114 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, 



CIRCULAR OF INQUIRY CONCERNING CANKER-WORMS. 



The U. S. Dept. of Agr. in November last issued the following circular : 



In preparing a bulletin upon the subject of Canker-worms, to be issued 

 from this Department, I find that much of our present information is of 

 little service, for the reason that until the year 1873 two entirely distinct 

 species of Canker-worms were confounded in description, seasons, habits, 

 and geographical distribution. In many of the publications, of late date 

 even, the distinction is made either not at all or insufficiently. 



The most widespread acd best known species is the Spring Canker- 

 worm (Palcacrita vernata, Peck). The female rises from the ground 

 chiefly in spring, and secretes her ovoid and delicate eggs. The second 

 species is Anuopteryx pometaria, Harris, and the female rises chiefly in 

 the fall, and lays her eggs in serried and exposed masses. 



Will you please give such information as you possess, especially upon 

 the following points, in regard to the occurrence of Canker-worms in your 

 own locality : 



1. Which species, if either, is now found in your own locality, or has 

 ever been found ? 



2. AVhen v/as it first observed there ? 



3. During what years has it been especially injurious?  



4. During what years has it been entirely unnoticed ? 



5. Has the appearance of the perfect or parent insect been confined 

 to either season, the fall or the spring, or has it covered both ? 



Wlierever any doubt can or does arise in regard to the species observed, 

 it is particularly requested that specimens may be sent to the Department. 

 All expenses for packing and postage will be reimbursed to the contribu- 

 tors if a request to that effect is made ; or boxes and stamps for the return 

 of specimens will be sent to any who will notify the Department of inten- 

 tion to contribute information and specimens. 



Observations may be made during all mild weather from the present 

 month (November) until the middle of June. The more frequent and 

 detailed the observations the greater will be their value. If you have not 

 the time or inclination to make these observations personally, you will 

 confer a favor by handing this circular to some person who will be 

 interested. 



Sould this circular come to the hands of any entomologist familiar v/ith 



