The Bud Moth. 97 



of the leaf which contains its tube from the rest of the leaf, so 

 that either the whole or only that portion which contains the tube 

 hangs suspended from another leaf." The larva lives in this tube 

 most of the time, only coming forth to feed ; when disturbed it 

 retreats into the tube out of sight. In feeding it draws other 

 leaves, one after another, toward it and fastens them with threads 

 of silk, thus forming a nest (Fig. 36). Some of these partially 

 devoured leaves soon turn brown and die, thus rendering the nest 

 quite conspicuous. 



The caterpillars continue to feed in the spring, mostly at night, 

 for six or seven weeks, and probably shed their skin three times 

 during this time. 



Pupation. — Within a tube, usually formed in the nest by rolling 

 up one side of a leaf or by bringing together two or three half 

 devoured leaves and securely fastening everything with silken 

 threads, the fulbgrown caterpillar retreats and lines the interior 

 with [a *tliin closely woven layer cf silk. This forms the cocoon 

 within which the caterpillar is soon to undergo its wonderful 

 change to a pupa. The date of this change varies in this State from 

 June 1st to 25th. About ten days are spent as a pupa, then 

 by the aid ^'of the tooth-like hooks on its back, it works its way 

 nearly out of the cocoon, and its skin splits open to allow the 

 pretty little moth to emerge. 



Habits of the moth. — The moths begin to appear as early as 

 June 5th in our State, and often all have not emerged by July 10th. 

 They are most active during the night, remaining quiet during 

 the day on the trunk and limbs of the tree, with wings folded 

 roof-wise ; in this position they closely mimic the bark. They 

 probably live about two or three weeks. 



Egg-laying. — Three or four days after emerging, the moths be- 

 gin to lay eggs, working mostly at night. They are laid on the 

 leaves singly or in small clusters slightly overlapping each other. 

 They are curious objects (Figs. 36 and 37). In fact they so 

 closely resemble minute drops of water or a fish's scale on the 

 leaf as to necessitate the use of a lens to determine the egg char- 

 acteristics. They are very transparent and will reflect the prismatic 

 colors like a drop of water. 

 7 



