bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity of the African coffee root mealybug, with descriptions of two new species of Planococcus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Watson Gillian W. , Cox Jennifer M.
Published: July 2009

Two new species of mealybug found on coffee roots are described from Africa. Planococcus fungicolasp. n. from Kenya is the species that has been known in Africa as the coffee root mealybug. This mealybug is almost always associated with the fungus, Diacanthodes novoguineensis (Hennings) Fidalgo. Planococcus radicumsp. n. is from Nigeria and Tanzania. Dactylopius coffeae Newstead is synonymized with Planococcus lilacinus (Cockerell) syn. n.
The Treatment of small Batches of Cotton Seed against Pink Bollworm
Authors: Lean Owen B.
Published: July 2009

In connection with the development of cotton growing within the Empire, it has been found necessary to circulate many small batches of experimental cotton seed; and as a number of these batches pass through this country, it has been deemed advisable to disinfect them against pink bollworm (Platyedra gossypiella, Snd.) and other insect pests.
Mosquito Notes.—V
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

In my recent revision of the mosquitos of the Australasian region the following species were mentioned as occurring in the Solomon Islands, the specimens having been for the most part collected by Dr. A. G. Carment:

Anopheles (Myzomyia) punctulatus, Dön.
The Citrus Coccidae of the World; an Appeal for Co-operation and Aid
Authors: Chamberlin Joseph Conrad
Published: July 2009

About two months ago there was begun, under the auspices of the University of California Citrus Experiment Station, the task of monographing, as adequately as possible, the Citrus Coccidae of the world. Obviously, the scope of such an undertaking is such that an enormous amount of laborious work is required in the compilation and synthesis of scattered and partially “buried” scraps of recorded data. Even this collated information will not meet the requirements of our problem. This is particularly the case as regards geographical distribution, alternate and preferred hosts, and proper correlation of the data of distribution and damage with that of the geographical distribution and economic status of Citrus itself.
An Attempt to control Glossina morsitans by means of Syntomosphyrum glossinae, Waterston
Authors: Lamborn W. A.
Published: July 2009

The attempt to effect the control of insect pests by the introduction of other insects parasitic elsewhere on members of the same or allied genera, and their propagation in the laboratory on their new host until sufficient numbers for field distribution have been obtained, represents a recent and highly important development of Applied Entomological Science. In this connection may be instanced the introduction into Hawaii of parasites destructive to the sugar-cane leafhopper; the introduction of the Scoliid Tiphia parallela, Smith, from Barbados into Mauritius for the control of the Melolonthid Lachnosterna (Phytalus) smithi, Arrow, a sugar-cane pest; the importation into the U.S.A. of Chalcid, Tachinid, and other parasites of the gipsy and brown-tail moths; and the recent despatch to New Zealand of Tachinid files destructive in England to Forficulidae.
The Seasonal Prevalence of Fleas in Egypt
Authors: Williams C. B.
Published: July 2009

Visitors to Egypt during the spring tourist season frequently complain of the great abundance of fleas in this country. These insects are at this period a source of endless annoyance to all save those few fortunate individuals who, for some unknown reason, have no attraction for them.
Mosquitos under Winter Conditions
Authors: MacGregor Malcolm E.
Published: July 2009

It is too often assumed that mosquitos in cold climates always adopt one of two methods of passing the winter: Either (1) that with the decline in the atmospheric temperatures in the autumn the adults cease their reproductive functions, and develop a “fat-body” on which they nourish themselves during the winter months while they rest in a semi-dormant condition in situations sheltered from fatally low temperatures; or (2) that with the decline in atmospheric temperatures during the autumn the adults of a particular species die off, and that their larvae, by adopting a semi-dormant state, are able to keep alive in their habitats, even though the water may freeze and enclose them in a block of ice.
Note on the Wheat Bulb Fly (Leptohylemyia coarctata, Fall.)
Authors: Morris H. M.
Published: July 2009

This insect has been known for many years as the cause of serious loss to the wheat crops in this country and on the Continent, having been first recognised in 1882, although it probably occurred before that year. In some seasons the damage occasioned by this fly is so severe as to cause the almost complete destruction of the crop in some fields, although more often it results in the crop being made thin and patchy. The damage first becomes apparent in March and April, when the leading shoot of the young plants attacked turns yellow and the plant if small or weak dies off. The injury is caused by the older larva, which feeds within the young shoot. This destruction of the young plants usually occurs in patches about the field, and the bare patches so caused increase in size owing to the larvae moving in the soil from plant to plant, each larva being thus able to destroy several plants. In addition to winter wheat this pest can attack winter barley and winter rye, although such attacks are rare in this country. It can also attack couch grass. Neither oats nor any other crop is attacked. In Great Britain the most severe damage due to this insect has generally occurred in the eastern countries of England and Scotland, although serious injury has also occurred in various other districts, and the severity of the attack has varied enormously from season to season. Damage due to this pest has also been reported from Middle and South Russia, Germany, Austria, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Tunisia and Mesopotamia.
The Seasonal Habit of the common Anophelines of Nyasaland, with a Note on its Relation to the Seasonal Incidence of Malaria
Authors: Lamborn W. A.
Published: July 2009

It is an early experience of the Field Entomologist in the Tropics, whether his work lies in countries such as the East African Protectorates, which have well defined seasons, or where the seasons are less clearly marked, as in the Federated Malay States, that a seasonal prevalence of the commoner insects is quite as definite as it is in the Temperate regions. Outside the Tropics the main factor determining prevalence would seem to be suitability of temperature, but in the Tropics, where temperature variations may be slight, moisture is the controlling factor. Purely terrestrial insects which feed, whether as larvae or imagos wholly on vegetable material, breed and are most abundant at such times as the food-plants are at their best, that is when, as the result of favourable conditions of temperature and moisture, there is a full flow of tissue-building sap. The law of seasonal prevalence is valid also for many insects whose imagos derive their food directly from the larger animals, a source of supply available at all seasons. For these insects, too, the same conditions hold good, but affect chiefly the larvae.
The Susceptibility of fourth-stage Larvae of Anopheles gambiae to DDT and Dieldrin
Authors: Christie M. , Webbe G.
Published: July 2009

The validity of the MLD (Minimum Lethal Dose) as a practical concept for measuring toxicity, despite its obvious lack of precision, is discussed. Its use has justification.

The 48-hour MLD of acetone-water suspensions and oil films of DDT and dieldrin for early fourth-stage larvae of Anopheles gambiae Giles have been measured.

The results show A. gambiae to be relatively resistant to DDT.

In acetone-water suspension dieldrin appears to be about six times as toxic as DDT. In oil solutions this difference is more marked, the ratio being in the neighbourhood of 20:1.
Host Specificity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) and R. secundus Feldman-Muhsam in Israel
Authors: Feldman-Muhsam B.
Published: July 2009

The host specificity of R. sanguineus (Latr.), 1806, sens, sir., and R. secundus Feldman-Muhsam, 1952, in Israel was studied.

It was found that 81 per cent, of R. sanguineus, sens, lat., found on the dog was R. sanguineus, sens, str., and 19 per cent. R. secundus, whereas on cattle, sheep and goats, 97, 94 and 91 per cent., respectively, were R. secundus and the remainder R. sanguineus, sens. str.

It is suggested that this situation exists also in other countries in the Near East, since R. secundus was very common in material from Algeria, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Iraq.

The problem of transmission of disease by R. sanguineus, sens, lat., should be re-investigated in the light of recent taxonomic data.
A new Species of Megastigmus (Hym: Chalcidoidea) from British Somaliland
Authors: Hussey N. W.
Published: July 2009

Difficulty is being experienced in obtaining natural regeneration of Juniperus procera in the Daloh Forest, Erigavo, British Somaliland due to infection of the seed by an unidentified species of Megastigmus. In 1953, Mr. A. R. Tribe succeeded in breeding specimens from infested seed, and this material, together with a subsequent collection by Mr. J. J. Lawrie in January 1954, has been used as the basis of the following description.
Studies on the Responses of the female Aëdes Mosquito. Part VII.—The Effect of Skin Temperature, Hue and Moisture on the Attractiveness of the Human Hand
Authors: Smart M. R. , Brown A. W. A.
Published: July 2009

Hands of warm-skinned Caucasian individuals were significantly more attractive to Aëdes aegypti (L.) than cool-skinned individuals. An artificially cooled hand is very much less attractive than a normal one.

Hands of Negroes were significantly more attractive than those of Orientals, and both were significantly more attractive than those of Caucasians. Hands of dark-skinned Caucasians were significantly more attractive than those of light-skinned Caucasians.

Warmer skins were more attractive even if combined with a lighter skin hue, in Caucasian subjects. Thus skin hue is secondary to skin temperature in deciding the attractiveness of Caucasians.

Hands of individuals with low moisture output were significantly more attractive than those of high moisture output. A hand induced to perspire freely was significantly less attractive than the normal hand.
Some Aspects of Mealybug Behaviour in Relation to the Efficiency of Measures for the Control of Virus Diseases of Cacao in the Gold Coast
Authors: Cornwell P. B.
Published: July 2009

Mealybug populations (Pseudococcus njalensis Laing) originally present in piles of slash infected with the virus of swollen shoot of cacao are usually small. It is suggested that many of the insects leave the trees at an early stage in the development of infection.

Slash piles offer conditions which induce mealybugs to remain within them. The piling of infected slash retards the rate of wilting of the cut wood and consequently retards the rate of migration of the mealybug population. The construction of piles protects the mealybugs from direct insolation and rainfall and leads to the persistence of the population on the cut wood. The colonies which survive the longest are those in the lower part of the heaps where death and desiccation of the material is most delayed.

Mealybugs continue to live and to reproduce within heaps of slash for as long as nine weeks or more. Reproduction of the mealybugs is stimulated as the tissues of the felled trees become wilted and the resulting first-instar nymphs contribute numerous participants to such migration as does occur. There is evidence from laboratory experiments that these insects are not potential vectors.

The concentrating of mealybugs in slash piles produces no increase in the population of Coccinellid or Cecidomyiid larvae within the piles.

Mealybugs are capable of walking quite rapidly for long distances over smooth surfaces. They become incapable of movement when starved for a few days and the majority die within a week. A soil surface seriously impedes the progress of mealybugs which leave the slash heaps and this effect is more marked with the nymphal stages. Even on clean-weeded soil the rate of travel is slow and few. if any, insects can travel over appreciable distances in the period during which the virus may persist within them. Results of preliminary experiments were confirmed by the use of insects labelled with radioactive phosphorus.

Some of the ants, which become associated with slash piles and which remain in attendance of the residual mealybug population, carry mealybugs, but the number of insects transported in this way is of little practical significance.

The establishment of migrating mealybugs on seedlings and mature cacao is poor even in the presence of their attendant ants.

All these factors make the possibility of infecting healthy trees from infected slash extremely remote. There is accordingly no reason to believe that the efficiency of “ cutting out ” is seriously reduced by the movement of vectors from the infected trees which are cut out.

Without the co-operation of farmers in supporting the removal of contact trees no further recommendations can be advanced to improve the present method of control of swollen shoot.
A Study on the Identity ofBracon hebetorSay andBracon brevicornisWesmael (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Puttarudriah M. , Basavanna G. P. Channa
Published: July 2009

Literature, mainly Indian, pertaining to the recorded hosts ofBracon hebetorSay andB. brevicornisWesm., and on the taxonomy of the two species, has been reviewed. Observations on different morphological characters, including the male and female genitalia, which have been used in establishing the identity of the two species, have been made. A large number ofB. hebetorspecimens reared in Bangalore onCorcyra cephalonica(Stnt.),Ephestia cautella(Wlk.),Adisura atkinsoniMoore and those collected in food-grain godowns, and ofB. brevicornisreared onC. cephalonicaandE. cautellain Bangalore, onNephantis serinopaMeyr. from Coimbatore (South India), onPyrausta nubilalis(Hb.) from Canada and on cotton bollworms (?) from Delhi (North India), have been examined.

Differences in colour, relative proportions of antennal joints and punctation on the abdomen have been found to be variable and as such are not to be depended upon for distinguishing the two species. The number of antennal joints which has hitherto been considered to be the decisive character by which the two species may be separated is also not reliable as there is a wide range of variation even in the progeny of a single pair of parents. Above all, the fact that the two species interbreed and give rise to fertile offspring, which also show a fairly wide range of variation in the number of antennal joints, proves that the two are identical, and there is no ground to treat them as two distinct species, at least so far as the Indian specimens are concerned, for whichBracon hebetorSay is the valid name.
Insecticidal Fogs against Tsetse Flies on Trains
Authors: Fairclough R.
Published: July 2009

Experiments were carried out in Kenya to find whether insecticidal smokes from “Swingfog” machines would remove tsetse flies, in this instance almost all Glossina longipennis Corti, carried by trains. Fogging was done by two operators, each with a machine, starting from opposite ends of trains halted at a station twenty miles inside a fly-infested area and assessment was by routine catches at a station twenty miles outside it. It was found that fogging reduced the number of flies found on trains by 60 to 70 per cent. As the trains had to pass through a light fly infestation after fogging, the real kill is likely to have been higher. The cost of such partial reduction is believed to be considerably higher than would be that of therapeutic control of trypanosomiasis in the affected region.
The Stability of a DDT Suspension
Authors: Hawkins W. B. , Kearns C. W.
Published: July 2009

A DDT sol, prepared in glass dishes in the manner described, has a reproducible zeta potential of −25 mv. Electrophoretic measurements showed that DDT conditioned in cardboard cartons has a zeta potential of zero.

The zeta potential of the suspension behaves in a predictable and measurable manner in the presence of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetravalent ions.

Spectrographic analyses showed that there are two identifiable sources of ions: (1) the DDT, and (2) the cardboard container. A third source of ions was indicated as being, singly or together, the distilled water and/or the DDT solvent.

Spectrographic data showed that ions were associated with the conditioned DDT.

In glass containers, a poor source of ions, kill of larvae of Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say was higher than in paper containers, a good source of ions. These data are correlated with the zeta potential and flocculation behaviour of DDT suspensions.
Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) and S. triturata (Walker), two distinct Species
Authors: Fletcher D. S.
Published: July 2009

In working out a collection of Heterocera made by J. D. Bradley in the Solomon Islands, preparations were made of the genitalia of specimens of Spodoptera mauritia (Boisd.) and they were found to differ from those of African specimens, with which they were compared. Subsequent study of the material in the British Museum has shown that two species have been confused under the one name; S. mauritia, which occurs in Madagascar, Mauritius, the Comoro Islands and from India to the Pacific and which is known from continental Africa from only a single female taken at Lindi on the coast of Tanganyika, and the second species, S. triturata (Wlk.), which occurs throughout continental Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. As both species are of economic importance, it has been decided to describe their differences in a separate paper rather than include them in the faunistic paper dealing with the Heterocera of Eennell Island.
A Study of Factors determining the Distribution of the Larvae of the Blackfly,Simulium ornatumMg
Authors: Phillipson J.
Published: July 2009

Field and laboratory studies on the rôle of oxygen concentration and speed of current on larvae ofSimulium ornatumMg. show that current speed is more important than oxygen concentration in governing their distribution.

The larvae prefer waters with a velocity range of 50 to 120 cm./sec., the greatest numbers occurring between 80 and 90 cm./sec.

Larvae move independently of oxygen in concentrations above 50 per cent, saturation level.
The Identity of Some East African Species of Saissetia (Homoptera, Coccidae)
Authors: De Lotto G.
Published: July 2009

A systematic review of some species of the Coccid genus Saissetia occurring in East Africa led to the rediscovery of two species—S. persimilis (Newst.) and S. somereni (Newst.)—which although of economic importance have been almost completely neglected since they were first described. Both are redescribed in this paper. One new species recently collected in Kenya is described; this is S. pterolobina.

Seven species are dealt with in the paper, including the important and widely distributed S. oleae (Bern.). A provisional key for their separation is included, while one species—S. cuneiformis Leonardi—is sunk as a synonym of S. nigra (Nietn.).
The Larvae of the Species of Tineidae of Economic Importance
Authors: Hinton H. E.
Published: July 2009

Keys are provided for the larvae of 32 species of TINEIDAE, and detailed descriptions are given of 31 species. These include most of the species known to be of any economic importance. What is known of the biology of each is briefly summarised, but no attempt has been made to collate the available information on control measures.

No larvae have been available of four species of some economic importance nor of twelve others of doubtful status as pests. The literature on each of these species is noted.

The larvae of a few species of no known economic importance are described and are included in the keys. Most of these are very closely related to species known to be pests.

The keys and descriptions include 21 species which are indigenous to Britain or are established here, so that keys and descriptions are now provided for half of the British species ofTineidae.
The Biology and Control of the Sugar-cane Chafer Beetles in Tanganyika
Authors: Jepson W. F.
Published: July 2009

The principal pest of sugar-cane in northern Tanganyika is the Red Cane Beetle, Cochliotis melolonthoides (Gerst.) (Melolonthidae). Descriptions of adults and larvae of Cochliotis and of allied beetles found in the same area are given.

The bionomics of Cochliotis have been studied in the field over two seasons. The life-cycle is annual with adult swarming in early October and a season of maximum larval damage in July–August.

The intensity of infestation and the nature of the losses are discussed, and the mortality factors which act upon Cochliotis in nature are reviewed.

Cultural control measures suggested include the deferment of planting until July to October, when larval activity has waned; introduction of quick-maturing varieties, mechanically cultivated so that long ratooning can be gradually eliminated; regulation of the water table by control of irrigation, and the trial of resistant varieties. The Mauritius varieties M. 134/32 and M. 165/38 are suggested in this connection.

Biological control is discussed and a review of the parasite species that might possibly be introduced is made largely from the writer's Mauritius work on Clemora smithi (Arr.).

Experiments in the chemical control of Cochliotis are described and the final recommendation is the application at planting of ½ lb. per 50 ft. of furrow of a BHC powder containing 2·5 per cent, of γ BHC. This practice has been adopted by the infested estate with successful results in virgins and first ratoons.

Further work is suggested on the chemical protection of second and later ratoons by surface application of BHC or aldrin.
New Species of African Stem-boring Agrotidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Bowden J.
Published: July 2009

Six new species of stem-boring AGROTIDAE are described from Africa. The new genera, Carelis, Poecopa and Manga are erected to accommodate three of these species; the other three species are described in the genus Busseola.

A key to nine genera is given, and also one to separate five extremely similar species, Poeonoma serrata (Hampson), B. fusca (Fuller), B. quadrata, sp. n., B. phaia, sp. n., and B. segeta, sp. n.
The Mosquitos of Liberia (Diptera: Culicidae), a general Survey
Authors: Peters W.
Published: July 2009

The results of a general mosquito survey of the Liberian hinterland are presented together with the findings of previous workers in this country.

Liberia is almost entirely in the Upper Guinean Forest region with an annual rainfall from over 140 in. on the coast to about 80 in. in the hinterland.

A list is given of all species recorded from Liberia.

A brief account is given of the distribution, bionomics and relation to malaria of the Anophelini, with some taxonomie notes. Thirteen species or forms of Anophelines are listed, of which ten were found in the hinterland as well as on the coast.

A summary of the distribution and bionomics of the Megarhinini and Culicini of Liberia is given, with the writer's field notes and those of earlier workers, and some taxonomic notes. Seventy one or 72 species or forms are included, of which 59 were found in the hinterland. If the first mention of some species in the two previous papers in this series be included, 41 additions to the Liberian list, three of them new species, have been made.
The geographical Distribution of Blowflies in Great Britain
Authors: MacLeod John , Donnelly Joseph
Published: July 2009

The distribution in Britain of carrion-attracted Calliphorinae was examined by simultaneous trappings, under standard conditions, at 51 stations so distributed as to be more or less representative of the country.

From published records and other sources, the known distribution of each species by vice-counties was delimited and compared with the observed results.

Lucilia sericata (Mg.), L. caesar (L.), Calliphora erythrocephala (Mg.) and C. vomitoria (L.) are generally distributed. L. illustris (Mg.) is more widely distributed than was recognised, and is probably general, though relatively uncommon in hill country. Phormia terraenovae R.-D. and Cynomyia, mortuorum (L.) are also general, though more common in the north. The decrease in frequency southwards is more pronounced with C. mortuorum. and both species occur only rarely in Wales. L. silvarum (Mg.), believed previously to be confined to England, is also possibly generally distributed; it was trapped as far north as Caithness. It is uncommon north of the Highland Line.

Lucilia ampullacea Villen., for which known records are restricted to south of the Humber-Mersey line, appears similarly to be almost general; it was taken both in hill and plains country up to the Inverness region.

Of the remaining species that show some degree of geographical limitation, Acrophaga subalpina (Ringdahl) is the most widely distributed. It occurs at least as far north as the Inverness region, and south to the Severn-Wash line.

The only Lucilia species with clearly restricted distribution is L. richardsi Collin. Its known territory was England south of the Pennines; this has now been extended into Wales and north to Cumberland and Durham, with one isolated record for the north-east of Scotland.

Calliphora loewi End., believed a northern species, was taken throughout Scotland and northern England. C. uralensis Villen. is restricted to the northwest, and the Western Isles.

Brief notes are given of the habitat preferences and seasonal distribution of the species.
Aircraft Applications of Insecticides in East Africa. XI.—Applications of a coarse Aerosol to control Glossina morsitans Westw. At Urambo, Tanganyika, and G. morsitans Westw. and G. pallidipes Aust. In Lango County, Uganda
Authors: Hocking K. S. , Yeo D.
Published: July 2009

Two experiments are described where applications of coarse aerosols have been made to areas of savannah woodland infested with tsetse flies (Glossina spp.).

The applications were made at nominal dosages of 0·25 gallons per acre, which was equivalent to either 0·20 lb. of p.p′DDT per acre, or 0·03 lb. of γ BHC per acre. The coarse aerosols had mass median diameters of approximately 60 microns.

In one experiment, carried out at Urambo, Tanganyika, a reduction of 95 per cent, was obtained in populations of G. morsitans Westw. This kill was somewhat lower than in many other experiments, a fact that can be attributed mainly to our inability to maintain the cycle of applications. Immigration of flies into the treated area caused a relatively rapid increase in fly numbers to levels comparable to the pre-treatment populations, and in this respect the experiment was a failure.

The other experiment, in Lango County, Uganda, was highly successful, and reduced a population of G. morsitans to 0·05 per cent, of its pre-treatment level, and eradicated a small population of G. pallidipes Aust. It is indeed likely that no stable population now exists in the area, and that the very few flies caught there since the end of the applications have been wanderers from other infested woodland. The continued success of the experiment is considered to be due to the effective isolation of the area.

Some brief comments are made upon the costs of the method, and on its value under conditions of land development in Africa.
A diurnal Rhythm in the Emergence of Pegomyia Betae Curtis from the Puparium
Authors: Dunning R. A.
Published: July 2009

There is a clear diurnal rhythm in the emergence of the Beet Fly, Pegomyia betae (Curt.), from the soil, peak emergence occurring daily between 06. and 07. hr., when the soil temperature at a depth of 2 in. and the air temperature are at about their minimum, or are just beginning to rise, and humidity is at its maximum. In two observations on the emergence of the first generation, 82·2 and 85·6 per cent, of the daily emergence occurred before 08. hr., whilst in two observations on the emergence of the adults of the non-diapausing part of the second generation, 79·1 and 76·3 per cent, of the daily emergence occurred before 08. hr.

During the period of emergence of flies from a batch of puparia, the rhythm was most marked at the time of peak emergence, and was less marked at the beginning and end of the emergence period.

The rhythm of emergence was much less pronounced, and the peak occurred later in the day, when puparia were kept at constant temperature from two days before the first flies emerged.

Experiments led to the conclusion that the fly reaches the soil surface within one hour of leaving the puparium at a depth of 2 in. in soil, and that the processes of wing expansion and cuticle tanning are probably controlled by a nervous mechanism.

The possible initiators of the diurnal rhythm are discussed. It is concluded that the results obtained could be explained by the suggestion that the rhythm is induced by the effect of temperature or light fluctuation at some time before the late pupal stage, or that it might be inborn in the species, and that it is further regulated by temperature variation at the time of emergence. Further work will be necessary before the suggested explanation can be shown to be valid or otherwise.
The Occurrence and Distribution ofAphomia gularis(Zell.) (Lep., Galleriidae), A Pest of Stored Products
Authors: Smith K. G.
Published: July 2009

A summary is made of the literature dealing with the bionomics ofAphomia gularis(Zell.), a storage pest of almonds, walnuts, groundnuts and prunes, and to a lesser extent of rice and grain. Additional information is also given on its habits and occurrence in Britain.

An outline is given of its origins, introduction and establishment in various parts of the world. The evidence leaves little doubt that the species originated in south-east Asia, its occurrence elsewhere being, with few exceptions, confined to the major ports of western Europe and North America. Cases of the spread of the pest from south-east Asia can be traced to the export of infested goods from that area. Unless action is taken to prevent further dispersal and measures applied to wipe out the known centres of infestation, further establishment of this species can be expected in countries at present not affected.

It would appear thatA. gularisis a subtropical and warm-temperate species, rarely found in the tropics and only able to maintain itself towards the northerly limits of its range, as in northern Britain and Sweden, in heated premises. In the cooler temperate regions, such as Britain, it cannot compete with such species asEphestia elutella(Hb.) while in the tropics its ecological niche is filled by the very closely related speciesCorcyra cephalonica(Stnt.).

Its apparent absence from regions in the southern hemisphere, where conditions favourable for development exist, may be due to its presence not having yet been recognised.
An Investigation of the Possibilities of Biological Control ofMelittomma insulareFairm. (Coleoptera, Lymexylonidae), a serious Pest of Coconut in the Seychelles
Authors: Simmonds F. J.
Published: July 2009

The biology and general ecology ofMelittomma insulareFairm. in the Seychelles is briefly described and the difficulties in the biological control of this pest are stressed.

As much information as possible was obtained concerning the species of the little-known family Lymexylonidae, particularly with regard to their biology, which in most cases has not been investigated. Several species might warrant further investigation with a view to providing natural enemies for use againstM. insulare, but in general what is known of their biology does not afford much hope that an effective parasite or predator will be found.

The biology ofAtractocerus brasiliensisLep. & Serv. was investigated in detail in Trinidad but no natural enemy was found.

The only possibility is thatRhizophagus dispar(Payk.), recorded as attackingHylecoetus dermestoides(L.) in England, might also attack the eggs ofM. insulare.
Mandibular Length in Nupserha bicolor Thoms. ssp. postbrunnea Breun. (Col., Lamiidae) as the Factor in determining the Site of Oviposition in Corchorus olitorius
Authors: Dutt N.
Published: July 2009

Ovipositing females of Nupserha bicolor Thoms, ssp. postbrunnea Breun. cause loss of stem length in jute, Corchorus olitorius, by girdling the stem above and below a slit in which the egg is laid. The slit is made by two successive indentations of the mandibles. It is composed of a central pit and two lateral punctures. Girdling is restricted to that portion of the stem which falls within the stem-diameter range of 0·2 cm. to 0·4 cm.

A relationship exists between the length of the mandibles of the female, the depth of the stem tissue from the epidermis down to the periphery of the pith (extra-medullary tissue), and girdling and oviposition.

For girdling, the optimum ratio between the mandibular length and the depth of extra-medullary tissue as measured from the epidermal furrow and ridge of the stem (pentagonal in this region) is 1:0·80 and 1:0·99, respectively. Frequency of girdling gradually decreases in those regions of stem where the depth of extra-medullary tissue increases or decreases these ratios.
The Mosquitos of south Thailand
Authors: Iyengar M. O. T. , Menon M. A. U.
Published: July 2009

The present list of the mosquitos of south Thailand makes certain corrections to a list previously published and adds Anopheles barbumbrosus Strickl. & Chowd. and Anopheles letifer Sandosham to the list.

Taxonomic notes are given on eight species and a description of the larva of Uranotaenia bimaculiala Leic., previously undescribed, is included. The characters by which U. bimaculiala can be separated from the closely allied U. micans Leic. and U. edwardsi Barraud are detailed.
Effect of Post-treatment Temperature on Insect Resistance to Insecticidal Sprays
Authors: Pradhan S. , Rangarao P. V.
Published: July 2009

Results are given of investigations on the effects of five post-treatment temperatures on the mortality of adults of Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) sprayed with five or six concentrations of each of six insecticidal formulations, emulsified solutions of DDT, γ BHC, toxaphene, chlordane and parathion and a suspension of DDT.

With both emulsified solutions and suspensions of DDT and emulsified solutions of γ BHC the mortality of the insects decreased with the rise of temperature from about 14° to 30°C. and increased when the temperature increased from 30° and 40°C. On the other hand, with emulsified solutions of toxaphene, chlordane and parathion, the mortality of the test insects increased continuously with increase of temperature from 14° to 40°C. As a possible explanation for such divergent results with different insecticides it is tentatively suggested that whilst the inherent physiological resistance of Tribolium to DDT and γ BHC formulations which appear to increase with increase of temperature up to a certain point has been demonstrated, the technique has not been sufficiently critical in the case of the other formulations, and it is thought that physiological resistance has possibly remained masked by other factors and that the values of LC50 are not a true index of physiological resistance in the ease of these insecticides.

An essential similarity between the curve obtained by plotting values of LC50 against temperature in the case of DDT and γ BHC and those relating temperature to other physiological activities (published by various workers) has been stressed, implying a similarity between the resistance of the insect to insecticides on the one hand and its other physiological activities on the other.
Studies on the Choice of Food-plant and certain Aspects of the Digestive Physiology of the Larvae and Adults ofAthalia lugens proxima(Klug) andEpilachna vigintioctopunctata(F.)
Authors: Srivastava P. D.
Published: July 2009

Athalia lugenssubsp.proximo(Klug) is a pest of cruciferous crops, and shows special preference for turnip. In the matter of selection of food, smell and taste of the food and the age of the plant are important factors.Epilachna vigintioctopunctata(F.) is a pest of solanaceous plants, particularly brinjal. In this insect only smell and taste are important factors in the selection of food.

The hydrogen-ion concentrations of the salivary gland, foregut, midgut and hindgut of the larva ofAthaliaare 6·4–6·6, 6·4–6·8, 6·6–6·8 and 7·0 and of the adults 6·2–6·4, 6·4–6·6, 6·4–6·6 and 6·6, respectively. The hydrogen-ion concentration of the salivary gland, foregut, midgut and hindgut of the larvae ofEpilachnaare 5·4, 6·4–6·8, 6·0 and 6·0 and of the adult 6·6–6·8, 6·2, 6·0 and 5·4–5·7, respectively.

The foregut and hindgut of the larvae and adults ofAthaliaandEpilachnado not secrete enzymes; the salivary glands of both larva and adult ofAthaliasecrete amylase, the midgut epithelium of both larva and adult ofAthaliasecretes amylase, maltase, invertase, lactase, lipase and protease. The salivary glands of the larva ofEpilachnasecrete amylase, but those of the adult do not, and the midgut epithelium of both larva and adult secretes amylase, maltase, invertase, lactase and protease. The midgut of both larva and adult ofEpilachnasecretes lipase also, although in the adult no more than traces are detectable. The proteases in both insects act in slightly acidic media.
Effect of Host-plant on the Resistance of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) to Insecticides
Authors: Potter C. , Gillham E. M.
Published: July 2009

By means of a laboratory spraying technique, ten comparisons were made of the resistance to rotenone of samples of adult apterous viviparous parthenogenetic females of the Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), reared on broad bean and on clover, respectively. In nine of the tests, the Aphids from clover were more resistant than those from broad bean, the ratios ranging from 1·1 to 2·5. These differences were not all significant. In the remaining test the Aphids. from broan bean showed a very small increase in resistance over the Aphids from clover which was not significant.

The Aphids from the clover were generally smaller than those from broad bean. Figures are given to show that while the total amount of poison retained by the larger individuals from broad bean was more than that retained by the smaller individuals from clover, the amount of poison retained per unit body weight was greater with the smaller individuals. It appears, therefore, that while the results obtained might be due, at least partially, to the greater total weight of poison retained by the larger individuals from broad bean, the difference in resistance between the insects from broad bean and clover, respectively, might be even greater if the poison were applied on the basis of equal weight of poison per unit of body weight. Since the difference in resistance between the Aphids from the two host-plants did not appear to depend primarily on difference in size, the assumption might be made that it is due to difference in nutrition. It was found that Aphids reared on clover had a significantly higher proportion of dry matter in their composition than those reared on broad bean, which may be taken as evidence that differences due to nutrition are being produced. These may lead to differences in resistance.
Insecticide Studies on East African Agricultural Pests. I.—Epilachna hirta (Thnb.). II.—Cylas puncticollis Boh
Authors: Walker P. T.
Published: July 2009

Results are given of laboratory trials of insecticides, carried out in Kenya, against two pests of agricultural crops in East Africa. Against Epilachna hirta (Thnb.) (Col., COCCINELLIDAE), the adults and larvae of which feed on the foliage of wheat and other crops, dusts containing 0·5 or 2 per cent, parathion, applied at rates to give 0·74 to 2·97 mg. active ingredient per sq. ft., were the most rapidly effective against the adults. A 5 per cent. DDT dust, at rates giving 0·36 to 5·82 mg. technical DDT per sq. ft., was less rapid in action but produced very good results by the end of three days. A proprietary BHC dust, used at rates giving deposits of from 0·23 to 1·04 mg. γ isomer per sq. ft., was less effective and, at the highest rate used, only reached 100 per cent, mortality after eight days.

Several insecticides were tested in emulsified solutions against Cylas puncticollis Boh. (Col., CURCULIONIDAE), one of the important sweet-potato weevils of East Africa. All the insecticides were applied at concentrations of 0·02, 0·1 and 0·5 per cent, active ingredient, and at a deposit rate of 0·813 mg. of spray per sq. cm. DDT was the most effective after 18 hours, but γ BHC was only slightly inferior.
The Behaviour of Larvae and Pupae of Aedes Aegypti (L.) in Light and Temperature Gradients
Authors: Omardeen T. A.
Published: July 2009

Experiments with second-, third- and fourth-instar larvae of Aëdes aegypti (L.), as well as pupae, were carried out to determine their behaviour in temperature and light gradients in an experimental trough.

When second-instar larvae are subjected to a temperature gradient from 42°C. at one end of the trough to 8°C. at the other, the majority of larvae aggregate over the range of temperature 23–32°C. Third- and fourth-instar larvae and pupae, however, show a marked preference for the range of temperature between 28–32°C.

When subjected to a light gradient from 1·08 log foot-lamberts to log foot-lamberts, second- and third-instar larvae show no marked preference for any one light intensity. The majority of fourth-instar larvae, however, aggregate in the darkest region of the trough, and this negative phototactic reaction is very pronounced in the pupae. This behaviour is probably correlated with the development of sense organs as the larvae grow. In the case of light gradients, it is likely that the increasing negative phototactic reaction is due to the increasing sensitivity of the imaginal compound eye which starts developing in the early larval instars and reaches an advanced stage in the pupa.
Trials on the Underground Storage of Maize of high Moisture Content in Tanganyika
Authors: Swaine G.
Published: July 2009

Trials were carried out, at two places in Tanganyika, on the underground storage in sealed pits of maize of high moisture content. The average moisture content of the maize when placed in the two pits was 16·9 and 14·8 per cent., whilst the general level of insect infestation was very light and fairly light, respectively. The predominant species was Calandra oryzae (L.); Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) and Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) were also present.

The maize was kept in the sealed pits for 144 and 374 days, respectively. Samples taken at intervals showed that the insect infestation died out early, and there was no increase in insect damage. Other changes, unconnected with insect infestation, took place, and conditioning and admixture of a more palatable maize was necessary before grain from the pits could be offered to the public.

It is concluded that long-term underground storage of maize of high moisture content is not a practical proposition under tropical conditions owing to the deterioration that occurs in the grain.
The range of attraction of animal baits and carbon dioxide for mosquitoes. Studies in a freshwater area of West Africa
Authors: Gillies M. T. , Wilkes T. J.
Published: July 2009

In an inland area of the Gambia the density of flying mosquitoes at successive distances from a pair of bait-calves or an equivalent source of carbon dioxide was measured with ramp-traps to determine the maximum range at which orientation towards the bait was initiated. Thirty-six traps were operated at intervals of 7·5 m up to a distance of 60 m from the bait, on 66 nights. Anopheles ziemanni Grünb., Mansonia uniformis (Theo.) and Aedes spp. were responding to the presence of the baitcalves from a distance of 22·5–30 m; with carbon dioxide as bait the same species showed a clear response at 15 m but, with the doubtful exception of M. uniformis, not at 22·5–30 m. M. africana (Theo.) responded to both calf and carbon dioxide baits at 15 m but not at more distant ranges. Culex thalassius Theo. and C. univittatus Theo. showed a response at 7·5 m but not at any greater distance. C. decens group showed no response to either bait even in the nearest traps (7·5 m). The parous rate in Mansonia spp. varied with distance from the bait. Similar variation in the proportion of females infested with mites was not detected.
A revision of the genus Matutinus Distant (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Delphacidae)
Authors: Fennah R. G.
Published: July 2009

The genus Matutinus Distant is characterised and differentiated from Chlorionidea Loew, with which it was at one time synonymised. Descriptions are given of 26 species, 15 of which are described as new; three are transferred from other genera and a new subgenus is erected to accommodate one of them. Notes are given on their geographical distribution and host-plants.
Observations on sampling pre-imaginal populations of blackflies (Dipt., Simu liidae) in West Cameroon
Authors: Disney R. H. L.
Published: July 2009

The use of standardised artificial substratum units (SASUs) for sampling preimaginal populations of Simulium is reviewed and the results then given of experiments with SASUs in rivers and artificial streams in West Cameroon in 1968–70. The increase of downstream drift of larvae by night is attributed to the increased activity of associated fauna at night. The numbers of larvae settling on SASUs is partly afunction of how long the latter have been set and partly due to the pattern of fluctuation in river depth. Any particular SASU appears to be selective in relation to the different species of Simulium available for settlement. A new index of uniformity is proposed for comparing the diversity of Simulium faunas occurring on different substrata.
Techniques for routine and large-scale rearing ofRhodnius prolixusStål (Hem., Reduviidae)
Authors: Gardiner B. O. C. , Maddrell S. H. P.
Published: July 2009

An improved technique for small-scale rearing ofRhodnius prolixusStal on rabbits is described. For feeding, the bugs are presented in tubes closed with silk to the shaved stomachs of rabbits; between feeds the bugs are held in 1-lb glass jars at 28°C. Large-scale rearing by this method was precluded by the amount of handling required. Feeding on defibrinated blood resulted in a survival rate to the adult stage of less than 10%, but sheep on which up to 6 600 fourth instar could be fed weekly proved satisfactory hosts, although they had to be replaced after 1–9 weeks as they developed a resistance which prevented the bugs feeding. A large-scale rearing technique is described in which instars 2–5 are presented to sheep in wire cages covered with nylon netting while instar 1 and adults are fed on rabbits; between feeds the bugs are housed in 3½–7-lb glass jars or in net-covered cages. A production of 4 000 fed fourth instar or larger bugs per week for 18 months was achieved, sometimes reaching 7 000 per week.
Observations on the occurrence of Oestrus ovis L. (Dipt., Oestridae) and pleuropneumonia in goats on a dry-zone farm in Ceylon
Authors: Ranatunga Priennie , Rajamahendran Pathma
Published: July 2009

Observations were made in Ceylon from March 1970 to February 1971 on the post-mortem incidence of Oestrus ovis L. in goats. The incidence of O. ovis was 30−2% in Jamnapari goats but 16−2% in a South Indian breed. Peaks in incidence, seen only in Jamnapari goats, and peaks in the numbers of larvae per carcase, followed the monsoons. There was a significant association between O. ovis attack and symptoms of pleuropneumonia.