The Bod Moth. 46 



winter. Undoubtedly those larvas which pass the third or fourth 

 moult quite early in tbe season, go into hibernation, even though the 

 leaves remain green and do not fall for two or three months afterward. 



The little creatures seem to understand when they have reached the 

 hibernating stage. And notwithstanding the temptation of plenty of 

 food and weeks of mild weather, they do not believe in waiting for 

 their comrades who from unforseen circumstances have not reached 

 this eventful period in their lives; thus all can pass the winter under 

 the same conditions and start equal in the spring. 



In the light of these facts it seems very probable that the larvse 

 which we had under observation in 1891, and those upon which 

 Dr. Lintner based his records as mentioned above, had reached 

 their hibernating stage, and either escaped our observation in their 

 hibernacula or they may have died in seeking a suitable place to 

 hibernate. 



Taking into consideration all of these observations, we can not 

 escape the conclusion that the normal method of hibernation for the 

 Bud Moth in ISew York State, Canada, and Nova Scotia is as a half- 

 grown larva snugly hidden in a silken case on the twigs of the tree 

 In this position it is right at hand to nip the bud upon its first showing 

 signs of opening. Whereas, if the little larva fell to the ground with 

 the leaf, it must of necessity proceed by a tortuous and very uncertain 

 route over the ground and up the tree to the buds. It would seem that 

 instinctively the little creatuie must choose the former method. 



It has seemed best to discuss the hibernation of this insect in such 

 detail not only because of the widely differing opinions held, but 

 becau^e it has a very practical bearing which will be discussed under 

 the preventive methods to be used against this pest. 



When s])ring opens, the little brown larvn? leave their winter homes 

 and begin their destructive work upon the buds as described under the 

 appearance and habits of the larva? in the spring; and thus the yearly 

 life cycle of the insect is completed. 



N-umber of liroods. — The pest is normally single brooded in this 

 and more northern latitudes. The moth appears and lays her eggs in 

 June and July; the larvfe feed upon the leaves until half grown and 

 then hibernate in that stage. Farther south in the vicinity of Wash- 

 ington, D. C, it is possible that there are two broods. Prof. Com- 

 stock's notes taken there in 1879, show that the larvie pupated as early 

 as May 19, and moths began emerging May 29. If there are two 

 broods there it would be interesting to know the habits of the larvae 

 during the summer. 



