The Bulletin. 



17 



Cut-worms during 1903-'04. The notes here given refer to the dates on 

 which the adult moths emerged in Mr. Brimley's cages, or when adult 

 anoths were captured : 



The Granulated Cut- worm.— Feltia annexa, Treit, August 29, September 20, 



October 7, 12, 1903. 

 Feltia hirilis, Grote, September 17, 25, 1904. 



The Dingy Cut-worm. — Feltia suhgothica, Hawworth, September 12, 27, 1904. 

 Pfodenia commelino', Sm. and Abb., August 17, 1904. 

 Peridroma saucia, Hub., June 22, 23, 24, 1903. 



Other species, not identified, emerged as follows : Species No. 1 (spring 

 species), June 4, 28, 1903. One captured (not bred) May 30, 1902. 

 Species No. 2 (fall species), October 7 (2 specimens), 12, 1903. 



From these notes it seems that for the spring species June, and for the 

 fall species September and October, are the principal months of activity 

 a,nd egg-laying by the adult moths. 



Fig. 4. — Another Cut-worm {Peridroniia saucia) showing adult 

 moth (a), larva (three views) (b, c and d), egg (enlarged) 

 (e), and eggs in natural position on grass stalk if). 

 (After Howard, U. S. Dept. Agr., Div. Entomology.) 



Of course, the details in the life-history of a species will vary some- 

 what according as it matures in the spring or in the fall ; but the fol- 

 lowing will serve as a condensed account : 



The larvae (the destructive Cut-worm stage) pass the winter in the 

 •earth, or on the surface under such shelter as they can find, in a partly 

 grown condition. The long fast of winter gives them ravenous appetites 

 when the warm days of spring arouse them to activity, and they feed 

 on any green succulent young plants that they can find. Some species 

 ihave the habit of climbing trees or other plants to eat the tender expand- 



