PROC. ENT. SOC. WASH., VOL. 20, NO. 6, JUNE, 1918 117 



The first early morning flight occurred on March 9, this swarm 

 was more noticeable in the jungle than in open spaces. The water 

 on the prairies was low and it was very dry, the temperature ranging 

 from 80 to 86F. for the last twenty days. The flies were not in 

 evidence on the Everglades. There was very little stock within a 

 distance of 9 miles and the flies were not bothering horses and mules 

 but a fewwere following automobiles on the road. 



From March 10 to 16 the flight was noted to occur daily lasting 

 from fifteen to nineteen minutes; the brighter the dawn, the longer 

 and more pronounced was the flight. The flies were increasing in 

 numbers, the flight being much more pronounced than on March 9. 



On March 10 was out before the flight began; the weather was 

 foggy and cool, hence the swarm was late. After the first fly 

 began hovering the flight increased very rapidly until the height 

 was reached, was steady for about seven minutes, than gradually 

 diminished. Numerous flies were noted making a "zippiim" 

 noise as if just expanding their wings for the first flight in the 

 grass and ferns. 



There w r as a light rain during the night and very cool, 58F. at 

 dawn, on March 11. The flight was late and lasted only twelve 

 minutes; it was not as strong as on the 9th and 10th, due to cool 

 and wet conditions. 



On the 17th and 18th the flight continued to grow stronger but 

 had not yet been as loud as in the height of the season of 1917. 

 Tabanus atratus Fabr. made its first appearance. Deerflies 

 (Chrysops) were in evidence but not numerous. 



There was a good rain during the night and the morning of the 

 19th was clear and bright. The flight lasted thirteen minutes and 

 ceased more abruptly than on cloudy or foggy mornings. During 

 the day adults were common along trails in the hammock and w r ere 

 quite persistent in following one and circling around. 



March 20. There had been a heavy rain during the night and 

 it continued to drizzle in the morning. The flies did not swarm. 

 There was a heavy downpour in the afternoon. 



There was a very strong flight on the 21st. The flies continue! [ 

 to increase in numbers. Very few wen 1 biting human beings this 

 season; they were observed on trees and the undersides of leaves 

 during the day. Adults w r ere also observed feeding on the flowers 

 of sweet bay (Tamala pubescens) and inkwood (Exothea paniculata ) . 

 Horses and mules had to be protected with burlap. The flies 

 were collecting in the tops of automobiles to the extent of making 

 it uncomfortable for the occupants. 



From March 22 to 24 the flight was normal; the flies were daily 

 increasing in numbers; swarms were following autos, lighting inside 

 the tops and were a great nuisance. The flies were UK ire aggressive 

 in the woods. When screen doors were left open, giv:it number- 



