^Ew York Agricultural Experiment Station. 307 



large variety of trees and shrubs. They spin a thread of silk 

 wherever they go, but do not build nests. When not feeding or 

 when about to molt they gather often in large numbers upon 

 the limbs or trunks of the infested trees. Pupation takes place 

 during the latter part of May or early in June, the cocoons being 

 placed either upon the leaves or in almost any locality near the 

 ground. The moths appear during the latter part of June and 

 early July. The eggs are at once laid. There is but one annual 

 brood. 



NATURAL CHECKS. 



The same natural agencies mentioned in Bulletin 152, page 289, 

 as operating flgainst the apple-tree tent-caterpillar probably have 

 an equal influence upon this species. In addition to unfavorable 

 climatic conditions, birds, insects and diseases have a marked 

 effect npon this species. According to Kirklaud^^ the common 

 garden toad also feeds upon the caterpillars. 



Birds. — A careful study of the birds in the sections of the State 

 which were infested with the caterpillars last spring would 

 undoubtedly have revealed many species not recorded here feed- 

 ing upon this insect in its various stages. Reports from careful 

 observers together with limited observations by the writer indicate 

 that the following birds feed upon this insect in some of its 

 stages: The black-capped chickadee feeds upon the eggs proba- 

 bly chiefly during the winter when other animal food is not 

 abundant. The writer has taken the eggs from the stomachs of 

 chickadees shot during the winter in localities where the cater- 

 pillars were not especially abundant. The yellow-billed cuckoo, 

 Baltimore oriole, American red start, cat bird and robin feed upon 

 the caterpillars. In addition Weed^^ reporting the observations 

 of Miss Soule records chipping sparrows, red and white-eyed 

 vireos, cedar bird, and nut-hatches feeding upon the caterpillars; 

 chickadees upon the cocoons; and robins, chipping sparrows, yel- 



21 Mass. (Hatrh) Agr. Exp. Sta. Bill. 46, pp. 22 anrl 25. 



22 Bui. 64, N. H. Agr. Exp. Sta., pp. 91-92. 



