diff --git a/doc/fixes34.1 b/doc/fixes34.1
index cc0090ee0..dec2cc3bf 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.1
+++ b/doc/fixes34.1
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ avoid dmonsfree impossible message due to migrating a dead monster via
 avoid temporary disappearing Burdened message due to updating status line
 	midway thru in_container
 don't credit player's wisdom when makelevel creates random Elbereth engravings
+reduce insect/monster creation from monster spells
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/mcastu.c b/src/mcastu.c
index 13827d482..8ef47773b 100644
--- a/src/mcastu.c
+++ b/src/mcastu.c
@@ -542,9 +542,12 @@ int spellnum;
 	boolean success;
 	int i;
 	coord bypos;
+	int quan;
 
+	quan = (mtmp->m_lev < 2) ? 1 : rnd((int)mtmp->m_lev / 2);
+	if (quan < 3) quan = 3;
 	success = pm ? TRUE : FALSE;
-	for (i = 0; i <= (int) mtmp->m_lev; i++) {
+	for (i = 0; i <= quan; i++) {
 	    if (!enexto(&bypos, mtmp->mux, mtmp->muy, mtmp->data))
 		break;
 	    if ((pm = mkclass(let,0)) != 0 &&
diff --git a/src/monmove.c b/src/monmove.c
index 04b48065a..1e3bad4d2 100644
--- a/src/monmove.c
+++ b/src/monmove.c
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ toofar:
 		/* arbitrary distance restriction to keep monster far away
 		   from you from having cast dozens of sticks-to-snakes
 		   or similar spells by the time you reach it */
-		if (dist2(mtmp->mx, mtmp->my, u.ux, u.uy) <= 64 && !mtmp->mspec_used) {
+		if (dist2(mtmp->mx, mtmp->my, u.ux, u.uy) <= 49 && !mtmp->mspec_used) {
 		    struct attack *a;
 
 		    for (a = &mdat->mattk[0]; a < &mdat->mattk[NATTK]; a++) {