THE LEVUANA MOTH

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 156, 30 December 1925, Page 4

THE LEVUANA MOTH

MENACE IN THE PACIFIC

KILLED BY PARASITE FLY.

For some. time it has been known that the Levuaua moth was proving a deadly destruetor of the coconut, trees of this colony^ says the Suva correspondent of the "New Zealand Herald." The ' Government at last became alarmed, and decided to take strong measures to secure the discomfiture of the pest. Entomologist!) were engaged at considerable expense and expeditions were, sent to all the northern islands of the West Pacific along what was supposed to have been the trade route of the Chinese traders some 200 to 300 years ago, in Hie hops of finding the native habitat of the moth, bnt in vain. However, in the Malayan States a Jiy was found which preyed upon a moth very similar to the Levuana, tind happily a supply of larvae waa safely conveyed to Suva. Although the fly 'multiplied in captivity, it was doubtful whether it would take kindly to the work of fighting the moth in its natural surroundings, so, while colony after colony was released in various parts of this island, the success of the experiment was far from being accepted. However, all doubt has been set at rest by an announcement by the Superintendent of Agriculture, who now state3 that the fly has appeared on at least 70 per cent, of the trees in and around Suva, where it was released some months ago. Not only so, but the flies have been found to have travelled fully three miles to Lami, where they are busy cleaning up all affected trees. So successfully has the experiment resulted that the official inseetorium has been closed and all remaining flies released. It is believed 1 that all needed supplies can now easily be obtained fromthe trees round Suva. Colonies will be sent to Ovalau, being placed every 1 five miles, in an endeavour to thoroughly control the pest, which is bad on that island.