THE LEVUANA MOTH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 26, 30 December 1925, Page 4

THE LEVUANA MOTH.

MENACE IN THE PACIFIC. KILLED BY PARASITE FLY. SUVA, Dec. 19. For some time it has been known that the Levuana moth was proving a deadly destructor of the cocoanut trees of this colony. The Government at last became alarmed and decided take strong measures to secure the discomfiture or tho pest. Entomologists were engaged at considerable expense and expeditions were sent to all tno northern islands of the West Pacific along what was supposed to have been the trade route of tho Chinese traders some 200 to 300 years ago, in the hope of finding the native habitat of tne moth, but in vain. However, in the Malayan States a fly was found which preyed upon a moth very similar to the Levuana, and happily a supply of larvae was safely conveyed to (Suva. Although the fiy 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 states that tfio 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 result-; ed that the official inysetorium has been closed and all remaining flies released. It is believed that ail needed supplies can now easily be obtained from the trees round Suva. Colonies will be sent to Ovalau, being placed ewy five miles, in an endeavour to thoroughly control the pest, which is bad on that island.