34 



BULLETIN 191, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ACRHTI.TURE. 



ther and further back for a distance of from one-half to three-quar- 

 ters of the length of the egg. The pointed tip of the egg remains 

 uninjured. The eggshell completely collapses as soon as the larva has 

 entirely withdrawn. 



Fig. 3. — The melon fly : Newly hatched larva, showing absence of anterior spiracles 

 and main tracheal system. Enlarged. (Original.) 



Fig. 4. — The melon fly ; Mandibles or mouth hooks of larva, a, First instar ; b, second 

 instar ; c, tbird instar. Enlarged. (Original.) 



THE LARVA. 



DESCRIPTION. 



The larva in all instars is pure glistening white, except as appear- 

 ances are altered by the color of the various host fruits within the 

 alimentary canal. The larva passes through three instars, which 



