[From the American Naturalist, Vol. ix.. March, 1875.] 



The Geometrid Moths. — The undersigned, desirous of per- 

 fecting as far as possible a monograph of the Geometrid moths, 

 would beg the assistance of collectors, especially in the western 

 and southern states, during the coming season. He would like in- 

 formation especially regarding the early stages, viz. : specimens and 

 descriptions of the larva, chrysalis and their habits, as well as the 

 food plants of any, even the most common species. Due credit will 

 be given for any new facts. Out of about four hundred species in 

 North America, we know of the caterpillars of but about' twenty 

 species. A number of illustrations 1 on the next page show the 

 forms characteristic of this extensive family. The caterpillars 

 are loopers or geometers, and are very familiar objects, feeding 

 usually on low bushes and herbaceous plants late in summer. 



As every -species known is to be figured, it is hoped that ento- 

 mologists will lend their rarities, and thus aid in the publication 

 of what, it is hoped, will be a useful contribution to the study of 

 our moths. To those aiding by the loan of over twenty speci- 

 mens, a copy of the work will be sent. The larvae can be reared 

 easily; full instructions may be found in the ''Directions for 

 preserving and collecting Insects," recently published by the 

 Smithsonian Institution, and which can be had on application to 

 the subscriber. 



Any moths of this family sent to the subscriber will be named 

 and carefully returned if desired. The work is about ready for 

 the press, and specimens are desired at once. The collecting 

 season is May, June and July, in the middle and northern states, 

 June being the month when they are most abundant. — A. S. 

 Packard, Jr. 



1 Most of the cuts arc kindly loaned by Prof. F. V. Hayden, having been taken from 

 his annual report for 1873 on the Geologv of Colorado Territory. 



(179) 



