34 JOURXAI- OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 9 



were both o])served killing workers. The coninion horned-toads 

 (Phrynosoma cornutum Harlan), upon examination of their stomach 

 contents, were found to have eaten numbers of molesta workers. In 

 a single stomach of a skink (Eumeces sp.), one molesta worker was 

 found. A small mite (Hypoaspis sp.y which is probably ectoparasitic 

 was repeatedly taken on workers, queens, and eggs. No endoparasites 

 are known. 



Methods of Control 



The earlier investigations of this ant brought out the fact that the 

 ants ceased to seriously injure the plants shortly after the seed germi- 

 nated and that the measures of control must be of such a nature as to 

 protect the seed between the time of planting and germination or to 

 hasten germination, or both. A' general study was made in 1912 of 

 the agricultural methods practiced in planting sorghum crops, partic- 

 ularly as to the preparation of the seed bed and the manner and time 

 of planting. A large number of farmers were interviewed, forty or 

 more fields were examined, and many experiments were conducted. 



From the data thus collected four methods of procedure were sug- 

 gested for the protection of the seed between the time of planting and 

 germination. These were fall plowing, early planting, surface plant- 

 ing, and treatment of the seed with some repellent. 



Fall Plowing. — Fall plowing or listing aids in preventing ant in- 

 jury by putting the ground in better condition for the germination of 

 the seed. It allows the soil to accumulate more moisture and makes 

 it much easier to prepare a seed bed in the spring. Every measure 

 which tends to hasten germination reduces the amount of ant injury. 

 This practice will also break up any nests of Solenopsis molesta that 

 may be in the field. 



Early Planting. — During 1911 and 1912, it was noticeable that 

 all reports of injury were coming from late planted fields while the 

 early planted fields showed practically no injury. Field investigations 

 at this time, together with the general experience of the farmers con- 

 sulted, brought out the fact that early planted seed was rarely if ever 

 materially injured, especially if it was surface planted. In all the 

 fields where injury was reported during these two years, it was found 

 that the crop had been sown after May 20 and in many cases as late 

 as June 1. The established time for planting kafir in southern Kansas, 

 as determined by the Kansas Experiment Station and the United 

 States Department of Agriculture, is about ten days after corn plant- 

 ing time or about May 10. It has been the custom throughout much 

 of southern Kansas to put off kafir planting until the last thing. 



^ Determined by Nathan Banks. 



