Entomological notes

Abstract

In the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, foliage pests of the coco-nuts are of greater economic importance limit all the other pests combined. In the previous issue of this Gazette the depredations of the Coco-nut Leaf Hopper (Sexava spp.) and also the research work on the problem of this pest were discussed.

The next in importance of the coco-nut foliage pests are the two beetles Promecotheca antiqua, Wse., and Brontispa froggatti, Sharp., belonging to the family Hispidae, a group of the Chrysomelidae.

Plesispa ruficollis, Speeth., and Oxycephala papuana, Gerst., have been collected in numbers (in the Manus District only, to date) both by themselves and in association with B. froggatti, and causing similar damage.

Oxycephala cornigera, Guer., has been collected in the opening spear of young coco-nuts but is comparatively rare, and its importance as an economic species has not yet been determined.