INJURIOUS INSECTS 



Fig. 43. SEED-CORN MAGGOT. 

 a, Larva ; fo, Pupa. 



THE SEED-CORN MAGGOT. 

 (Anthomyia zeas, Riley). 



This maggot is shown, enlarged, at figure 42, a, the 

 line directly underneath giving the natural size. It 

 greatly resembles the Onion mag- 

 gots, which are known to attack 

 the onion in this country, and its 

 work on corn is similar to that of 

 this last named maggot on the 

 onion; for it excoriates and gnaws 

 into the seed-corn as shown in 

 figure 43, and finally causes such seed to rot. 



After having become full fed, these maggots usually 

 leave the kernels for the surrounding earth, where they 

 contract into smooth, hard, light-brown pupae, of the 

 size and form of fig. 42, #, and in about a week afterwards 

 the perfect fly pushes open a little cap at the anterior 

 end, and issues forth to the light of day. In this state 

 it is a two-winged fly belonging to the Order Diptera, and 

 quite inconspicuous in its markings and appearance. 



It is difficult to suggest a remedy for this pest, as its 

 presence is not observed before the mischief is done. 

 Hot water has been found ef- 

 fectual in killing the Onion 

 maggot, without injuring the 

 onions, and would doubtless 

 prove as effectual for this Corn 

 maggot, where a few hills of 

 some choice variety are attack- 

 ed, which it is very desirable to save. But its application- 

 in a large field, even if one knew where to apply it, would 

 be impracticable, and I can only suggest soaking the seed 

 before planting, in gas-tar or copperas, and hope that the 

 experiment will be tried by those of our Eastern friends 

 who have suffered from this maggot. 



Fig. 43. MAGGOTS AT WORK. 



