THE MELON" FLY. 
11 
Figures 1 and 10 show a common condition found in watermelon 
fields. The female fly usually chooses the growing tip of the runners 
in which to lay her eggs. In making a place in the vine for her eggs 
she practically severs the tip of the vine so that it may fail to grow 
Fig. 10. — Succulent watermelon vine sectioned to expose five well-grown larvae of tbe 
melon fly which have eaten out the interior, causing the vine to wither and die hack 
to the point of original infestation. (Authors' illustration.) 
^ beyond the point of injury. The growing end of the vine, however, 
usually is ruined, for, if the egg-laying process does not cause serious 
damage, the larvae hatching, numbering from 2 to 10, begin to feed 
and bring about a hasty destruction. Figure 1 shows the drooping, 
