57 
they usually chewed wp before flying far. The Department asparagus 
patch was seldom free from the w — which never left the plants with- 
out securing a victim. 
Nehallena (Agrion) posita Hagen.—Specimens of this little dragon- 
fly were noticed during July flying about Crioceris-infested plants, and 
one that was watched flew into the asparagus patch and seized a small 
larva and flew off with it. 
Calocoris chenopodii, a European capsid bug, has been noticed by H. 
Lueas (see Insect Life, Vol. I, p. 61) sucking the larva of Crioceris 
asparagi in France. C.rapidus, a common native species, is not uncom- 
mon in asparagus beds here. 
Myobia pumila, Macq., a European tachinid, appears to be the only 
parasitic enemy known to affect Crioceris. It develops in the Crioceris 
larva, but is not known to oceur in this country. In Europe it is 
believed to be an important factor in reducing the numbers of its host 
(l. ¢., pp. 62, 63). 
THE TWELVE-SPOTTED ASPARAGUS BEETLE. 
(Crioceris 12-punctata Linn.) 
This species did not appear at Cabin John, Md., until the first week 
of May, a week later than the common species, and even then was 
found in only small numbers. This may or may not have any signifi- 
cance, but it is not improbable considering the habits of these beetles - 
that the common species is habitually the earlier arrival. 
The egg and oviposition.—In previous years nothing was learned of 
the oviposition of this species. Captured beetles refused to lay when 
confined for the purpose, and the eggs could not be found in the field. 
The present year yielded better suecess. Eggs were not found until 
nearly a month after the first appearance of the beetle, and it is possible 
that the beetles wait some time for the development of the berries 
before depositing on them, since the first eggs were observed May 31. 
These were laid on their sides in a vial in which a female had been 
placed. Subsequently eggs were obtained in jars containing fresh 
sprays of asparagus, and still later in the experimental beds connected 
with this office. 
The eggs are deposited singly and by preference upon old plants, 
toward the ends of shoots which lower down bear ripening berries. 
They are always attached along their sides instead of at one end, as is 
the case with C. asparagi; not infrequently by two sides, so that the egg 
lies between two leaves; but more often they are attached along one 
side only. The total number deposited by a single individual is prob- 
ably the same, as is also the number deposited at one time of deposi- 
tion. A female kept over night had deposited 9 eggs, evidently all 
within a short time of each other, judging by their appearance. One 
