HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



47a. Notch of lobrum deep, with parallel sides; anal prolegs as large 

 as others; with warts, more or less overshadowed by the second- 

 ary hairs. Fig. 477 A few NOCTUIDAE 



This family of owlet moths is an 

 exceedingly important one, econom- 

 ically. Cutworms hide in the earth 

 of gardens, cultivated fields, etc., by 

 day and come out at night to cut 

 off young plants at ground level. 

 The corn earworm not only causes 

 heavy loss by feeding at the tips of 

 the maturing ears of corn but also 

 tunnels into tomatoes. 



Fig. 477. a, Corn earworm Heliio- 

 this armigera (Hbn.); b, cutworm, 

 Euxoa ouxiliaris Grote. (U.S.D.A.) 



47b. Notch of labrum acute, with convergent sides; anal prolegs much 

 reduced and not used; warts rudimentary and dominated by a 

 single hair (Melalopha) or absent (Datana). 

 Fig. 478 FamUy NOTODONTIDAE 



These caterpillars are gregarious, and 

 pose often with the anterior and posterior 

 ends raised into the air and attached only 

 by median prolegs. They frequently 

 possess dorsal humps or tubercles on the 

 body and are often brightly colored. Their 

 chief feed is the leaves of deciduous 

 trees. 



Fig 478. Yellow-necked ca- 

 terpillar, Dotono ministrc 

 (Drury). 



48a. Tubercle iv at about the same level on abdominal segments 6th, 

 7th and 8th. Fig. 479 (Doa) FamUy LYMANTRIIDAE 



This family includes many destruc- 

 tive species. The gypsy moth, Porthe- 

 tria dispar (L.) and the brown-tail moth, 

 Nygmia phaeonhoea (Donovan) may oc- 

 cur in such large number as to com- 

 pletely overrun and defoliate large 

 areas of trees. 

 48b. Tubercle iv of 7th abdominal segment much lower than on other 



segments; anal prolegs more or less reduced or modified. 



Fig. 480 Most NOTODONTIDAE 



Fig. 479. Hemerocampa vetusto 

 Bdv. 



The caterpillar here pictured is a 

 "puss moth". They never fail to attract 

 attention. The backward projecting 

 parts are anal tubes. This species feeds 

 on the leaves of the willow family. 



Fig. 480. Ceruro vinula (L.) 



168 



