BUPREST1D-BEETLES. 



55 



in figure 63 the upper side of the anterior swollen portion of the 

 body is shown. Whether this larva requires one or two seasons 

 to reach maturity has not yet been determined with certainty, but 

 the opinion prevails that its transformations have been com- 

 pleted in a single year. 



"Remedies. — One might reasonably suppose that this larva, 

 in its snug retreat, would be safe from the attack of outside foes , 

 but it is hunted and devoured by wood-peckers, and also de- 

 stroyed by insect parasites. A very small fly, a species of Chalcid, 

 destroys many of the larvae; besides two larger parasites have 

 been bred from them , one of which, Bracon charus Riley, is rep- 



Fig. 64. — Bracon charus, Riley. Alter Riley. 



resented magnified in Fig. 64, the hair-lines at the side showing 

 its natural size. The other species, Cryptus grallator Say, is 

 somewhat larger; they both belong to that very useful group of 

 four-winged flies known as Ichneumons. 



"Although healthy, well-established trees are not exempt 

 from the attack of this enemy, it is found that sickly trees, or 

 trees newly transplanted are more liable to suffer, especially on 

 the southwest side, where the bark is often first injured by expo- 

 sure to the sun, resulting in what is called sun-scald. All trees 

 should be carefully examined early in the fall, when the young 



