oO SMITH'S CHRYSANTHEMUM MANUAL 



large wings are reticulated with a network of ribs to strengthen the thin 

 -and transparent tissues. This lace-like reticulation is the source of its 

 common name "lace wing." The larvae is one-half inch long and nearly or 

 quite black in color. 



In the larvae state it will be seen traversing the young shoots and 

 leaves where the aphis are usually most abundant. When within reach 

 It seizes its prey with two horny, jaw-like appendages to hold it secure and 

 then thrusts its proboscis, or bill, into the aphis body extracting the juice 



I 



m 



FIG. 26. LACE-WINGED FLY. SHOWING LARVAE AND MATURE STAGES. 



the same as the mosquito operates, when the lifeless shell is released and 

 the larva? proceeds to its next victim. 



Chrysanthemum Fly This insect closely resembles our honey-bee, al- 

 though a trifle larger. When on the wing it makes a similar humming 

 sound but can be handled with impunity, as it cannot sting. It makes its 

 appearance with the first chrysanthemum flowers arid disappears at the 

 close of the flowering season. 



It cannot be considered a foe or friend, its sole object being to gather 

 bee-bread from the more single flowers. It has been used for the purpose 

 of raising seed, being an excellent agent in fertilizing flowers, as it contin- 

 ually roams from one flower to another. Seed thus obtained cannot be con- 

 sidered very valuable, inasmuch as they never visit flowers that are fully 

 double and the results thus obtained would be degenerative rather than 

 progressive. 



