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. 
Fic. 270.— The Clover Fic. 271. — Work of the Wheat Midge. 
Seed-caterpillar. Adult, Enlarged to three times natural size. 
enlarged and _ natural Original. 
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 shrunken, 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, gnatlike 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. 
