INSECT LIFE. 



THE CORN-FEEDING SYRPHTJS-FLY. 



(Mesograpta polita Say.) 

 [Order Diptera; family Sykphid.e.] 



lu bis summary of the larval habits of the family Syrphidie,* Dr. 

 Williston makes the following general statement : 



" The principal genera in which the larval habits are known are the 

 following : 



''•Bacclia., JSyrphuSy Splioeroplwria^ Pipiza, Paragus. Larv?e aphid- 

 ophagous, 



^'Mallota, Spilomyia^ XyJota, Brachypalpus^ Pocota, Myiolepta, Chryso- 

 toxum, etc. Larvjiein decaying wood or trees; some of them {^raUota) 

 long, 'rat-tailed.' 



'^GJiiJosia. Larviie living in stems of Cardium, Sonclms, Scroplmlaria, 

 Matricaria, and in fungi [Boletus edulis^ etc.). 



^^Platychirus, Rhingia^ Uristalis, Syritta., Orthoneiira. Larvae in de- 

 caying vegetable matter, manure, or in soft mud impregnated with de- 

 caying vegetable matter. 



'^Bracliyopa, Xylota^ Clirysocldamys^ Ceria. Larvj^e found living in 

 flowing sap of trees. 



^^Crioprora. Bred by Osten-Sacken^ from larvae found under oak 

 bark. 



'■'Microdon. Larvae common in ants' nests. * * * 



'' VoliiceUa. Larvae are parasitic upon Humble Bees, living in their 

 nests." 



It 



Fig. 1.— Mesoouai'IA I'OLITa. a, larva; b, pupa; c, adult— all enlarged (original.) 



* Synopsis of the N. A. Syrphidre (Bull, 31, U. S. National Museum), Washington, 



188G, pp. 270-27-.\ 



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