CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF COMMON INSECTS 25 1 



A few forms are injurious in the larval stage. The Corn-feeding 

 Syrphid Fly {Meso gramma politus) feeds on pollen grains and at the 

 axils of the leaves of corn, producing a wilting and browning of the 

 lower leaves. It has been reported from several states. 



Merodon equestris and Eumerus strigatus are pests of the onion, 

 narcissus and amaryUis. The larvae burrow into the bulbs. 



Certain species, Eristalis spp., produce myiasis in man and some 

 of the domestic animals. The eggs are laid, singly or in masses, on or 

 near the food upon which the larvas feed, the exact location and number 

 depending upon the habits of the species. "They are chalk- white, 

 shiny, elongate-ovate or subcylindrical with rounded ends, J-^s inch 

 long and ^^^5 inch wide. Under the microscope each egg may be seen 

 to be delicately and beautifully sculptured " 



The larvae vary also according to the habits of the species. They 

 are "headless, footless, blind creeping maggots." They breathe by 

 spiracles near the fore and hind ends of the body. They are \<2, inch 

 long when full grown. 



Narcissus Fly {Merodon equestris F.). — A ser'ous pest of narcissus 

 and daffodil bulbs in British Columbia. 



Adult. — A fly resembling the house-fly; March-September, most 

 common in May, when it begins to breed. 



Eggs. — ^Laid in the centre of crown at surface of the ground. 



Larva. — Found in centre of bulb which is often destroyed. Leaves 

 bulb in February and pupates 3-^ inch below the surface of the ground. 

 Three-fourth to i inch length. 



SIMULIIDiE (BLACK FLIES, BUFFALO GNATS, TURKEY GNATS) 



Several species of Simulium are very troublesome pests in our 

 northern woods, occurring in immense numbers in the vicinity of 

 running water. The females have well developed piercing and sucking 

 mouth-parts and their punctures are painful, with effusion of blood. 

 Black Flies have stout black humped bodies and are small, not more 

 than 1^ inch in length. They are most numerous in early spring and 

 are considered by travellers worse pests than mosquitoes. They are 

 active in the day-time, especially in bright sunshine. 



The eggs are laid in patches on stones or other objects under running 

 water. The larvae are aquatic and gregarious; they are long and slender, 



