28 IV. Dzvight Pierce 



VIII. About the 21st of August the transforming generations 

 commence to mature. In a few days they are very active, vis- 

 iting the flowers for nourishment. During this period fertiliza- 

 tion takes place. 



IX. During the first part of August there are three generations 

 of Myodites — the fertilizing adults, which are ovipositing, their 

 offspring, and the alternating brood which is in the holes, about 

 ready to emerge. 



X. Certain reasons for the abundance of Myodites seem very 

 plausible. 



1. The host is in its prime in this locality. Epinomia trian- 

 gulifera occurs at West Point, Neb., Lincoln, Neb., western Kan- 

 sas, and New Mexico. In Nebraska it is most numerous at 

 Lincoln. Its only parasite of much importance is Myodites, and 

 its greatest enemy is Cicindela. Helianthus is in abundance, as 

 are also good breeding places. These breeding places are free 

 from cultivation or any artificial disturbances, being subject only 

 to floods. Abundance of host provides for the abundance of 

 parasites. 



2. The food plant is not distant from the holes. The insects 

 are only found on Solidago in the vicinity of the holes. 



3. No enemies except Cicindela have been noted. The only 

 apparent dangers to the triunguloids are miscarriage, that is, 

 attachment to insects which will not conduct them to the holes, 

 and complete lack of carriers (this is not likely). 



4. All data seem to point to the carrying of the triunguloids 

 by their own species to the holes of their hosts. The carrier is 

 merely an inquiline, while the triunguloid is a parasite. Since 

 Myodites is the most numerous Solidago insect, the probability 

 is that a large proportion of the triunguloids therefore reach 

 their proper destination. 



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