NOTES ON INSECTS. 121 



Rat-tail Larva, the maggot of a species of two winged fly 

 which has a long tail-like appendage to the body, was received 

 for examination. 



These maggots live in water or liquid decaying organic mat- 

 ter. So say the books. The long tube like a tail is used as a 

 respiratory organ. One of the specimens received was taken 

 in chip dirt on the floor of a wood-shed. It would seem that 

 they also live in dry situations and put the tube to the surface 

 of the debris to breathe. 



From one of the specimens came a large yellowish brown 

 fly. These flies live on the pollen of flowers and are often seen 

 about flowers during the summer. 



The Horn Fly continues to be reported but seems to be on 

 the decrease in Maine. 



The Buffalo Beetle is spreading. We have had word of 

 it from several new localities the past season. 



The Pigeon Tremex is doing considerable damage to maple 

 and other shade trees in some parts of the State. 



Ptinus Fir, a small beetle, was reported as badly infesting a 

 bag of timothy seed. The bag had been hanging in a finished 

 room from May until the following March. When examined, 

 thousands of the beetles were found. This is an introduced 

 species from Europe. Probably a few got in before the seed 

 was hung up, and multiplied. 



