218 



PESTS OF GARDEN AND FIELD CROPS 



In control, make the first cutting of hay early in June, while the 

 caterpillars are still in the heads, and store this hay as soon as pos- 

 sible. Pasture clover fields in the fall. Plant new fields remote from 

 old ones. Plow up old fields in the fall or early spring, and in the 

 spring harrow and roll. 



Fig. 270. — The Clover 

 Seed-caterpillar. Adult, 

 enlarged and natural 

 size. Original. 



Fig. 271. — Work of the Wheat Midge. 

 Enlarged to three times natural size. 

 Original. 



The Wheat Midge {Itonida (Contarinia) tritici Kby.) 



The " red weevil " is another common name of this insect. When 

 it is present in large numbers in the heads of wheat, oats, or rye, it 

 gives them a pinkish tinge. The damage is done by a tiny pink mag- 

 got, which feeds on the forming kernel, within the protection of the 

 glumes. As a result of its work the ripe kernel is slirunken, and the 

 yield, especially of wheat, seriously reduced. 



When mature, the maggot falls to the ground, spins a delicate cocoon, 

 and remains there until the next spring, when the tiny, gnathke adult 

 comes out, ready to lay eggs again on the forming heads. 



Fall plowing is an effective remedy. Instead of this the stubble 

 may be burned over. If clover is growing in the stubble, burn in winter 

 when the ground is frozen, so that the roots may not be injured. 



