478 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
[Vol. XII, No. 5, 
grayish or yellowish. The bodies are of such a size that one may 
count about 25 the length of the egg and about 50 around it. 
transversely. 
Eggs of this species were deposited on braches and leaves of 
apple at Columbus, the spring of 1911, from about May 8 to May 
15. As this was a late season, however, oviposition for the first 
spring generation may usually be expected somewhat earlier. 
Two females taken on May 8, about blossoming apple oviposited 
late the same day and on the following day. 35 to 40 eggs were 
deposited by each female. Oviposition, although rapid at times, 
extended over parts of two days. Apparently at times the hind 
legs assisted in deposition of the eggs. They are deposited singly 
sometimes not over a minute apart but usually some little 
distance away. 
At Cedar Point, Ohio, eggs were found on Phragmites from 
June 20 to July 10. At Lakeville, Ohio, on Dock (Rumex sp.) 
June 15-20. 
Duration in the egg stage indoors at a temperature of about 
90° Fahr. was from 55 to 00 hours. 
On apple these eggs were laid on the smaller, tenderer shoots 
and on young leaves, the parts most affected by plant lice. On 
dock they are placed on leaves, on buds, in leaf-axils, or on the 
stems. On Phragmites the eggs were found on both the under and 
the upper side of the leaves. On Black Willow along the smaller 
outer twigs. 
The eggs are deposited on the surface of the twigs and leaves. 
They lie flat and are glued rather firmly so that sometimes they 
break before being dislodged. Flies imprisoned in glass jars 
oviposit mostly on the surface toward the light although twigs or 
leaves enclosed receive some eggs. 
The eggs of Syrphidae so far as known to me have a rather char- 
acteristic appearance. The shape and white color may serve to 
distinguish them from eggs of many other insects. I know of no 
naked eye characters that are specific. The size of the egg and 
number and characteristics of the microscopic, sculptured bodies, 
as described above, may serve to distinguish those of Syrphus 
americ anus . 
I have noted no methods of natural protection unless it be the 
sheltered positions in which they are sometimes placed; nor have 
I discovered any egg parasites. 
Larva. 
There is a considerable change in appearance and character- 
istics during the growth of the larva. Just after hatching the 
characters are as follows (Fig. 45) : Length 1.2 mm., width 0.2 to 
0.3 mm. Shape sub-cylindrical, smaller anteriorly, not enlarged 
medially. Color, light yellow or with a greenish tinge. Body 
