26 
A large Dipterous parasite was often reared from Boll Worms. They 
most frequently attack tliem later in the season, as only at that time 
were they obtained. 
OTHER NATURAL ENEMIES. 
Boll Worms were scarce in cotton at Shreveport, and the studies 
which had been planned for determining the relation of birds to this 
insect could not be made. Accordingly only a few statements from 
correspondents will be given on the subject. Prof. H. A. Morgan, of 
Baton Bouge, La,, in a letter of June 6, states that " sparrows have 
been noticed to feed upon them occasionally." Later a letter was re- 
ceived from Mr. S. B.Mullen, Harrisville, Miss., in which he stated 
that sapsuckers alighted upon the ears of trap corn and ate about half 
of the Boll Worms found in them. Mr. Mullen was then requested to 
shoot a number of the birds, extract their crops and stomachs, and for- 
ward them for study. He experienced some difficulty about mailing 
alcoholic material, and hence made the examinations himself. He re- 
ported that numerous heads of Boll Worms were found in the stomachs 
and some small Boll Worms in the crops. 
Since then, through the kindness of Mr. W. B. Barrows, of the 
Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy, it has been determined that 
the species in question is really not a true sapsucker, but probably the 
Hairy or Downy Woodpecker, both being known to be insectivorous. 
In spring and early summer larvae in general are not so abundant, or 
at least the Boll Worm in young corn in rather isolated fields is more 
accessible than many other larva*. It is during this period that the 
attack by ants is most frequently noted. About June the larvae of 
other species become numerous, plant-lice are met with everywhere, 
and the attack by ants becomes so divided that it not only appears to 
be of less economic importance, but requires constant close watch to 
witness an ant-boll-worm tragedy. Failure to consider the season 
doubtless accounts for the difference of opinion expressed by planters 
and other observers. 
Before corn begins to silk and put forth ears, and to a certain extent 
during and after that time, ants freely attack any larvae they may find 
crawling about on the ground or upon corn plants. 
There are two species which are specially antagonistic in tempera- 
ment, and these are the ones upon which most of the observations are 
made. One is Sole?iopsis geminata Fabr. and the other JDorymyrmex 
pyramicus Boger. For example, June 1 a full-grown Boll Worm on a 
corn plant was teased until it dropped to the ground. In a moment a 
small ant (Dorymyrmex pyramicus) pounced upon its back and could 
not be dislodged by the most violent and promiscuous rolling and jerk- 
