THE WHITE PINE BORER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3115, 11 January 1911, Page 7

THE WHITE PINE BORER.

REPORTED DISCOVERY OF AN

ENEMY

In connection with the reported discovery at Akaroa of an insect that is the enemy of the white pine borer, fnrthei particulars show that Mr. J. Bruce, of Aylmer’s Valley, noticed the borer being destroyed by a small insect. It was observed that as he new comer increased in numbers the borer decreased. The matter was mentioned to Mr T. E. Taylor, M.P., who has a cottage at Akaroa, and he finds that owing to-the insect, or some other cause, the borer has disappeared from places, in the timber where formally, judging by the little dust heaps it piled up, it was very plentiful. The cottage at present, in fact, seems to he almost clear of the nuisance. He took specimens of the insect to Christchurch. It is a.small, .active, little creature, with strong wings, which enable it to fly well, and it has besides two antennae, a thin needle-shaped caudel appendage longer than its body, and this, according to Mr Bruce’s observations, in inserts into the burrow made by tlie borer. Mr Taylor feels that the insect’s habits are worth inquiring into, in order to ascertain if it really does the good work with which it is credited.