FIELD BOOK OF INSECTS. 



Nature seems to make the Haploas, and 

 other Arctids, by guess, they are so variable. 

 Plate XLIX shows one of the more constant species, H. 

 clymene. Species of this genus tend to have a dark band, 

 more or less complete, running from the hind margin 

 of each front wing to near its apex; these wings are often 

 margined with dark color also but in some forms they are 

 immaculate. The larvae are classed as "general feeders" 

 but more careful study will doubtless discover decided 

 preferences. 



Plate XLIX shows the female; the male 

 Estigmene j^g yellow hind wings. The spotting varies 



3.CT3B3. 



greatly in both sexes, and there are a number 

 of local races. The name, Salt-marsh Caterpillar, is mis- 

 leading; as a matter of fact, the species is found throughout 

 North America, the larva being a general feeder. 



The unsightly nests, made in late summer, 

 Hyphantria of the Fall We b-worm are frequently con- 

 cunea 



tused with the spring tents 01 Malacosoma 



americana. The nest of cunea has a lighter texture and 

 covers all the leaves upon which the colony of larvae are 

 feeding; it occurs on more than a hundred different kinds 

 of trees, apple and ash being among the favorites. The 

 figures on Plate L indicate the great variability which 

 exists in the markings of both larvae and adults. The 

 pupa, slightly protected by a loose cocoon, hibernates 

 in crevices of bark, loose soil, etc. The eggs are laid in 

 flat masses on the under side of leaves. 



The larva of this species (Plate XLIX) 

 has caused much comment: Kellogg calls 

 it "the woolliest woolly bear," and notes that "hedge- 

 hog" is a popular name; Holland connects the phrase 

 "to caterpillar," in the sense of quickly yielding to 

 unpleasant circumstances, with this species because, when 

 disturbed, the larva curls up and lies motionless (a 

 trick of the hedgehog, also); while Comstock recalls the 

 "Hurrying along like a caterpillar in the fall" when speak- 

 ing of the larva's apparent haste to find a snug place in 



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