Pyralidae 



and frequently leaves the stalk at one place and enters at another, 

 making several holes in the course of its growth. When ready 

 to transform, it burrows to the surface, making a hole for the 

 exit of the future moth, and transforms to the pupa state. There 

 are several generations in the course of a season, and the insect 

 hibernates in the larval state within the stalks." 



The fact that the insect makes its home in the winter months 

 in the dry stalks furnishes the means for most effectually com- 

 bating its attacks. The remedy is found in destroying the 

 stalks, either by burning 

 them or by gathering them 

 up and feeding them to live 

 stock. It is well known 

 that where crops are ro- 

 tated, and the stalks are" 

 not left standing in the 

 fields all winter, the insect 

 does not succeed in inflict- 

 ing much damage. Care- 

 ful and intelligent tillage of 

 the soil, cleanliness in the 

 fields, will do much to pre- 

 vent the increase of these 

 insects, as well as of many 

 other injurious species 

 which might be named. 



FIG. 225. D. saccharalis. a, female, en- 

 larged ; b, wings of male ; c, pupa, enlarged. 

 (After Howard, "Insect Life," Vol. IV, 

 P- 95-) 



In addition to feeding 



upon sugar-cane, sorghum, and corn, it has be,en ascertained 

 that the insect will attack " Gama-grass" (Tripsactim dactyloides), 

 and it is recommended to burn over fields in which this grass 

 grows in proximity to corn-fields. The student who is desirous 

 to know more about this insect may consult the pages of " Insect 

 Life," Vol. IV, p. 95, where Dr. Howard has written at length 

 upon its habits. It is from this article that much of the infor- 

 mation contained in the preceding paragraphs has been drawn. 



SUBFAMILY GALLERIIN/E 



This is a subfamily the larvae of at least one species of which 

 have the remarkable habit of making their abode in the hives of 



405 



