The Bulletin. 



11 



worm) to the adult moth. After a few weeks the adult moth breaks 

 out from the pupa-shell, and after hardening and drying like a young 

 chick just out of the egg, it is ready, for an active flying life, which, 

 however, lasts only a few days and allows for mating and the laying 



Fig. 2. — Granulated Cut-worm, showing larva at a, 

 pupa at /, adult moth at h. and details of structure. 



(After Riley and Howard, Bur. Ent., U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



of eggs to continue the species. Most of the Cut- worm moths are dull 

 gray or brown in general color, and with the hind wings lighter, often 

 of a pinkish hue. When the wings are expanded they measure from 

 one to two inches from tip to tip. These moths fly mostly at night 

 'and are often attracted to bright lights and not infrequently enter 

 houses and flutter about the lamps or walls. The females deposit 

 their eggs on trash, grass or weeds, in sod or weedy lands. The flying 

 moth does not develop to any other form, but dies soon after the 

 eggs are laid. 



Fig 3. — Cut-worm (Feltia malefida) show- 

 ing larva or cut-worm stage at a, adult 

 moth at /, and details of structure at b, 

 c, d, and e. 



(After Riley.) 



Natural Enemies. — Almost every kind of insect is subject to the 

 attacks of other insects, larger animals, or diseases, and fortunately 

 for us Cut-worms are not exceptions to this rule. Among the birds 

 the insect-eating kinds which spend much time on the ground are 

 no doubt the most useful, especially the Bob White, Crow, Black 



