478 The Ohio Naturalist. [Vol. XII, No. 5, 



grayish or yellowish. The bodies are of such a size that one may 

 count about 25 the length of the egg and about 50 around it. 

 transversely. 



Eggs of this species were deposited on braches and leaves of 

 apple at Columbus, the spring of 1911, from about May 8 to May 

 15. As this was a late season, however, oviposition for the first 

 spring generation may usually be expected somewhat earlier. 



Two females taken on May 8, about blossoming apple oviposited 

 late the same day and on the following day. 35 to 40 eggs were 

 deposited by each female. Oviposition, although rapid at times, 

 extended over parts of two days. Apparently at times the hind 

 legs assisted in deposition of the eggs. They are deposited singly 

 sometimes not over a minute apart but usually some little 

 distance away. 



At Cedar Point, Ohio, eggs were found on Phragmites from 

 June 20 to July 10. At Lakevillc, Ohio, on Dock {Rumex sp.) 

 June 1.5-20. 



Duration in the egg stage indoors at a temperature of about 

 90° Fahr. was from 55 to 60 hours. 



On apple these eggs were laid on the smaller, tenderer shoots 

 and on young leaves, the parts most affected by plant lice. On 

 dock they are placed on leaves, on buds, in leaf -axils, or on the 

 stems. On Phragmites the eggs were found on both the under and 

 the upper side of the leaves. On Black Willow along the smaller 

 outer twigs. 



The eggs are deposited on the surface of the twigs and leaves. 

 They lie flat and are glued rather firmly so that sometimes they 

 break before being dislodged. Flies imprisoned in glass jars 

 oviposit mostly on the surface toward the light although twigs or 

 leaves enclosed receive some eggs. 



The eggs of Syrphidee so far as known to me have a rather char- 

 acteristic appearance. The shape and white color may serve to 

 distinguish them from eggs of many other insects. I know of no 

 naked eye characters that are specific. The size of the egg and 

 number and characteristics of the microscopic, sculptured bodies, 

 as described above, may serve to distinguish those of Syrphiis 

 americaniis. 



I have noted no methods of natural protection unless it be the 

 sheltered positions in which they are sometimes placed; nor have 

 I discovered any egg parasites. 



Larva. 



There is a considerable change in appearance and character- 

 istics during the growth of the larva. Just after hatching the 

 characters are as follows (Fig. 45) : Length 1.2 mm., width 0.2 to 

 0.3 mm. Shape sub-cylindrical, smaller anteriorly, not enlarged 

 .medially. Color, light yellow or with a greenish tinge. Body 



