182 



THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



THE WESTERN APPLE-TREE TENT CATERPILLAR. 



Mahivoxoiiin disi^tria Iliibu. (Family Lasiocampidfe). 

 (Figs. 167, 168.) 



General Appearance. — In general appearance this species resembles 

 the eastern apple-tree tent caterpillar {M. americana) in all stages. 



Life History. — The life history is also like 

 that of the eastern species, except that it 

 collects in great colonies upon the trunks 

 and larger limbs of the trees instead of 

 making tents as does its eastern relative. 



Distribution. — Throughout the central and 

 northern parts of the State. 



Food Plant. — The foliage and young fruit 

 of apple trees. 



Control. — Practically the same as for the 

 eastern form, except that burning is not as 

 efficient for the California species. When 

 disturbed, most of the caterpillars fall to the 

 ground and may be kept from again reaching 

 the tree by a suitable band around the trunk. 

 Colonies on the trunks are easily and quickly 

 killed by a liberal application of strong 

 whale-oil soap with a large brush. Strong 

 Fig. 167. — Egg masses poison sprays are also recommended as soon 



of the western apple-tree ,i i i • i 



tent caterpillar. (Original.) as the larvoi begin ,to appear. 



Fig. 168. — The Western apple-tree tent caterpillar (AJalacosoina disstria 

 Hiibn. ). Caterpillars in a characteristic group on an apple tree. (Original. 

 Cal. Hort. Com.) 



