286 



INSECTS INFESTING WHEAT. 



" When the wheat is in l>lossom the females lay their eggs 



within the chaffy scales of the flowers, in clusters of from two 



to fifteen or more. In eight or ten days the eggs disclose the 



transparent maggot, which, with age, becomes orange-colored, 



Fig. 274. ^^^ when fully grown (Fig. 273) measures about 



one line and a half long. 



[Fig. 274. — A green kernel of wheat infested 

 by the larv£e, or maggots of the wheat midge — 

 color of larva, orange.] 



" They crowd around the germ of the wheat 

 (Fig. 274), which by pressure becomes shriveled 

 and aborted. At the end of July, and in the 

 beginning of August, the maggots become full fed, and in a 

 few days cast their skins ; shortly after this — and sometimes 

 before it — they descend to the ground, which they enter to the 

 depth of about an inch ; here each one spins around its body 

 a minute silken cocoon. They remain in their cocoons un- 

 changed during the Winter, and 

 are changed to pup:r the follow- 

 ing .June. 



[Fig. 275.-Wheat Midge,female, 

 •enlarged and natural size — color, 

 bright orange. ] 



" When tlie perfect fly is al)out 

 to issue, file \n\\rd works its way 

 to the surface ; this usually oc- 

 curs in June or July. The fly 

 (Fig. 273 and 275) is of an orange- 

 yellow color, with long slender 

 legs, and two transparent wings ; 

 the antenna^ of the female are 

 twelve-jointed, Avhile those of the mal(^ are twenty-four jointed." 

 liK.MEDiES. — Use Nos. 20 and 50. 



Fig. 275. 



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