UNSOUNDNESS OF GRAIN BY INSECTS. 145 



(Stnea Gronella). (In Fig. 19 we give a drawing of the 

 Fi" 19 caterpillar and of the moth, natural size). Mr. 

 Curtis says that this moth is completely esta- 

 blished in Britain, as well as in every part of 

 Europe. The late Dr. Harris says, that from 

 various statements, deficient, however, in exact- 

 ness > ne was l e( ^ to believe that this insect, or 

 an insect exactly like it in its habits, prevails 

 in all parts of the country. Since its existence is quite 

 established in America, and its known habits are such that 

 it may at any time appear in destructive numbers in Canada, 

 a notice here of its general appearance and peculiarities 

 will not be out of place. From April till August the 

 moth is found in granaries or magazines, resting by day on 

 the walls and beams, and flying about only at night, un- 

 less disturbed. The female lays one or two eggs on each 

 grain of wheat, until she has deposited thirty or more. 

 They require the assistance of a magnifying glass in order 

 that they may be distinguished. The small white worms 

 penetrate grain and close up the aperture with their round- 

 ish white excrement, which is held together by a fine web. 

 When a single grain is not sufficient for its nourishment 

 the larva unites a second grain to the first by the same 

 web, and thus ultimately adds together a great number. 

 In August and September they arrive at maturity, when 

 they leave their wheat heaps and seek for a place in which 

 to undergo their metamorphosis. They form cocoons by 

 working bits of wood into their web, in any chink of the 

 floor, walls, or roof. These cocoons look like grains of 

 wheat dusted over. They assume a chrysalis state in 

 March, April, and May, according to the season. In two 

 or three weeks they take the form of the perfect -insect 

 or moth. The following remedies are suggested by Mr. 

 Curtis : Floor of granary scoured with soft soap and well 

 brushed with a stiff broom, roof and beams whitewashed. 

 The moths maybe destroyed in spring by burning lights 

 or lamps in the granaries where they abound. All cracks 

 in the floor or walls should be stopped with plaster of Paris, 



