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STUDIES
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PARASITIC AND PREDACEOUS INSECTS
| NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALTA, AND ADJACENT [SLANDS.
MADE BY A. KOEBELE, OF THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BY
PERMISSION OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, AT THE REQUEST
OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE.
PUBLISHED BY PERMISSION OF-THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE,
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GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1893.
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STUDIES
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PARASITIC AND PREDACEOUS INSECTS
NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND ADJACENT ISLANDS.
Mave By A. KOEBELE OF THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BY
PERMISSION OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, AT THE REQUEST
OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE.
PUBLISHED BY PERMISS Te ARY OF AGRICULTURE.
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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
ALAMEDA, CAL., September 1, 1892.
Srr: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of my recent trip
to New Zealand, Australia, and adjacent islands, which was under-
taken by your authority and with the codperation of the California
State Board of Horticulture, for the purpose of studying the parasitic
and predaceous insects of those countries, with a view to MOG REE
the same upon the seale insects of California.
Very respectfully,
ALBERT KOEBELE,
Special Agent.
Hon. J. M. Rusk,
Secretary of Agriculture.
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CONTENTS.
Getter of transmittal 2222-2220 8. eee . 2. 2). ee eee ae
Apknowledements © :- -.) 2: 2.25 32: 3. -1 5 io ee hs te
PR MENON: = ec. Sen Cee emote eae
Description of species. .----..--.--.---
Insects feeding on voccids....- Se
Natural enemies ../::-l2.s:secccceecs esc eee
4 . 4 o
PARASITIC AND PREDACEOUS INSECTS.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
My thanks are due, in the first place, to Mr. Maskell, of Wellington,
New Zealand, for kindly naming all the Coccidx met with in my travels,
which made my work much easier, as the various insects could thus be
sent here with more accurate directions as to liberating upon the proper
scales; also to Rey. Blackburn, of Adelaide, South Australia, for naming
all the numerous known and unknown species of Coccinellide found in
Australia. The descriptions of the new species will be published in
the ‘Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia,” in which
eleven new species found have already appeared. Credit is due to the
gentlemen of the State Board of Horticulture for having so promptly
taken the insects from the steamer on arrival and for having forwarded
the same, on ice when necessary, to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara,
while those that I wanted here were liberated upon such seales as
directed; also, for having kept me informed as to the condition in which
the insects arrived and the progress they made; especially to the presi-
dent, Hon. Ellwood Cooper, who never failed to write with every out-
going mail, keeping me informed of the doings of insects received by
him. Thanks to his deep interest in the matter and to the fidelity with
which my instructions were carried out, he has succeeded so well that
four of the most effective enemies of the Black Scale were already found
breeding in large numbers at his place, during a two hours’ search on
August 4, 1892. Without doubt others will turn up in due course ot
time.
THE COLLECTION, FORWARDING, AND LIBERATION OF INSECTS.
Ten days were spent in the surroundings of Honolulu, four weeks in
New Zealand, seven months in Australia, chiefly in New South
Wales, and two months were consumed in a trip to New Caledonia
and Fiji. |
The first lots of insects (excepting those from Honolulu, which went
to the State board) were all sent to Mr. Coquillett, at Los Angeles;
later, duplicates were also sent to the State board for trial upon A spid-
iotus perniciosus Comst. and other coccids found in northern Cali-
fornia. Two lots were sent to Hon. Ellwood Cooper, at Santa Bar-
bara, to be liberated upon the Olive Scale (Lecanium olew Bern.).
5
6
The insects collected were, as far as it was possible, placed in various
boxes in the field, and upon these the contents were noted and directions
given to liberate them upon such coccids as it was expected they would
feed upon. In exceptional cases, where there was danger of introducing
with them their natural enemies, I suggested that the insects be bred
in jars. Experience has proved to me, both through close study in the
field and breeding of coccinellidie in the house, that the latter method
is not practicable, is in fact almost useless, except with a very few species.
Most of the Ladybirds will, if confined in jars, devour their eggs almost
immediately after they have been laid. In reference to coccids with
hard coverings this has been repeatedly observed, even in the field,
where they had unlimited space.
Of about two hundred and fifty Rhizobius debilis Blackb., found feed-
ing upon Lecanium cassinie Mask., infesting the olive trees at Adelaide,
South Australia, which had to be kept in jars with those scales for some
time, not one single larva could be obtained. Eggs were often noticed,
yet always, and in a very short time, these would be devoured by the
beetles. And yet this same insect, from only two specimens left in my
garden at Alameda by Mr. Craw, upon Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst.,
infesting prune and peach trees, had increased within four months to
such an extent that they had spread to the adjoining trees, upon which
larve were also present. It is necessary, absolutely necessary, if sue-
cess is to be expected, that the insects, upon their arrival, should be
liberated without a moment’s loss of time upon the proper seales. In
the field during warm weather, if inclosed in boxes without food for
three or four days most of the Coccinellidze would invariably die,
even though they were in the best of condition when eollected. It will
be plainly seen that insects inclosed in boxes for from four to five weeks,
even if kept in a dormant state during this time, through the low tem-
perature on ice, will, on arrival here, be in a very feeble condition, and
exposure to the dry heat on the way to Los Angeles must be fatal to
the largest number of them if not sent on ice, especially so should
they be kept in confinement in Los Angeles for afew days before liber-
ating, or if, as has been the case, the insects should remain inclosed in
glass jars without proper food. Ihave always insisted that the beetles
should be liberated upon such coccids as were indicated on the boxes
within which they were inclosed, and I am positive that if but a
single gravid female should thus come into an orchard, even if in
an almost dying condition, the open air and the proper food, which.
they are best able to select, would soon bring her back to health,
and that she alone would be able to produce sufficient offspring to
make the success of future propagation of the Species certain. No
gravid female Coccinella will leave a tree that supplies sufficient and
proper food for the coming generation, but will remain and deposit all
of her eggs upon this one tree in due course of time, and if not dis-
turbed in any way the success of the species is assured. ~ I will go still
7
further in claiming that, if a couple of dozen of gravid females of one
species of coccid-feeding ladybirds, such as Orcus and Rhizobius, were
liberated in San Francisco upon arrival of steamer, some of these would
find the proper scales upon which to breed, even if from LO to 15 miles
distant, as these insects are able to go without food for days in the
open air, simply sustaining life upon dew or any other moisture, Aphide,
or larvie of other insects, as is the case with Orcus australasia Boisd.,
which will feed upon almost anything, and even breed upon Aphid and
leaf-hoppers. The country is full of all such insects at every few yards,
and in many places some kind of scales are found upon which they can
feed, even if but upon the young of same. Even the Coccinella proper,
which usually breed upon aphids, are not entirely confined to this food.
C. antipotum White, no doubt breeding upon Aphis, has been observed
in large numbers breeding upon a large coccid on my former visit in
New Zealand, hundreds of their larve being present and feeding upon
Ctenochiton viridis Mask. On this last trip Coccinella arcuata Fabr.
was found breeding upou Aphids on orange at Toowoomba, Queensland,
while on the Richmond River, New South Wales, the same insects
were found breeding upon Lecanium filicum Boisd., and again at Levuca,
Fiji, they were breeding upan a species of Aleurodes, intesting the
taro leaves, upon which also another and much larger coccinellid was
feeding, that had been found breeding upon a Dactylopius at Nausori,
Vitu Levu. These and many other instances may be mentioned, show-
ing that none of these valuable insects are confined to one particular
food. By studying the habits of such individual species below, the
reader will come to the same conclusion. In no instance did I
meet with Oreus chalybeus Boisd. feeding in the larva state upon Le-
canium in Australia, and yet this beetle is breeding successtully upon
L. olee Bern., at Santa Barbara, Cal.
All insects found preying upon Aphide and scale insects of whatever
species they were had been closely studied in the field, and of most of
these the whole life history had become known, as all the unknown larvee
found were bred to maturity. This course prevented the introduetion
of any during the earlier stages here, thereby introducing the parasites
preying upon them, in which case their work upon our coccids would have
been by no means so effectual; moreover, this parasite would not only
have destroyed the larvie of the introduced species but those of ourown
species as well, which at the present time seem to be free of such, although
Mr. Hubard, in “Insects Affecting the Orange” (p. 74), figures one of
these parasites, Homalotylus obscwrus How., which he bred from a
Hypodamia larva in Florida. Only in one instance where at the time
an apparently new Orcus, O. nummeralis Boisd., was found in a locality
not easily reached, all larvie, pupie, and beetles obtainable were for-
warded to Mr. Coquillett, with the special request that the box be
opened in a closed room, as these lary contain parasites destructive
to this as well as all our own coccinellid larvx, and that this insect be
8
bred in confinement only. These particular parasites were bred from the
most of the larger coccinellid larve, yet were found most numerous
upon Oreus. During my last visit to Toowoomba, Queensland (April
6-11, 1892), the deadly work of the Homalotylus was plainly illustrated.
In one orange orchard most of the leaves had dropped off from the
upper parts of many trees, as also a large part of the fruit, from the
effects of the Red Scale, which is always most numerous during the
driest and hottest part of the year (March and April).* It was hard
work here to gather a couple of dozen of Orcus chalybeus Boid., and O.
australasia Boisd., within five hours, yet the dead and parasitized
laryee were present by the hundreds. Something similar was noticed
near Sydney upon a couple of young orange trees that appeared to be
in a dying condition; yet a few weeks’ work of the predaceous insects
upon the seales and a shower of rain brought the trees again into the
best condition, with no apparent Red Scale whatever. It is during
the hot and dry weather in Australia that the Red Scale becomes most
prevalent and the insects preying upon it rarest. Moisture appears to
be more favorable to the development of the Coccinellide and unfayvor-
able to their enemies, as it also is to the copious growth of the fungoids
destructive to Coccide. . It has been estimated that about 50 per cent
of the larve of the first brood of Orcus were destroyed by the parasites
alone, and, as in the case just mentioned at Toowoomba, nearly the
entire lot of the second brood were killed; yet this must be seis to
variation.
The more prominent enemies to the Orcus are the various birds which
feed on the larve as well as on the mature insects; numerous small
lizards that inhabit the trees and, what are considered otherwise bene-
ficial insects, numerous mantis eat their larve with avidity. Repeat-
edly these have been observed to completely devour a full-grown larva
in less than one minute, and since they have such well-known and
continuous appetites, they must devour large numbers daily.
Probably these parasites (yet another species) upon Rhizobius are
still more numerous. Hundreds of parasitized larve of R. ventralis
Muls. were found at Melbourne, under the bark of Hucalyptus that was
infested with EHriococcus eucalypti Mask., while the healthy insects
were but few in numbers; here at least, and with the other forms as
well likely, nature has come to help in providing a secondary parasite
that preys upon the Homaletylus larva. The same condition of things
exists in the closely-related species, R. debilis Black., that preys upon
the Black Seale on the olive at Adelaide. In addition to the parasites
destroying its larva, a second species was found destroying most of the
* This orchard is situated near the top of a very steep hill exposed to strong winds.
The soil is a heavy red clay, and the rain would wash down most of the top soil
without giving sufficient moisture to the roots below. The unsuitable condition
more than the scales may be the cause of the trees losing part of their leaves and
fruit.
9
pup. Of one of the smallest coccinellids found in Australia, Seym-
nus flavifrons Blackb., that preys chiefly upon various black scales, the
larvee as well as the pup are destroyed in large numbers by sinall par-
asites. It is doubtful whether there exist any Coccinellidz in Aus-
tralia that are not preyed upon by parasites in one form or another;
the larvie of Novius and perhaps Chryptolemus, which was bred in
large numbers without obtaining parasites, may be exceptions.
It goes without saying that if such insects are introduced into any
new country without their natural enemies and the parasites that
have hitherto preyed upon them and retarded their increase, they must
become most prolific in their propagations.
About 40,000 specimens of various coccinellids were collected on this
trip and forwarded to California. I givea brief account of such species
as had been named for me. With the rest, which consist chiefly of
various species of Rhizobii and Seymnids, nothing can be done at pres-
ent; they were returned to Rev. Mr. Blackburn for determination.
Parasites of the so-called Australian locust were also bred from this,
and as these were rather scarce, but a small number (92 puparias
and 2 larve, representing three species of flies) could. be obtained,
which were forwarded to the Entomologist at Washington, who re-
ported that they arrived in poor condition, as a number of them had
hatched between San Francisco and Washington. These insects ar-
rived here in January. internal parasites of Lecaniwm olee Bern., and
LL. hesperidum Linn. were sent here, and two species of an internal para-
site of Aspidiotus nerii Comst. were liberated together with internal
parasites of Lecanium depressum Targioni—this latter upon L. pesper-
idum.
The larve of three moths that are remarkable in cleaning whole
trees of scales were sent over; those of two species of Thalpochares,
feeding upon all larger coccids, and of a tineid, that often covers whole
trunks of orange and lemon trees with a fine silky web, under which
live hundreds of larve that devour the scales. Two species of fun-
goids that are destructive to the black and red scales, Chionaspis citri
Comst., and Mytilasphis gloveri Pack., were sent here. An attempt
will be made to establish them upon those coecids in California.
The most if not all the insects liberated here as directed will, in my
opinion, breed successfully. The more valuable species naturally will
make themselves known first upon our fruit trees, while others may
not be seen again for years, feeding upon such scales as infest trees in
the forest.
I expect the best results of the various Rhizobiids which will feed
upon most of our Coccide, having numerous broods annually and
whose larve are to be found at any time during the year. Some twenty
species of these were sent here.
The four species of Orcus sent to Mr. Coquillett, if my observation
in the field is correct, have but two broods annually, the mature insects
10
hibernating during the winter months. Their larve will feed upon |
various scales.
A number of other species and of several genera of coccid-feeding
ladybirds were sent, as also all those met with which prey upon the
Aphidee.
While this attempt at introducing coccid-feeding insects will without
doubt result in time in much benefit to America, as the species if once
numerous can be sent to other parts, we should not leave off here,
since the work in the future will be much easier, We have learned
that insects collected in the autumn can be sent on ice with safety to
any desired distance, and we have also learned the food habits of a
ereat many species in Australasia. We could easily get hundreds of
coecid-feeding insects into America with comparatively little expense,
not only to free our fruit trees from the present seale pests, but to be
prepared for any new coccid that may be introduced in the future.
Great care must necessarily be taken not to introduce any of the pata-
sites which prey upon these beneficial insects, as this would considerably
reduce the good already accomplished. We would never rid ourselves
of the parasites destroying our friends, and it would again become
necessary to hunt up other agents to destroy our scales and those
insects preying upon the destructive parasites, which could not be so
readily done.
Syrphid and Chrysopa lavve were met with in large numbers every-
where in my travels. We know the value of these insects, and yet I
did not deem it wise to send any of them over to America, sinee the
parasites preying upon them are as numerous as upon our Own species,
and they are many. The result of such an attempt would be that those
insects here, notwithstanding the additional species introduced, would
be attacked by about twice the number of parasites and naturally
would become of much Jess value in destroying our pests. Such an
attempt can only be made with the certainty that the parasites thus
introduced shall not be allowed to see the open air, while on the other
hand proper opportunity to breed is given the surviving flies, and this
requires the closest personal care of an entomologist having his pro-
fession at heart and inspired by an earnest enthusiasm.
Under the existing condition in California fruit trees have to be
sprayed or fumigated annually, at a cost, as I have been informed
from various sources, of from 50 cents to $1 for eacli tree. Naturaliy
this is a continuous loss to the owner, as the operation has to be
repeated every year and without any hope of securing permanent immu-
nity. One prominent gentleman in Los Angeles recently informed me
that “ his orange crop amounts to $2,000, and the fumigation of the trees
to $3,000.”
On the other hand, we all know what good our beneticial coccinellids,
Chilocorus bivulnerus Muls. and Scymnus marginicollis Mann., are able
to accomplish if left undisturbed, 7. e., not destroyed by chemical appli-
cations; and it must seem plain to every thinking individual that a few
11
dozen of such species—and the world possesses hundreds of them—
naturally must in time keep in check the seales destructive to fruit
and other trees, so as to effectually prevent injury.- Wecan solve this
simple matter by introducing all insects preying upon coccids as well
as upon other injurious insects, and protecting the same by discontin-
uing the process of spraying and fumigating, which, if continued as
at present, will have to be done until eternity.
NOTES ON THE ENEMIES OF SCALE INSECTS IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES.
HAWAII,
In accordance with my commission from you, and letter of instruction
from the Entomologist, I left San Francisco for Honolulu with a lot of
beneficial insects on August 11, 1891, to spend a few days at this place
and to look into the general condition of scale insects and their enemies.
The most injurious coccids at these islands are the various species of
Dactylopius, which are not only injurious to most plants and trees, but
are a great plague to the coftee industry, actually destroying whole fields
of these trees. Pulvinaria psidii Mask. is another very prevalent coe-
cid infesting a great many shrubs and trees. The guava and coffee
trees were always found covered with this scale. Lecanium acuminatwum
Sign., L. depressum Sign., and 1. longulum Douglas are also found in
large numbers. The condition of the coffee industry has, according to
recent accounts, become somewhat more favorable, and natural enemies
have probably turned up to feed upon these seales. Yet from what
was seen at Honolulu it may positively be stated that no proper and
effective enemy has as yet begun to prey upon these particular coccids.
I would recommend as the most effective and easily introduced enemy
of these scales the Cryptolemus montrouzieri Muls., of which the par-
ticulars are given below. Within a few years these beetles and their
larve would become so numerous that practically the mealy bugs would
be reduced to small numbers. In addition a number of other and also
effective enemies could be introduced to the great benefit of cotfee-
growing. The Cryptolemus beetle would at the same time also feed
upon the various species of Pulvinaria and Lecanium, and here the
various species of Rhizobius would do good work. A number of our
Chilocorus bivulnerus Muls. were given to Mr. A. Yaeger, who turned
them loose in good condition. .
Internal parasites are present upon the Lecanidie, and one of these
preying upon L. depressum Sign. has been brought to California in con-
siderable numbers and liberated in an orange orchard infested with Z.
olew Bern. and L. hesperidum Linn. “Revision of
Coccinellidie,” gives the following localities of the species: China, Philippines,
Singapore, Java, Cape York, New Caledonia, and (doubtful) Cape of Good Hope.
The insect would prove valuable with us in feeding upon all the Aphidea, Black —
Seale, in earlier stages no doubt, dAleurodes, and very likely Psyllidz and leaf-hop-
pers as well.
Coccinella conformis Boisd.—A very common insect in Australia, where it feeds
upon all the various Aphidw, and it may become valuable with us in some localities, —
especially the drier parts, in the destruction of the Woolly Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera —
Hausmann), as well as in feeding upon the earlier stages of the black scales. The —
observations made upon this insect on this as well as on the former trip to Australia
lead me to this conclusion. I have seen numerous apple trees at Adelaide entirely
cleaned of the: Woolly Aphis, and so thorough is their work that no trace of the Aphis —
is left. Mr. Tepper also informed me at the time that when these insects begin
their work npon the Woolly Aphis they never rest until every single one is devoured.
I have seen alarge apple orchard near Castleman, Victoria, on my former trip, which
had been badly infested and about half of the orchard from one side where these
insects had been at work was entirely cleaned by them. The recent observations
in New South Wales and Queensland, however, speak not so favorably for these in-
sects as such an effective enemy to the Schizoneura; it was found in both places
feeding upon the Aphis, but not in such numbers as to entirely free the trees of the
same. ‘The reason of this no doubt is that both in South Australia and Victoria
everything becomes completely dry during the summer months and other aphids are
but sparingly found, while in New South Wales and Queensland Aphid are met
with in greater or less numbers all summer, and no doubt this beetle will feed in
preference upon these. We may confidently expect good results from this beetle in
California at least, as an effective enemy to the Woolly Aphis. A number of these
beetles, it is said, were lberated at Los Angeles and others were sent to the Hon, Ell-
wood Cooper, who, as he reported, received and liberated them in fine condition. This
insect was numerous the year round at Parramatta, New South Wales, upon orange
and apple trees, as well as upon numerous other plants. It was here, and the only
instance in Australia, that one ofthese insects was found dead upon an Acacia tree
and attached to a yellowish silken Hymenopterous cocoon, such as are often met
With both in Europe and America.* On March 28, 1892, on Mount Victoria, New
South Wales, the insect was found in all stages upon Leptospermum infested with
Eriococcus leplospermi Mask., and as nearly all the insects found feeding on this scale
could be traced to feed on Lecanium, this also may be expected to do so,
Coccinella antipodum White.—This insect was found on my first trip in such large
numbers at New Zealand, feeding inall stages upon Ctenochiton viridis Mask., a coccid
closely related to Lecanium, and it may no doubt also feed upon this if introduced.
During my search for the same in October, 1891, but two specimens could be found;
they had at the time apparently not yet left their winter quarters. These were sent
to.Mr. Coquillett. Capt. Brown, whom I requested to collect this beetle for me
during January and February, 1882, also failed to get any of them.
Coccinella abdominalis Say.—This was found at Honolulu breeding upon various
Lecanium, most numerous upon L. Longulum Douglas. It seems to be identical with
this species. A number were sent to California, where they were liberated upon
Lecanium hesperidum Linn., in San Mateo County. Three species of small Seymnids,
also found at Honolulu, were amongst this sending. I did not reserve any specimens
of same.
Coccinella kingi MacLeay.—This insect was found at Parramatta, New South Wales,
upon orange infested with Aphis; at Toowoomba, Queensland, also on orange, but
most numerous upon Acacia badly infested with Psyllide, as well as leaf-hoppers,
Aphids and a species of Aspidiolus, probably feeding upon the first. Larve in con-
finement would not feed upon Aphis on oleander. Many specimens were sent to
California.
Coccinella repanda Thunb.—A very common insectin Australia and was also met with
in New Caledonia and Fiji Islands. According to Crotch, it occurs in China, India,
Jaya, Bali, Flores, Singapore, Triton Bay, Australia, and Tasmania. The lary and
mature insects were found feeding upon various plant lice, and also upon the
Woolly Aphis at Toowoomba, Queensland. Was sent in nearly every consignment in
numbers.
Neda testudinari Muls.—Another Aphis feeding Coccinellid. Was found in numbers
at West Maitland, New South Wales, November 5, 1891, feeding upon the peach
aphis. Was numerous upon a species of Ficus at Brisbane, Queensland, November
12, 1891; at Toowoomba, Queensland, November 15, 1892, upon nettle and myrtle
trees. Its larve were found upon oranges infested with Aphis, at Parramatta, and
also at Harwood, New South Wales, January 1, 1892, upon an Jpomaea. This insect
was repeatedly sent to California. |
Halzia galbula Muls.—Found first on my former visit to Australia, at Gordon, New
South Wales, upon apple trees, and also at Toowoomba, Queensland, chietly upon
apple trees, On November 13, 1891, an apple tree at this latter place was full of
* Prof. Riley, in ‘Insect Life,” vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 101-105, describes one of these insects reared in
America as Centistes americana. ‘This, or an allied species, appears to attack many of our American
Coccinellidx, ;
eee
these beetles as well as theireggs, larvie, and pupe. Many of the eggs were, as those
of the Orcus, fastened onto the spider webs on trunks and branches, but the larger
number were deposited on the underside of young and partly closed leaves affected
by a fungoid. The entire tree from top to bottom was carefully examined to ascer-
tain the food habits of this insect. With the exception of a few remains of Thrips
among the affected leaves, not a trace of insect life could be found, and there is no
doubt that this insect lives upon the Oidium, as do our Psyllobora. The beetle was
also met with upon orange infested with Aphis at Parramatta, at the Clarence,
Richmond, and Tweed rivers, New South Wales, as well as at Toowoomba upon
various other plants. Many specimens were sent to California.
Halyzia pascoei Crotch.—This beetle was but rarely met with upon orange at Parra-
matta, New South Wales, and feeding upon Aphids. A newly hatched specimen
vas found on a branch with plant lice. This was not found in sufficient numbers
to send to California.
Halyzia edwardsi Muls.—A closely related species to the foregoing. Onlymet with
upon orange and preying upon Aphis, between the Richmond and Tweed rivers, New
South Wales. The insect was not sent to California.
Verania frenata Er.—This was the most numerous insect met with in the Too-
woomba district during November, 1891, and could then have been collected by the
thousands upon orange and Acacia, and yet on a later visit, April 6-11, 1892, when
other Coccinellide were still numerous, nota single specimen of this species coulil
beseen. They were found besides upon the trees mentioned, upon the Cabbage Aphis,
where its larva was found, as well as upon apple trees, here feeding on the Woolly
Aphis. The insect is common in New South Wales and very numerous in Queensland.
It seems to be confined to Aphids only. It was also met with in New Caledonia.
Large numbers were sent to California. -
Verania lineola Fabr.—This insect was found along the coast from the Clarence
River to north of Brisbane, always upon Aphis. Very numerous in a cornfield on
the Richmond River, and here feeding upon the Aphids infesting these plants. The
larvee were here remarkably numerous, and one of these nearly grown was observed
feeding upon a nearly grown larva of Heliothis armigera Hiibn., that had been in
the act of issuing from one of the cobs in a rather narrow hole. The coccinellid
larva had eaten a hole into that of the Heliothis, which was helplessly struggling
and unable to free itself. The insect was also found very numerous in the Fiji
Islands, also feeding upon Aphids on wild pea vines, sugar cane, and various other
plants. The Orcus are closely related to our Chilochorus, and their habits are the
same. They may be expected to feed upon various coccids with us, and have about
two annual broods.
Orcus chalybeus Boisd.—The most effective cnemy of the Red Seale met with in
Australia. The insect is always found upon citrus trees infested with this coccid
and often in very large numbers. As many as three hundred were collected clus-
tered around the base of the trunk of an orange tree at Parramatta, New South
Wales, on a day when the temperature reached above 100° F. It is only on such
occasions that the beetles will come down near the ground to seek a cool place
during the hottest part of the day, and by 5 o’clock in the evening all have again
returned among the branches and leaves, upon the surface of which they delight in
sunning themselves when not busily engaged in turning up the scales and feeding
upon the insects below. Some three thousand specimens were thus collected within
about two hours’ time. It appears that this insect has but two generations, although
beetles can be found during every day in the year. The eggs are deposited by hiber-
nated insects in early spring all over the trunks, limbs, and leaves of trees; spider
webs seem always to be preferred to fasten the eggs thereon. Often on singie long
threads rows of eggs can be seen. No doubt this is done to protect them from the
many enemies which feed thereon, its own larve, without any question, devouring
the most. About the end of December, near Sydney, the bulk of the tirst brood of
Tha Ali
mature insects are out, and the second brood appearsin March. But few pupie
were found on March 18, and stray larve of all sizes, showing that there are irregu-
larities in the number of broods. Most beetles were found hibernating at the be-
ginning of July at Parramatta, sitting in clusters between folded leaves, ete., and
only part of them were active and feeding. No larvee were observed at this time.
This insect was met with in large numbers from Sydney north to Brisbane, upon
citrus and other trees infested with Red Seale. It was also found breeding, and
likely upon its original food (before the introduction of the Red Scale) upon various
species of Euginia (myrtle) that were infested with a species of Eriococcus—very near
to E. pallidus Mask., Planchonia stylobata Mask., Chionaspis eugenia Mask., and Fio-
rinia sp. at New South Wales and Queensland. The larve and mature insects were
repeatedly observed feeding upon the Eriococcus in New South Wales, and the ia-
ture beetle was also seen feeding upon an Chionaspis, apparently Ch. eugenia Mask.,
on a Dracena at Toowoomba, and was also found upon Cyncarpia laurifolia, upon
which Chionaspis eugenie was present. Naturally, regarding an imported insect such
as this, no pains were spared in tracing up all the coccids it fed on in Australia and
upon which it would likely feed in California.
This is the only insect of the introduced species seen at Los Angeles on my visit
at the beginning of September, 1892. In places where they had first been turned
loose they were found quite numerous already in all stages. It is hard to estimate
the numbers present, but we will give a low figure, say, 5,000. These would natur-
ally increase about a hundredfold with every new brood, and some 20,000,000 of the
beetles could be expected under favorable circumstances at the end of next year,
provided they are not destroyed with sprays and fumigation. And if the insect should
only increase fiftyfuld, and increase they must according to natural laws, the num-
ber would amount to some 3,125,000,000 at the end of two years hence. .
With this, Oreus australasia Boisd, and Rhizobius satellus Blackb., as principal
agents, I am confident that the now so feared Red Scale will become comparatively
harmless within a few years.
Not in one iustance did I meet with the larva of this insect upon the Black Scale
in Australia, and yet the beetles had increased in large numbers upon this scale with
Hon. Ellwood Cooper. The beetle was liberated at my suggestion, upon the perni-
cious scale in northern California, but up to date, as far as I know, they have not
been found feeding upon the same. I look for the insects to appear upon some
Chionaspid or Lecanium scale, and do not believe that they all perished.
NATURAL ENEMIES.
Homalotylus sp.—Large numbers of the larve are destroyed in Australia by an
internal parasite. Mantis feed largely upon the larve, as also do birds, and these
attack the mature insects as well. Numerous lizards feed upon the same, and spiders
also destroy many. Withus the principal enemy, the Homalotylus, is not to be feared,
and the birds, I am sorry to say, are becoming less every year. Mantis are too
rare in California to do any great harm upon these beetles, and spiders do not destroy
many. With these fayorable circumstances we can expect a rapid increase of the
beetle, and it will be some time before the insect is attacked to any extent by
natural enemies, as is the case with any newly-introduced pest.
Oreus australasia Boisd.—Probably more valuable than the foregoing (0. chalybeus)
from its habits of feeding upon so many and various coccids. The Red Scale may be
mentioned as one of its most important foods in this country. The larvee, as well as
the mature insects, were nearly as numerous during March around Sydney as its
ally. The habits are about the same, and the coccids upon which the insect was
found feeding beside the Red Scale were various species of Lecanium in South Aus-
tralia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland; upon Lriococcus leptospermi
Mask., on Leptospermum levigatum at Parramatta, New South Wales, December 21,
1891; quite numerous at Mulgoa, New South Wales, in all stages upen Acacia infes-
a : 4 ae
ted witha species of leaf-hopper (Teitigonia sp.). A carefulexamination of the tree
did not reveal any other insect, with the exception of an occasional Aphis, upon —
which the larvie were also observed to feed on orange. Mr. Tepper, of Adelaide, —
informed me that he had observed these insects feeding upon leaf-hoppers at Kan-
garoo Island, where the beetles are very numerous. Mr. Olliff, in “‘Agriculutural d
Gazette of New South Wales,” vol. 2, p. 65, mentions the green aphis of the apple —
(Aphis mali) and the Red Seale, upon which the full-grown larve feed. Mr. Tryon
was the first who reported this and other Orcus as being voracious feeders upon
scale insects. No doubt the larve will also feed upon Mytilaspis Gloreri Pack. and
Chionaspis citri Comst., infesting the citrus trees in Australia.. The beetle with us—
may be expected to feed upon most of the scales, and, as it is the largest species in-
troduced, the work that the larve are able to accomplish when once numerous will
be astonishing. :
On my recent southern trip the insect was found numerous upon the Black Seale
zt Mr. Cooper’s place, near Santa Barbara, and it is also doing well with me upon
prune trees infested with Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst. A few specimens were placed
upon these trees on May 14, 1892, by Mr. Alexander Craw. I liberated a number of
these beetles at Haywards, Alameda County, during August. These were collected
at Parramatta, beginning of July, all hibernating together in two hatches in an out-
house under roof. Out of about one hundred and fifty specimens but four had died
when liberated. The insect is preyed upon in Australia by the same natural enemies
mentioned as attacking O. chalybeus, the Homalotylus probably destroying more of
these larve.
Orcus nummeralis Boisd.—Mr. Crotch in his “ Revision of Coccinellide,” p. 189,
says, ‘This is a rare variety of O. australasia, in which the posterior spots are—
divided.” The insect is uniformly smaller, judging from the large numbers seen,
and the larve of the two species are not alike. ’
I found the insect first at Whitton, New South Wales, December, 1891, in larve,
pup, and imago state, feeding upon an *‘ Acenthococcid, Gosayparia or Rhizoccus”
(Maskell). Knowing that the insects would feed upon some of our Coccids and
surely upon the Black Scale, I was anxious to introduce the same, and in this instance
only collected all the larve, pupx, and imagoes that could be found and sent them ~
to Mr. Coquillett, with the request, ‘‘only to open the box in a closed room, as some
larve were infested with parasites, which would be destructive to all our coceinellid
larve;” and at the same time he was requested to breed the insects in glass jars to
avoid all danger of introducing such a deadly enemy to our most beneficial insects.
Indeed, the injury and loss to the country that would follow such introduction could
not be estimated; in fact, the whole outlook to fight our scale pests successfully with
these most effective enemies would be at anend. As a Jast, but not encouraging
hope of much good, we could introduce the secondary parasites. I could not learn
anything in regard to those insects from Mr. Coquillett, except that ‘‘ they were
dead” to one,-and ‘‘they would not feed,” to another inquiry.
The same beetles were found later (April 6-11, 1892) at Toowoomba, Queensland,
upon orange infested with Black and Red Scales, and three or four specimens only
were sent to Mr. Cooper. If but one of these had been a female I venture to say the
insect is introduced in California.
Orcus bilanulatus Boisd.—This beetle was found numerous at Harwood, Clarence
River, New South Wales, feeding on Erioecus conspersus Mask., upon Casuarina sp.
Numerous empty pup cases were found attached to the leaves, and but two larvie
could be found which were not full grown. As these trees are high and inaccessible
for collecting, no doubt these were-present in numbers and could not be seen. One
pupa found was bred. ‘Two specimens collected on the Tweed River, January 16,
1892, were left in a bottle and both were still living when I came across them on
February 11, 1892, having been kept in a room during this time. This is the only
instance Where insects could be kept living so long without any food, the usual time
0687 Ne oe marae
during warm weather being about four days, at the end of which time but very few
_ could be found alive had they not been provided with food. Very likely at the time
these beetles were ready to go into hibernation. One specimen was also found at
Mount Victoria, New South Wales, March 28, 1892, upon Leplospermum lavigatum in-
fested with Lriococcus leptospermi Mask. ‘The insect appears to be more common in
Queensland, as Mr. Tryon informed me.
Mr. Tryon, in ‘‘ Insects and Fungus Pests,” p. 156, says of this beetle as “ being an
especial enemy of the Glover’s scale (Mytilaspis Gloverii, Pack), gnawing through
the apex of the covering of one individual after another, This is the largest of all
the Orcus and its introduction upon our scales would be highly advisable. Many
specimens were sent to Mr. Coquillett.
Trichorcus cinctus Blackb.—Revy. Blackburn described this insect under this name*
from specimens bred, the pupa of which was found attached to small rootlets of
Moreton Bay Fig Ficus macrophylla Desfontaines), on the Clarence River, New South
Wales. Several empty pup and parasitized larve were also present, showing that
this curious form is not exempt from the attacks of the Homalotylus parasite. The
insect is without doubt a coccid feeder. Those trees are usually very large, the
branches upon old trees being a hundred or more feet in height and impossible to
examine. The leaves are always attacked by a Psyllid, the larva of which sit on
the under side of the leaf, and causing here a batch of rubber to form under which
they are hidden, only coming forth in pupaform, from which the mature insectescapes.
It may be these that the beetles attack. In Coccide Aspidiotus nerii Comst. is always
found in large numbers upon this as well as Erubigenosa Desfontaines, around Syd-
ney, and as this scale is very common in Australia it may also occur upon these
trees in the ‘‘bush;” upon this the Trichorcus is more likely to feed. Its larva re-
sembles that of Platyomus lividigastersMuls., but has a single row of long, lateral
spines.
Anisorcus affinis Crotch.—A small, yellowish spiny larva not unlike that of the
earlier stages of Orcus chalybeus Boisd. It feeds upon Chionaspis citri Comst., inthe
Fiji Islands. They pupate usually on the leaves and the beetle lays its eggs in a
similar manner to Orcus. I had quite a nmmber of these insects in all stages when I
left Fiji and brought them on ice to Sydney aud upon arrival there but few were
found dead; here they were fed and again placed on ice eleven days later, but not
one of them was living on arrival in San Francisco.
Chryptolemus Montrouzieri Muls.—One of the most numerous and useful insects for
yarious coccids, but especially the various Mealy Bugs (Dactylopius).
The beetle is very common in Queensland and also in New South Wales, and may
be found upon almost any shrub or tree infested with these latter scales. At Brisbane
its lary were seen by the thousands, both on my former and last trips, upon the
bunya-bunya trees, draucaria Bidwelli Hooker, and feeding here upon Dactylopius
aurilanatus Mask., a coccid introduced into New Zealand, where it is very numerous
upon these trees and has as yet no enemies. The introduction of this beetle in that
as well as any country would be highly advisable and we could find no better
natural enemies for the grecn-house pests, where this beetle would prosper and keep
the plants free from the Mealy Bugs and Black Secale. Mr. Tryon,t in speaking of
the beneficial work of the coccinellidw, remarks of this very insect: ‘To mention
but a single instance, that of a small black beetle reddened at each extremity,
belonging to the group Seymnides and named Chryptolemus. The larva of this is
a small active grub, measuring about one-quarter of an inch in length, covered
above with six rows of contiguous, elongated, white, mealy, secreted appendages.
Quite recently the bunya-bunyas and other auricaratious trees growing about
Brisbane have been infested by.a coccus insect, an apparently undescribed species
* Further notes on Australian Coleoptera with description of new genera and species. By the Rev.
T. Blackburn, B. A. From the Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1892, XI, p. 73.
t Insects and Fungus Pests, p. 16.
of Dactylopius, which affects especially the spot where the leaves and branches
unite, and the parasites were at one time so numerous that the death of this valu-
able tree from their attacks seemed very imminent. However, the Chryptolemus-
beetle also visited the Araucarias and in some places its lary occurred in such pro-
fusion that the trunks of these trees and the ground around their bases looked as if
flonr had been dusted in patches here and there upon them. Both in its adult and
larval condition it waged war upon the coccid insects, and as a result these trees
are saved from destruction. This friendly insect is none other than the one which
is met with on various native trees, especially acacias, and also on the citrus and
other economic plants of our gardens. These it also visits for the purpose of rid-
ding them or at least checking the increase of the various scale insects, especially
those belonging to the Lecanid, which infest these trees, and this pest it literally
mows down to the surface of the leaves, so great is its voracity.”
The insect was met with in almost all places visited, and breeding, besides, upon
all the Mealy Bugs (Dactylopius), on various species of Lecanium, Eriococeus (n. sp.
Maskell), upon Cacuarina at Whitton, New Sonth Wales, upon Eriococcus leptospermi
Mask., around Sydney and Mount Victoria, upon Lriococeus Tepperi Mask., on
Eucalyptus at Parramatta, and upon Lhizococcus arauearie Mask., on Araucaria
excelsior at Sydney. A large bush of Lucalyptus badly infested with Eriococcus Tep-
peri was a favorable ‘“‘hunting ground” for gathering eggs and larvie of Thalpo-
chares cocciphaga Meyr., and when these beetles with their voracious appetite ap-
peared upon the bush it was soon clear of all coccids.
While the work of these larve upon soft coccids is something remarkable, when
it comes to the harder insects, as for instance Lecanium, it is by no means so effec-
tive. The beetle was repeatedly bred in confinement in large numbers, in the hope
of rearing parasites from the larve, but I failed to do so, and this may be one of
the very few coccinellid larve of oases that are not attacked by internal para-
sites. The white, powdery covering of the larve is no doubt a protection against
the enemies; in fact the larve with its covering mimics many scales upon which it
feeds.
The beetles were sent over here by every steamer from Australia and should be
introduced. Ilook for their appearance at Hon. Elwood Cooper’s place, who received
some and liberated them upon the Black Scale. Mr. Coquillett, who received the
most, informed me of having sent the living beetles to Washington. The beneficial
work of this beetle could not be estimated in some of the tropical countries, such
as the Hawaiian Islands, which abound with Dactylopide and Lecanidwe. The in-
sect was also found in New Caledonia upon Lecanium longulum Douglass, on guava,
and upon Lecanium cassinie Mask, on oleander.
Boculus fourneti Muls.—I have bred this insect from a larva resembling that of the
Chryptolemus, but somewhat more roundish and covered with a denser mass of
white, cottony exudation. They were feeding upon peculiar large, flat Dactylopius
found under the bark of various Eucalyptus at Melbourne. The beetle was also met
with at Toowoomba, Queensland.
Boculus converus Blackb.*—But two specimens of this were retained from material
collected on the Richmond River, New South Wales One or both of these Boculi
may have been sent to California, as everything collected was forwarded and only
occasionally specimens were saved.
Platyomus lividigaster Muls.—Rarely found around Sydney upon orange; is more
numerous northward, common at Brisbane. This peculiar larva, with a douldle row
of lateral, long, fleshy spines, was found preying upon Aphis on orange at Harwood,
New South Wales, January 1, 1892. Mr. Tryon has shown me this insect, with the
following localities: ‘‘Cairmnes, Hamilton, Wootoolah, and Brisbane.” He describes
an insect agreeing with this on pp 134 of his Insects and Fungus Pests, as an_
* Rev. ‘Blackburn describe a this ne w ‘form in . Traneactions of the Royal Society of South Aus-
tralia, 1892, x1, p. 72.
ot ak tg ee eee eae ame ee
29 - : 4 = ’ Wc, -
Rhizobius satellus Blackb.—This had always been the most numerous 8 on :
citrus trees at Paramatta, here preying upon the Red Seale. I look for its increa.e
in this country with great interest. Upon my hunting ground I had three wild
lemon trees bordering a forest, and somewhat apart from the orchard, badly affected
with A. auranti Mask., so much so that any fruit-grower in California would have
given them up for lostand would speedily have applied his “‘ wash” or fumigation” —
as a last hope. Here this beetle, Rhizobius, stepped in and in such numbers that the
larve could be found by the thousands. At the end of about six weeks the work
was completed and the trees left completely free of scales. With the exception of
losing a tew leaves the trees did not sufferin the least. Both the Orcus, O. chalybeus,
and O. australasia, as well as numerous other species, were also present, but not in
such large numbers. The insect was met with at all places visited in New Sonth
Wales and Queensland, and with us will no doubt feed upon many of the Aspidiotus
and probably various other coccids. Some six to eight thousand specimens of this ©
beetle were collected and sent here, most of theseto Los Angeles. No parasites were |
observed preying upon the larve of this insect, yet it is more than likely that this 7
also has its enemies. I found the larvie still feeding on my return from Fiji, July
4-6, at Paramatta, although midwinter, when many of the other Ladybirds were
hibernating.
Rhizobius fugax Blackb.—Another of the larger species found in few specimens at
Melbourne and quite numerous at Whitton, New South Wales, upon Casuarina
infested with an Acanthococcid. The insect was sent to Los Angeles.
Rhizobius dorsalis Blackb.—Another common and valuable insect especially for
the Black Scale, and I look for its appearance in California at Hon. Ellwood Cooper’s
place, where specimens were liberated. This was met with in New South Wales,
near Sydney, upon Leptospermum levigatum and feeding upon Lriococcus leptospermi
Mask., on Rhizococcus araucariw Mask., and black scale; at Gosford upon Cyncarpia
laurifolia, upon which tree likely another coccid may be present than those ob-
served. Larve found at Mount Victoria upon Leptospermum differ from those o
R. ventralis and &. debilis, with which they were found, by their lighter and more
reddish color. The insect was repeatedly sent to Los Angeles, and in one consign-
ment to Elwood.
Rhizobius cyaneus Blackb.—Another new form of this valuable bectle, which may
become of value if introduced. The insect was found at Mulgoa, New South Wales,
upon Eucalyptus infested with Lriococcus Tepperi Mask, A much larger species was
seen at the same place, which may have been #&. xanthurns Muls., which is reported
' from Victoria.
Rhizobius speculifer Blackb.—This insect was always found in numbers at Para-
matta, New South Wales, upon citrus trees infested with coccids. The mature
beetle was observed to feed upon the males of Chionaspis citri Comstock. Also
numerous at ‘Toowoomba, Queensland, upon orange and on HLugenia upon Chionaspis
eugenie Mask. The beetle was sent to California in numbers.
Rhizobius toowoombe Blackb.—Was found in Victoria, New South Wales, and
Queensland; most numerous at the latter place. The beetle was bred from laryex
found feeding upon Aspidiotus neriti Bouche, at Melbourne. It is always common
upon orange infested with the red scale. The mature insect was sent to California
in numbers, and may be expected here, as do most of these forms, to feed upon most
any coccid. Mr. Tryon in ‘Insects and Fungus Pests,” p. 151, mentions and de-
scribes a Rhizobius feeding apon the red scale at Toowoomba, the description agree
ing with this species, which is one of the most numerous in that locality.
Rhizobius aurantii Blackb.—A form found at Toowoomba upon Red Seale affected
trees and without doubt feeding upon this as well as other coccids. As previously
stated, no insect was ever killed simply for specimens, only forms that positively
looked strange and of which I wanted to get the life history. This also appeared
to be oue of the forms of which only a single specimen was sayed, and which was
(35°
deseribed by Rev. Mr. Blackburn. Specimens must have come to Los Angeles, and
if once numerous upon the coccids here there is ample time to destroy the same for
collections. .
Rhizobius cecus Blackb.—Another of the common and beneficial insects. It was
found at Adelaide, South Australia, upon olive and feeding on Lecanium cassinie
Mask. Numerons at Paramatta, New South Wales, upon orange infested with red
scale as well as other coccids, and upon acacia infested with a Deaspid; at Gosford,
New South Wales, upon Cyncarpia laurifolia; on Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed
rivers upon various shrubs “and trees; at Brisbane upon orange infested with 4,
aurantii Mask., and at Toowoomba upen same trees, as well as Acacia. The specics
was sent in numbers to California.
Rhizobius (hirtellus Crotch) (?)—This insect has not yet been properly identified.
The Rey. Mr. Blackburn at one time sent me this name, but reported later that this
is not the insect. It differs from the description of this species. Always very nu-
merous at Paramatta, New South Wales, upon citrus trees infested with A. aurantii
Mask., Mytilaspis Glovert Pack., and Chionaspis citri Comst. The beetle was repeat-
edly observed feeding upon this latter coccid, also met with in many other places
visited. Many specimens were sent by every steamer. The insect was not bred.
~ Rhizobius pulcher Blackb.—A very common but small beetle, most numerous -upon
acacia infested with a species of Diaspid, but also common on orange. It was met
with at Melbourne and northward to Brisbane; at Mount Victoria, New Sonth
Wales, upon Leplospermum infested with Lriococcus leptospermi Mask. Numerous
specimens were sent to California.
Rhizobius australis Blackb.—One of the largest ofthe Rhizobiids. -Foundin South
Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. The insect was bred from larvie found
under bark of various Eucalyptus at Melbourne, feeding upon a species of Dactylo-
pius. The insect was not sent to California. These Rhizobiids so far named are from
thescant material retained. The list of the species sent here is by no means com-
plete, yet I did not consider it proper to waste a single insect when not necessary.
We want every one of these valuable beetles here to introduce them, and so far as
the name or life history is concerned, as long as we know the insect is beneficial,
and for this Iam responsible, that is a secondary matter of very little importance
and can be studied by our grandchildren, for that matter. Among the alcoholic
specimens received from Mr. Coquillett there are two species of Rhizobius not in-
cluded here, as no specimens of the same were retained in Australia. Besides these,
several other species are yet to be worked up.
Midus pygmeus Blackl.—This insect was bred from a white, tufty larva found upon
orange at Parramatta, New South Wales. It was also collected in considerable num-
bers at Toowoomba, Queensland, upon the same trees. Became quite numerous at
Sydney during March, upon oleander and Pittosporum infested with a species of
Daelylopius, upon which they appear to feed. Was also found at Mulgoa, New South
Wales, upon Lucalyptus. Many specimens were sent to California.
Lipernes subviridis Blackb.—A very small and common insect upon citrus trees
infested with Red Scale, Chionaspis citri and Mytilaspis Gloveri. Thelarva, with its
long, white, mealy, secreted appendages, was repeatedly bred. Also found at Gos-
ford, New South Wales, upon Cyncarpia; onthe Richmond River and at Toowoomba
upon orange. Was always among the material sent to California.
Gymnoscymnus 4-maculatus Blackb.—This insect was found at Gosford, New South
Wales, upon Cyncarpia laurifolia. Apparently a rare insect in localities visited, and
bnt a limited number could be obtained for California.
Cycloseymnus minutus Blackb.—Found this beetle very numerous at Mount Victo-
ria, New South Wales, March 25, 1892, upon Leptospermum levigatum infested with
DLriocuccus leptospermi Mask. The insect was sent to California.
Cyrema nigellum Blackb.—The beetle was found at Adelaide, South Australia, in
company with Lhizobius debilis Blackb., and feeding with this upon Lecanium cassi-
36
ni@ Mask. upon olive. Its larva is a small, pale, flat, roundish grub, covered all
over with white cottony exudation. The beetle was not found in great numbers,
but some were sent here.
Serangium hirtuosum Blackb.—Was found quite numerous at Toowoomba, Queens-
land, November, 1891, and April, 1892, upon orange infested with red and black
scales. Many were forwarded to California.
Serangium maculigerum Blackh.—This insect was found very numerous during the
early part of the summer at Parramatta, New South Wales, upon orange infested
with Red Scale, and was also found in large numbers upon a tree in the botanical
gardens at Sydney that was infested with theesame coccid. Repeatedly sent to
California. The above are the principal beneficial Coccinellidx studied in Ans-
tralia, so far as identified for me. The rest, not yet named, consist of groups similar
to those mentioned here. Many of these are Scymnids and Rhizobiids and can be
dealt with at some future time. A few injurious Coccinellide were met with and
I will give an account of the same.
Epilachna vigintiocto-punctata Fab.—This is a very numerous and destructive insect
in New South Wales and Queensland. It was met with in all localities visited and
care was necessary in not mixing this with Coccinella conformis Boisd. in collecting,
which it greatly resembles, especially if worn, and as both species are found to-
gether upon orange and other trees. The larva was often bred on potato leaves and
other solanaceous plants, and I did not obtain any parasites, but Mr. Tryon reports
having bred parasites preying upon these larve. The mature insect will appar-
ently occasionally feed upon Aphid. J have caught one specimen in the act of
devouring the eggs of Orcus on the underside of an orange leaf; a second specimen
was found at Sydney, on April 25, 1892, upon Ficus rubigenosa Desfontains, and feed-
ing upon Aspidiotus nerii Bouche.
Epilachna vigintisex-punctata Boisd.—Was met with in the Richmond district, as
well as at Toowoomba, and is, like the foregoing, destructive to potato and melon
vines.
“pilachna guttato-pustulata Fabr.—Was met with in large numbers on the Clarence
River, New South Wales, in the forests, and chiefly upon a species of Ipomea.
Epilachna Montrouzieri var. Fijiensis.—This was found in the Fiji Islands, where
no particular food plant was observed. Probably the most valuable insect preying
upon our larger coccids are the larvie of a small moth that forms a covering over its
back as a protection against the various enemies, and so walks over the plants and
trees, devouring large numbers of coccids.
Thalpochares cocciphaga Meyr.—The larvex of this valuable insect is perhaps most
numerous upon various Eucalypti infested with Eriococcus, a soft, globular seale
entirely covering one or more branches of these trees. The moth lays her eggs on
the bark or leaves singly in close proximity to the scales, and the young as they
hatch at once begin their destructive work among them. Upon Lecanium the young
larve will at first eat their way under one of the larger scales, devouring the con-
tents within and using the empty shell as a house, so to speak, carrying it around
on its back while feeding upon the other scales. As this becomes too small, other
empty scales are spun onto it in addition until the larva becomes grown, which is
probably in about three weeks upon these coccids during summer. Ihad some flourish-
ing young orange trees infested with Lecanium olea, L. cassiniw, and L. hesperidum,
this latter species also with male scales, upon which grown larve could be found
every two weeks. They had to be collected thus often in order to keep some of the
scales upon the trees and thereby obtain a certain supply of the larva for every
steamer leaving Sidney for San Francisco. Upon the appearance of any danger or
enemy in its walks the larva will immediately stop and pull the edges of its cover-
ing tightly to the bark or surface of the leaf, as the case may be, and so fast and
close are they that the edges appear to be spun onto the surface; they are thus not —
readily removed, This covering is not only a protection against the parasites, but
37
also against the armies of vicious ants among which they have to live and azainst
birds in mimicking the scales in this covering. If perchance one of these larve is
removed from its covering it will immediately set to work to build a new one-
When full grown the larva with its house will search for a convenient place to spin
up, which they do most anywhere, exposed upon the twigs, among the dry and
curled-up leaves, on stem, etc. But a favorite place is always the forks of branches,
a crevice on the stem, or the base of this, partly below ground. Here the house is
transformed into a substantial cocoon by spinning up the underside or strongly
fastening this part onto the bark. When this is completed the upper side of one
end is cut through and here a tubeof various lengths, with an angulated closed
valve is formed for the future moth to issue. Within this the larva may remain for
a few days to a few months before pupating, according to season or circumstances,
and if again taken from this they appear as sluggish, helpless grubs, unable to
azain feed or build another cocoon, and will invariably die. The mature insect is a
pretty little moth and most variable in color, from light immaculate gray to dark
brown, with strong characteristic markings. ;
A second species of these moths was found, the larva of which preys upon Lrio-
coceus Tepperi Mask., in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The full-grown
larva of this may easily be distinguished from that of 7. coeciphaga by the two
small shiny black piliferous warts upon the dorsal space on segments three to
eight; it forms a softer, finer, and stronger cocoon. About a dozen of these-and
some one hundred and fifty of T. cocciphaga were placed in the olive orchard of
Hon, Ellwood Cooper, and no doubt our well-known species at least will make its
appearance in time. Over one hundred of ZY. cocciphaga weré placed in an orange
orchard infested with ZLecanium olew and L. hesperidum at Haywards. Mr. Coquil-
lett is also breeding the insect in confinement.
Besides the coccids mentioned, the larva was also found preying upon various
other species in Australia, such as Pulvinaria, Icerya, and, in fact, will feed upon
any of the larger coccids if in numbers. At Brisbane I found them feeding upon
Ceroplastes myrica Linn. (probably this species according to Maskell), a coccid re-
cently introduced in the botanical gardens at that place, and have since spread
over a large number of shrubs and trees throughout the city. Dr. Bancroft showed
me a dozen mango trees actually covered with these coccids. At Sydney they were
feeding also upon Ceroplastes ccriferus Anderson, a coccid very destructive to many
of the shrubs and trees in the botanical gardens. This coccid appears to be a
native of Australia, as it was met with in the woods from Sydney north to Brisbane.
With us these lary can be expected to prey upon all Lecanium, Pulvinaria, Ker-
mes, Icerya, and, in fact, any larger species. I have never found this larva feeding
upon the woolly aphis, yet I believe they will do so.
Tineid larva.—Covering the trunks and limbs of citrus trees with a fine silky web
interwoven with remains of scales, under which live numerous small caterpillars of
a Tineid which devour all the coccids. When full grown they spin an elongated
flat silken cocoon in which they pupate, and from this a small gray moth issues.
Upon my first arrival in Sydney on my former trip, Mr. Ramsay, curator of the
Australian Museum, galled my attention to this valuable little moth, but at that
time I did not have an opportunity to look into the matter. Since then Mr. Tryon
refers to the same moth (“Insects and Fungus Pests,” p. 128) as an enemy of
Chionaspis citri Comst.* This latter coccid as well as Mytilaspis Gloveri Pack.,
appears to have been introduced into Australia, and they are found very abundant
around Paramatta. In two orange orchards adjoining each other, and both of
about thirty-five years’ standing, the work of the natural enemies to coecids and the
interference of man could be admirably studied. One of the proprietors, Mr. T.
Brien, who obtained first prize from the New South Wales Agricultural Department
*Donbtless this scale will be found upon wild citrus plants in Queensland as well as in the Fiji
Islands.
88 be re vrs oe: ipa
: ee eae ee
1 tee ee
for the best orchard in the colony, bestowed all the care possible upon his trees. —
Both of these coccids are yery numerous upon his trees, and as a remedy the trunks 4
and limbs were washed with sulphur and lime mixture with which a strong brush —
was used. About once every year this had to be repeated. In speaking with him —
on the value of natural enemies of these scales, the gentleman remarked that the
same coccids had also been numerous in his neighber’s orchard, and so much so that
during one summer many of the trees became whitish, but the following summer all
this had disappeared, and the trees ever since kept free of both these scales. It is
very evident that the larve of this tineid moth had been allowed to go undisturbed
and devoured all the coccids upon the trunks and limbs, and those that remained on
the outer parts of limbs and leaves were either eaten by the many ladybirds and
their larvie, or destroyed by the fungus Microcera coccophila, which by itself frees
whole trees of this as well as Red Scale in a short time. Mr. Brien always took the
eray and dirty appearance of his trees as evidence that myriads of coccids were upon
them, and washed off, with the brush and lime and sulphur mixture, the numerous
yaluable little caterpillars that were doing their best to free his trees of the coecids,
naturally destroying all these, and, by the sulphur wash, preventing the Microcera
from developing. ‘This must seem plain to everyone, that under such circumstances
the operation becomes necessary every year, while in his neighbor’s orchard, which
had never been sprayed or washed during its existence, and the natural enemies left
undisturbed, hardly a single tree can be found with coecids upon it. These tineid
larvie will feed upon most any Diaspidinie when they are in large numbers, and
have repeatedly been found upon the red seale. These larvie were sent to Washing-
ton, and some of them *»rought with me were liberated upon Aspidiotus perniciosus —
Comst. A similar tineid larva was also observed to feed upon Chionaspis citri
Comst., in the Fiji Islands, but not in such large numbers, and not producing such
large webs upon the surface of bark. é
The larva of another and much smaller tineid, black with white markings, is
found in large numbers, feeding upon a species of Ceroplastes at Sydney, making
tunnels under the hard waxy covering and devouring the contents within. This
coccid is not yet described. Females of second stage and males were sent to Mr.
Maskell.
Another tineid was bred in numbers from a lot of Icerya collected at Melbourne
and used as food for the Vedalia. The larve spun all the cottony matter of the seales
together and within devoured not only all the eggs, but the coccids as well. The —
same moth was also bred from larva found preying upon Lecanium. This is, if I re- —
member right, the same insect that was brought in such numbers by Mr. Webster —
from Tasmania, in 1889. }
In New Caledonia, upon bamboo badly attacked with a very large green Aphids.
that has some cottony exudation on the lower end of its body, and sitting in MASSeS
all over the woody part of the plants, batches of empty cocoons of a Pyralid or —
large Tineid were present, the larve of this no doubt preying upon this Aphis. I had —
no time at my disposal here to investigate the matter properly. If tried, this insect |
may likely become of value in destroying the woolly aphis. :
Diplosis koebelei, Skuse, MS.—Mr. Skuse gave me this manuscript name for one —
of the most interesting and important Cecidomyids, showing the peculiarity of
Australian insect life. The mother fly deposits her pale orange-yellow eggs any- —
where near a patch of Dactylopius, generally near the midrib on underside of leaves —
where these coccids congregate. They are about three times as long as broad and not.
uniformily colored, as in places darker orange spots appear. These soon hatch and
the young maggots crawl up to and under the mealy bugsand here spin a few silken
threads among and fastening them. Under this the short duration of their
beneficial work begins. One after another of the coccids is taken hold of and —
sucked out; the remaining empty skins are either fastened on to their webs,
if needed, or thrown to the ground, Often these maggots and their performance
*g
4
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have been watched with profound interest. One, two, or even more of these are
hidden together under their slight covering, poking their pointed heads out here and
there at the sides, and if one of the mealy bugs comes quietly passing by, it is but
an instant until this is fastened down with a silken rope and left helplessly strug-
gling until wanted, or devoured at once as the case may be. So numerous were the
larve that all the midribs of the leaves of Pittosporum, oleander, fig trees, etc.,
where the coccids were numerous, showed dense masses of dead mealy bugs and re-
mains of such spun together. Probably in about one week the larva will close up
its surrounding by making a rather dense silken web, within which they pupate.
One of the larva that spun up on March 25, 1892, produced the mature insect on
April 4, 1892, taking about three weeks for the whole transformation. Upon the
same Dactylopius a small interesting chalcid was bred in large numbers. These lay
their eggs singly into the young coccids. The newly hatched maggots will feed on
the contents of the mealy bugs and pupate within the apparently blown coccid.
This Dactylopius became very numerous during February and March, but when the
Diplosis, the chaleid, together with Cryptolemus Montrouzieri Muls., Mydus pygmaeus
Blackb., as the principal factors began war upon them, it was but a very short time
until the vast army of mealy bugs was reduced to but a few straggling specimens.
A similar Diplosis, ifnot the same, is also quite numerous and preying on Diaspis fim-
briata Mask., & numerous scale upon Lugenia Smithi at Sydney, New South Wales.
The insect was also bred.
Lestophonus icerye Skuse.—On the 14th of March, 1892, three long and narrow pale
orange-colored eggs with darker markings were observed upon a full-grown Icerya
purchasii Mask., at Sydney, placed irregularly upon and close onto the skin, one in
front, the second on the side, and the third upon the posterior part of scale. These eggs
appeared fresh when first found and the Icerya very active; about one week after
it appeared to be sickly and finally shrank and dried up. On April 2, 1802, one of
the flies came out and the other two the following day. This will show that the
time required for transformation of these flies, from egg to mature insect, is
about three weeks in moderately warm weather, and naturally the supposition of
Mr. Koebele in his *‘ Trip to Australia,” that this insect is but about two-brooded is
wrong. Twonew forms of Lestophonids were bred, tlie one from Monophlebus fuscus
Mask., infesting Casuarina in New South Wales, and the second upon Monophlebus
australe Mask. This latter closely resembles ZL. iceryw Skuse, but is about twice as
large. All the new Diptera were turned over to Mr. Skuse, of the Australian Mu-
seum, Sydney, for description. Among these were several new species of Oscinids
bred from larve preying upon various Aphids, and one on Eriococcus eucalypti. This
latter was bred on my former trip and sent to Prof. Riley.*
On Marelh 15, 1892, three small, pale white larvze fell ont of an egg mass of Icerya
purchasii Mask., used as food for Novius. These were placed in a sinall vial within
which they fastened themselves with a sticky fluid on the side of the glass by the
last segment and so changed to naked pup. After one weék these became black
and the chaleid issued on March 26, 1892. This proved to be the same insect as
bred on my former trip from larvie found preying on the eggs of Icerya and sent to
Prof. Riley with notes. who described the insect from specimens received from the
late Mr. Crawford, as Ophelosia crawfordi Riley.
* Many of tn« Aph:ds in Australia are found dead and al ways nave a blackisa color. From this I
bred a small chaleid apparently parasitic upon this.
2)