Forest entomology

Abstract

The sal Longicorn, Hoplocerambyx spinicornis, Newm., was studied under insectary conditions, and an outbreak of this borer, which resulted in the death of 7, 000 sal trees, was investigated in January and February 1917, remedial measures being planned for 1918. Systematic work on the early stages of Aeolesthes holosericea, Fairm, , and of associated Longicorns of the genera Xylotrechus and Chlorophorus attacking sal has been carried out and the life-cycles have been determined in the insectary. The identification of large numbers of shot-hole borers, Longicorns and Lepidoptera infesting sal-logs is in progress.Breeding work in the insectary yielded a, series of Microlepidopterous parasites of the chir-pine scale. Ripersia resinophila, Green, among which are the new species: - Batrachedra silvatica, Meyr., Blastobasis transcripta, Meyr., and Stathmopoda adulatrix, Meyr., and consignments received yielded Promolactis cornigera, Meyr. Observations in chir plantations indicate that the trees are killed off by the successive attacks of the blister fungus, Aecidium complanatum var. corticola, and the weevil, Cryptorrhynchus brandisi.Two new Arctiid defoliators of toon (Cedrela toona [Toona ciliata]), Diacrisia obliqua [Spilarctia obliqua], Wlk., and Creatonotus transiens, Wlk., were recorded; an investigation into the life-history of Hypsipyla robusta was completed, and measures for its control in avenues and plantations successfully demonstrated.The following new pests and new hosts of known pests were recorded or identified during the year: - Coleoptera: - Tiberioides kuwerti, Arr., a borer of Juglans regia; Holotrichia longipennis, Bl., defoliating Quercus incana [Quercus leucotrichophora] in the Punjab; Heterobostrychus aequalis, Waterh. boring into newly felled timber of Odina modier in Burma; Stromatium barbatum, attacking plants of Sterculia alata and Pongamia glabra in the Research Institute Museum, Dehra Dun; Hoplocerambyx spinicornis, Newm., boring into newly felled timber of Shorea obtusa in Burma; Sipalus hypocrita, Boh., boring into newly felled timber of Pinus khasya; and Pachymerus (Caryoborus) gonagra, Ol., attacking the seeds of Prosopis juliflora.Lepidoptera: - Trabala vishnu, Lef., a defoliator of Quercus incana; Acrocercops loxias, Meyr., bred from leaves of Eugenia jambolana [Syzygium cumini]; and Sitotroga cerealella, Ol., injurious to bamboo seeds.