 
maxille a set of three similar spines ; after a longer intervala set of two spines occurs, 
and finally a single spine is placed at a considerable distance from the last two, making 
ten in all placed like the teeth of a long harrow. . 
Furnished with this extraordinary apparatus (Dr. Read concludes) these species 
of Ophideres are able to pierce the skin of the orange even before it has turned 
yellow, two of them sometimes attacking the same fruit.* 
Having seen, then, with how perfect a boring apparatus these moths are 
provided; it would seem highly probable on @ priori grounds, were no observa- 
tions as to the manifestation of the habit forthcoming, that they would not 
adopt exclusively the procedures referred to in gaining access to the juice of 
the orange, but might rather oftentimes perforate its investing rind; tbat when 
an individual moth found no previous channel into the pulp, or, in the case of 
several moths simultaneously visiting a fruit, a sufficient number, it would 
bring the borer into requisition. 
Insects might, perhaps, be mentioned that are endowed with more efficient 
penetrating organs than are those of the species of Ophiderine ; but then, 
conjoined with evidence of the possession of these is “required, from those 
who deny that moths can perforate fruit, proof that these specially favoured. 
insects, on their part also, manifest this habit. But of the insects that seek 
admission to the pulp of the orange as directly affording them food, or as 
furnishing a nidus in which to deposit their eggs, the writer knows of none so 
competent as are the so-called orange moths to effect a passage through the 
rind. 
In Queensland these moths do not confine their attention to oranges. 
Some seasons back it was reported that at Glen Prairie, near Rockhampton, a 
moth, that proved to be Ophideres fullonica, was making great havoc amongst 
the mango fruit, by alighting on it and extracting its juice. From other parts 
Orange Moths are reported as damaging bananas in a similar manner. In the 
vicinity of Brisbane, at a time when ripening oranges are only exceptionally, if 
ever, to be found, the writer has seen these moths amongst grape-vines loaded 
with ripe fruit, and, as elsewhere remarked by him, the ready way in which 
some grapes, notably the Black Hamburg, shed their fruit may be possibly 
ascribed in some cases to the fact that Orange Moths have visited the bunches, 
* Read (Dr. R. B.). ‘Lepidoptera having the Antilia terminated in a Teretron or Borer.” 
‘ ee Lin. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IIT., 1879, pp. 150-154, accompanied by a carefully-executed 
ate. 
For further information on this subject reference may be made to an elaborate paper contained 
in the ‘Quarterly Journal of the Microscopical Society,” Vol. XI., 1875, entitled ‘‘On the 
Structure of the Proboscis of Ophideres fullonica or Orange-sucking Moth.” In this F, Darwin not 
only recites A. Thozet’s observations, but also gives a resumé of an article by —. McIntyre published 
in the ‘‘ Monthly Microscopical Journal,” of May, 1874, on boring Lepidoptera of the Cape of 
Good Hope, the proboscis of one of which resembles, as is stated, to some extent that of O. fullonica 
described and figured by M. Kiinckel, and is competent to penetrate the skin of the hand when 
attempt is made to grasp the insect possessing 1t. 
