INSECTS AFFECTING GRAINS, GRASSES, FORAGE 107 



The common Flesh-fly (Sarcophaga carnaria Linn.), Fig. 77, is 

 also very destructive, though largely a scavenger. 



FIG. 76. Two tachina-flies. (Exorista leucnnice Kirk, and E. flavicauda 

 Riley). (After Riley.) 



But of all the insects attacking locusts, the Blister-beetles, 

 which, unfortunately, are often known to us as very injurious 

 to various garden crops, are 

 probably of the most value. 

 The. female beetle deposits 

 from four to five hundred of 

 her yellowish eggs in irregular 

 masses in loose ground, and 

 in about ten days there hatch 

 from these eggs some " very 

 active, long - legged larvae, 

 with huge heads and strong 



FIG. 77. Common flesh-fly (Sarco- 

 phaga carnaria Linn.): a, larva; b, 

 pupa ; c, fly. Hair-lines show natural 

 size. (After Riley.) 



jaws, which run about everywhere seeking the eggs of locusts." 

 Each of these larvae will consume one of the masses or about 



1C VW&4 

 FIG. 78. Various stages of a blister-beetle (Epicauta vittata). (After Riley.) 



thirty eggs. The subsequent life history of these insects is very 

 complicated on account of their peculiar habits, but the various 

 stages are shown in Fig. 78. 



