INSECT LIFE IN N.Z.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12254, 9 April 1935, Page 7

INSECT LIFE IN N.Z.

ALMOST A PLAGUE

DRY WEATHER- SPELL

PALMERSTON N„, A pi. 8. “Never hare moths and beeßeS Wen so prominent .in New Zealand &s during the past summer,” said Mr J. Muggeridgo, Government entomologist at the plant research station. Ho added that the unusual conditions brought about by.the protracted dry weather had almost amounted to a plague so far as insect tifo iwa F concerned. Magnificent- moths had Wen found, and insects which had teen hardy noticed before, had been numerous. The sphinx, or hajK- moth, yens an outstanding ex ample. Though a large degree of parasitic control had been- established, in districts where dhe parasite was liber at ed, tho white butterfly had been mo. e than usually prevalent in other parts. The same could ho said in the caso °l the purple moth, the diamondbacked moth, potato tuber moth, and a moth which attacked tomatoes nri( t Wans. Notable damage to lupins on coastal bdits had been done by another species of moth. Beetles had been very active among stored! products' such as cereals. (Even the house fly was far m°re Prevalent than usual. The eocllin moth caused heavy losses to apit.O crops. Live stock had not been immune Tor it had been attacked by an. annoying fly of vampire habits, tending to reduce the milk yield the warmer northern districts.