31 
nything more than a revision and compilation of the more recent 
ontributions of Prof. French and Prof. Riley, and a verification of 
heir conclusions by fresh observations and collections. 
LITERATURE. 
I , . 
This species was first mentioned, as far as known to me, in July 
880, by Dr. Thomas and Prof. Riley; by the first in a com¬ 
aun ication dated July 9, and published in the “Prairie Farmer” 
ar July 17, and by the second, in the July number of the “Ameri- 
an Entomologist.” 
Dr. Thomas, under the head of “Another Foe to Wheat,” men- 
ions the fact that a few days before the wheat was cut in Southern 
llinois, a small maggot was discovered working in the stems next 
he joints. A brief general description of this larva and of its habits 
5 then given, enough to indicate clearly that it was this species 
Rich he had under consideration. From a number of infested 
Feat straws, a single fly emerged in a breeding cage, and this fly 
)r. Thomas at first erroneously connected with the larvae observed 
i the wheat, and determined as probably a species of Chlorops. 
le concludes by saying that as the worms are in the stems at har- 
est time, and usually in the portion that remains as stubble, the 
emedy which naturally suggests itself is burning the stubble imrue- 
iately after the wheat is cut. 
Prof. Riley’s note in the “Entomologist” consists of a reply to a 
orrespondent from Andersonville, Tennessee, who sends him exarn- 
les of this insect in vdieat stalks. He remarks that the larva is 
ew to him, but belongs apparently to the Hymenoptera, and adds, 
No remedy of a practical nature can be suggested at this time.” 
In the “Prairie Farmer” for August 18, Dr. Thomas recurs to 
lis insect, repeating the circumstances of its discovery and giving 
technical description of the Chlorops to which he at that time 
elieved it to belong. 
On the 31st of December, Prof. Fi’ench published in the “Prairie 
'armer” a fuller account of this species than any of the foregoing. 
,□ this paper the hymenopterous character of the pest was first 
illy established, and the supposed adult was briefly described under 
ie name of Isosoma allynii, from specimens which had hatched in 
lid summer. It will be seen later, however, that these adults were 
i sally parasites, and belonged to the genus Eupelmus, none of the 
Tie adults of the straw worm emerging until winter and spring, 
rof. French also described the larva briefly, contrasting its habits 
nd injuries to wheat with those of the joint worm (Isosoma hordei, 
larris), and giving some data for an estimate of the amount of 
amage attributable to it. Under the head of remedies, he advised 
urning the stubble and the straw, and also discussed the probable 
fleet of wet and dry seasons upon its numbers. ’From the fact that 
I I the time of writing many of his specimens w 7 ere still pupae in the 
haw, he inferred that many hibernate in this condition, and lay 
leir eggs on the wheat in spring. 
I 
