STUDIES OF HYPERSENSITIVENESS TO THE EMANATIONS OF CADDIS FLIES (TRICHOPTERA)

Abstract

Long before it was demonstrated that the emanations of the caddis fly cause summer asthma and hay fever,¹ these flies were known to be of some economic value. They rank very high as food for fresh water fish. Fishermen use them for bait. The federal government assists in their propagation and distribution whenever it seeks to replenish the fish supply of any fresh water body. It may do this to help the trout in some mountain river or the perch and pike of the Great Lakes. So, while a resident of any city along the Atlantic sea coast may not have contact with these flies at home, a fishing trip or a summer vacation to the Adirondacks or to the Great Lakes will expose him to the emanations of the caddis fles. An interesting example is that of a New York City physician,² who reported severe hay fever