182 



THE CANADI\N ENTOMOLOGIST. 



This table shows that the adults fly in greater or less numbers from 

 May to the last of September. From May 20th to June 3rd none were 

 taken, which pretty sharply defines the first brood. And, as might be ex- 

 pected, the second and third broods are separated by no such distinct 

 line, and yet there is an indication of two later broods, though the 

 table would seem to indicate that those taken in September might be the 

 last of the second brood and not individuals of a third brood, which is 

 contrary to observed facts. For during the last year a trap lantern was 

 run with practically the same results as were obtained in 1889, but a third 

 brood was observed to emerge in large numbers after September 20th. 

 Probably the cool evenings prevented many moths from flying at night, 

 and consequently from being taken in the trap lanterns. 



Preventive Methods. — The above table shows that four-fifths of moths 

 taken are males. If we assume that there are enough males left to fer- 

 tilize the females, which is quite probable, the trap lanterns are almost 

 useless as a means to check the increase of this insect, because the 

 females escape, oviposit, and thus provide for the propagation of the 

 species. As the larvae and the adults incline to remain near one place, it 

 is possible to materially reduce their numbers on limited areas. In large 

 fields where plowing is not objectionable, many might be destroyed by 

 thorough plowing in the latter part of November, after the larvae have 

 retired for the winter. Should this insect become very destructive in the 

 summer, deep plowing in the middle of July, followed by harrowing, might 

 destroy many pupae. On lawns and other small areas advantage might be 

 taken of the larva's habit of retiring under chips, etc., to pupate. If 

 chips, etc., be placed on the lawn and firmly pressed down in the middle 

 of July or of September, and allowed to remain a week and then collected 

 and burned, many pupae will be destroyed. 

 Technical Descriptions. 



Egg (Fig. 2, a), pearly white when first laid, changing to a glistening 

 slate colour within a k\v days. Shell finely reticulated ; egg usually flat- 

 tened upon several sides. Size, .69 mm. by .32 mm. 



Larva (first stage), head diameter, .25 mm. ; body, diameter, .15 mm. ; 



