MOTH IN STRANGE HAUNTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19061, 4 July 1925, Page 12

MOTH IN STRANGE HAUNTS.

SOUTH ISLAND VISITOR. PREVIOUSLY CONFINED TO NORTH Many people were interested to observe laufc summer what was apparently b new species of moth in Marlborough, and many questions were asked in relation to it. The insect, which was of remarkable size, was beautifully proportioned and, with its well-shaped body and wide wingspread, it was obviously a powerful flyer. In tho twilight, the presence of tho moth could be detected by the humming sound, like the purr of some far-distant aeroplane, created by its wing vibrations. A number of specimens fell victims to curious observers and a close examination of tho moth invariably resulted in exclamations respecting its great size.

This stranger to Marlborough -became known as the hawk moth, but according to Mr. A. F. O'Donoghue it is known to entomologists as Sphinx Convolvioli. It is a rare specimen and has invaded the northern parts of the South Island only during the past season. The discovery of this new moth in Marlborough was discussed by the Seddon branch of the Farmers' Union at a meeting about a month ago, when it was decided to seek Mr. O'Donoghue's opinion on the subject. At a meeting of the branch on Monday night at Seddon a letter was read from Mr. O'Donoghue in which he said:—

".Two.fine specimens were sent, to me from your district, while dozens were sent in from all parts of Marlborough and one specimen ct>mo to hand from Greymouth.

" This moth belongs to semi-tropical climates and has. really not flourished to any great extent south of the Auckland district. In all probability its introduction into this district, came about through the larva being concealed in bulbs of earth attached to imported plants, such as lemon or orange trees; or possibly it might have been a flight invasion from the north by the perfect insect (the moth itselfj). Seeing that the moth is bo, far removed from its native haunts it is doubtful if it will become well established in this' district where 1 the Winter frosts are so heavy, and I would not be surprised : if scarcely a specimen were observed next season. On the other hand, they plight flourish as the pupa is subterranean and to some extent would bo protected from the.frost. The perfect insect appears from the earth, during November and December.

" Tho point, I suppose, which concerns the farmer most, is - the operation of the caterpillar—'is it destructive in -the corn fields ? I have seen one caterpillar only that was dug from the earth at Riversdale. It was about three inches in longth and almost as-thick as ono's little finger. This caterpillar has not proved destructive to farmers in the north, but wo do not know what form its food will take down here. If it is still in evidence nekt year I will study it more closely, and if well established I would advocate the introduction of the magpie as a means of destroying the larva while it is in the sartb."