REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 195 



THE MATURE INSECT. 



The head, thorax and wings of the moth are pure white ; 

 abdomen white next to the thorax, gradually changing to dark 

 brown toward the posterior end ; tapering in the males, retain- 

 ing its size in the females, and ending abruptly in a large tuft ot 

 golden-brown hairs from which it derives its name " the brown- 

 tail moth." The antennae are white above, light brown under- 

 neath. The under anterior edge of the fore wing in the male 

 is dark brown. Expanse of wings from one and one-eighth to 

 one and one-half inches. 



The moths are nocturnal in their habits, flying by night, and 

 are attracted to a light. As they are strong flyers it would be 

 possible for them to fly long distances before depositing their 



eggs. 



This accounts for the extensive territory they have covered 

 during the past few years. 



The injuries in the case of the brown-tail caterpillar are two- 

 fold, one as a destroyer of vegetation, the other as a menace 

 to the health and comfort of the human family. When the 

 caterpillars molt, or shed their skins, the fine hairs which are 

 covered with spines are readily carried by the wind or even float 

 in the air, and these coming in contact with the moist surface 

 of the body, break up, and working under the skin produce a 

 very painful eruption, which has received the name of the 

 *' brown-tail itch." 



This in many cases is a very serious matter, and had not the 

 work of last spring been so thoroughly accomplished our resort 

 towns would have suffered a great loss in being deprived of the 

 revenue derived from our summer visitors. 



MANNER OE EXTERMINATION. 



As will be seen from the above description of the nests, they 

 are quite conspicuous objects, and can generally be seen for some 

 distance. 



The only way to clear up the nests is to cut and bum them. 

 By means of a pair of pruning shears attached to a long pole the 

 most of the nests can be secured. Then by means of extension 

 ladders the rest ought to be reached. 



