226 



DISEASES AND ENEMIES OF BEES 



and other western States. In the vicinity of Denver it has 

 several times been introduced, only to disappear within a short 

 time, apparently being unable to live in the high and dry 

 atmosphere of that region. It is more destructive in the warmer 

 parts of the country than in the northern sections where the 

 season is not so long. 



The adult is an inconspicuous little moth of grayish color, 

 quick to take flight on the opening of the hive (Fig. 102). They 

 remain secluded during the day unless disturbed, but are appar- 

 ently very active after 

 nightfall. The eggs are 

 laid in crevices in or 

 about the hive where the 

 larvae can readily find 

 their way to the combs. 

 The insect is very pro- 

 lific and once a weak 

 colony becomes infested 

 the total destruction of 

 the combs may be com- 

 pleted in but a short 



Fig. 107. — The robber fly. (After Washburn.) T)eriod of time 



Concerning the laying, Paddock ^ says : 



In the cages where empty comb was supplied, the eggs were always 

 laid in cavities and if possible in such cavities as were well protected. Only 

 one egg is deposited at a time, thougli in working over a small piece of 

 comb the eggs may be placed close together, apparently in masses. The 

 eggs are always securely glued to their resting place; usually the shell 

 will break before the egg is loosened. The number of eggs deposited by 

 one female has not been ascertained but moths wliich had not deposited 

 eggs were killed and the eggs in their ovaries counted. The average num- 

 ber of eggs counted was 1014. The time consumed in laying the full quota 

 of eggs varies with the generation, averaging nine days in the first and 

 seven days in the second. 



^Mien first hatched the larvae are white and very small. They 



burrow into the combs at once. The larval period is spent in 



^ Observations on the Bee Moth, Journal of Economic Entomology, vol. 

 vii, No. 2. 



