354 



STATE BOAIID OF AGKICULTUKE. 



we need have no fears of this enemy. Yet even then caution as to handling 

 aud storing comb is requisite, and feo I >vill sjjeak of this enemy of the apiarist. 

 It is certahi that hirv??, the so-called worms, chrysalids, or pupre, and the 

 fully matured moths, and possibly eggs, exist through the winter. In April 

 and May, and even into June, the moths will come forth. Those which survive 

 the winter appear first, then those which develop from the pupa, afterwards 

 those which come from the larvse, and, lastly, those which come from eggs, pro- 

 are laid in autumn. These moths (Fig. 10) are 



vidino- 





gray, with a dark stripe on their backs, and while at rest their 

 wings are folded roof -like on their backs. The female is the 

 larger, and has the more projecting snout, more properly palpi. 

 (These moths belong to the family of snout moths — Pyralidw.) 

 After pairing, the female lays her one or two hundred eggs. 

 Fig. 10. probably on the comb, though some think any where about the 



entrance of the hives, or along the bottom. In a week or two, depending on 

 the temperature, these Q-gg^ hatch. The larva (Fig. 20), which is a dirty 

 white with a brown head, constructs a silken gallery, 

 which it extends as its growth and needs require, and m 

 which it feeds upon the comb or vrax, whicli serves it for 

 food. In from three to five weeks it attains its full -pio. 20. 



growth and changes to a chrysalis in a cocoon of dirty silk, whicli it has previ- 

 ously sjiun. In about two weeks the moth again comes forth, and prepares for 

 a second brood. So, while I think there are really but two broods a season, 

 still the moths may be seen during every month of the season from April to 

 winter. 



The moths are nocturnal, and are attracted both by lights and sweets. Dur- 

 ing the day they may be seen about the hive or store rooms, and though not 

 concealed, are often quite unobserved, owing to their obscure colors. 



The fact that frames and honev-boxes of comb removed from the hives of 

 strong colonies to a secure place are often attacked by the larvae, has led some 

 to suppose that the eggs of the moth are laid about the hive, and carried, by 

 adhering to the bees, to all parts. Unless an occasional moth steals in and 

 plants her seeds of mischief, despite the most strong and Avary colony, it would 

 seem that this must be true. 



REMEDIES. 



Pay no heed to moth-proof hives. They are worse than useless. Make the 

 hives well, so that there shall be no crevices in whicli the insects can pupate. 

 But the sure preventive is to keep strong colonies, always possessed of queens ; 



yea, of 



good. 



fertile, prolific queens, and no one need fear. As we have seen, 



Vessels of syrup placed 



this is the only wise course for many other reasons. 

 about the hives at night will catch the moths. 



Combs not in use should be kept in moth-j^roof boxes, closely watched, and if 

 attacked, should be exposed to the fumes of burning sulphur. Iloney-boxes 

 containing honey, though not often disturbed, may need similar treatment. 



OTHER ENEMIES. 



The kingbird or bee-martin often preys upon both drones and neuters. Yet 

 these birds are very valuable as insect-destroyers, and, so far as I have observed, 

 never do suificient harm to the apiarist to merit the death warrant. 



The same may be said of the toads, which may often be seen sitting demurely 

 at the entrance of the hives, and lapping up the full-laden bees with the light- 



