Merodon narcissi. Narcissus Fly. Of this insect we have the following particulars by Mr. Curtis .- -

"In the month of November, one or two large roundish holes are sometimes found on the outsides of the bulbs of the Daffodil, which are more or less decayed within, where a maggot will generally be found, which by feeding in the heart during the summer and autumn months, has been the sole author of the mischief.

"This larva is somewhat like the flesh-maggot, and not unlike a bot, only that it is not serrated with spines, and instead of being whitish, its natural colour, is changed to brown by its living amongst the slimy matter which has been discharged from its own body, causing the gradual rotting of the bulb.

"Towards the end of November, the maggot is transformed into a pupa, to accomplish which it eats its way out of the bulb near the roots, and .buries itself in the surrounding earth. The pupae are dull brown, elliptical, rough, and strongly wrinkled. In this state they remain until the following spring, when the flies issue from their tombs. Their eggs are then deposited, but upon what part of the plant they are laid, has not been observed, but probably upon the bulb near the base of the leaves. April seems to be the month when most of the flies hatch; and they have been compared to small humblebees, from the disposition of the colours, which are, for the most part, yellow, orange, and black, but they certainly bear a greater resemblance to some of the bots; from bees they are readily distinguished by having only two wings, the horns and proboscis are totally different, and they have no stings.

"Bulbs are affected by these maggots, and they are readily detected by their not throwing out leaves; when, therefore, a bulb fails to vegetate, it ought to be immediately dug up and destroyed." - Gard. Chron.