Vigorous Example of our Insect Pests

Forest and Bird, Issue 40, 1 May 1936, Page 7

Vigorous Example of our Insect Pests

‘Uhe Emperor Moth

THE PRESENCE IN NEW ZEALAND of this moth is an ominous circumstance. It belongs to Australia. How did it get here ? Here is an example of the work to de done in minimising the possibility of such pests as this moth, gate-crash-ing to the detriment of

arboriculture and the economic welfare of New Zealand.

Entomologists, with characteristic zeal and energy, are planning to exterminate insect and plant pests, some, such as ragwort, being a positive menace to the Dairy Industry. New comers such as this moth, are arriving periodically without notice, and are allowed to become thoroughly acclimatized before they attract serious attention concerning the possibility of their becoming a menace. Examples are the white butterfly, the cattle-tick, and others. Here is a new possible pest.

The Emperor Moth is an importation from Australia and is now well established in the Wanganui district. This specimen measures 5± in. by 2 in, while its cocoon is 1-J in. by 1 in. The larva feeds on such

plants as the Australian pepper tree and blue gum, and it can bite through the leaf stalk of the former with one bite. When all the Australian plants are consumed what will the larva live on then? That is a question that no entomologist can answer. None can pretend seriously to answer that question for the reason that exotic life must readjust itself, and there is no exact guide or experience on which to base calculations. Hence “economic entomology,” as it is called, spells danger. How are we going to get rid of it ? That is the question—another to be solved.