Howard, it was determined by Mr. J. C. Crawford as a species of 

 Tetrastichus, the species not being ascertainable from its poor con- 

 dition. 



For a week or so these parasites could be found in the field, but 

 after that time no more were discovered till July 12, when a single 

 individual was captured. At this time there were almost no eggs 

 present and but very few of the grubs of the beetle, the next 

 brood not having made its appearance. If we consider the 

 great abundance of the eggs in June, the scarcity of the grubs in 

 July would at least suggest that we have a very effective parasite, 

 for no treatment for the beetle had been given to the field, and the 

 weather during the month has been favorable for its preservation. 



The fly averages about 2^4 millimeters long, varying from slightly 

 over 2 to nearly 3 millimeters. Its body is a metallic green, brightest 

 on the abdomen, more blu.sh on the head and thorax, and when the 

 sun strikes upon it is very noticeable for this reason. 



This parasite has also appeared this spring at Concord, Mass., 

 where it seems to have been equally effective, for though the beetles 

 were very abundant early in June and laid many eggs, very few 

 grubs could be found in the fields the last of the month. One of 

 the observers at Concord reports seeing the parasite occasionally 

 attack the eggs with its mouthparts, consuming the contents of the 

 eggs. The writer has not observed this, and considering the small 

 size of the parasite and the ease with which one end of the body 

 might be mistaken for the other without the aid of a magnifying 

 glass, it would seem very desirable to verify this observation. 



We may conclude from the above that an egg parasite of the as- 

 paragus beetle has now appeared, and promises to be an effective 

 agent in the control of this pest. 



