LEPIDOPTERA 



231 



lar whitish lines. The basal line is broken near the middle of the wing; 

 and the intermediate one forms an inverted Y, the main stem of which 

 joins the third line near the inner margin of the wing, making with it a 

 prominent V. These lines are bordered without by rust-red; there is a 

 chocolate-colored spot near the apex of the fore wings, and an irregular 

 row of blackish dots near the outer margin. The hairs of the thorax 

 form a prominent crest, the fore side of which is a rich dark brown. The 

 hind wings are crossed by a wavy band, which is light without and dark 

 within. 



Fig. 405. — Eggs, larva, and nest of Melalopha inclusa. 



The eggs are nearly spherical and smooth; they are deposited in a 

 cluster a single layer deep on a leaf (Fig. 405). When the larvae hatch 

 they make a nest either by fastening several leaves together or, as is the 

 case when they infest poplar, by folding the two halves of a single leaf 

 together; frequently in the latter case the tip of the leaf is folded in as 

 shown in the figure. Within this nest the entire colony lives, feeding on 

 the parenchyma, and causing the leaf to turn brown. Later other leaves 

 are added to this nest or additional nests are made among adjoining 

 leaves. All of these infested leaves are securely fastened to the twig by 

 bands of silk. When the larvae become large they leave their nests at 

 night to feed upon other leaves. These they entirely consume excepting 

 the petioles, midribs, and larger veins. 



The full-grown larva measures if inches in length. It is striped with 

 pale yellow and brownish-black, and bears a pair of black tubercles close 

 together on the first abdominal segment, and a similar pair on the eighth 

 abdominal segment. The cocoon is an irregular thin web; it is made 

 under leaves or other rubbish on the ground. The insect remains in the 

 pupa state during the winter, and emerges as a moth in the latter part 

 of June or later. In the South 

 this species infests willow as 

 well as poplar, and is double- 

 brooded. 



Among the more gro- 

 tesque larva? belonging to this 

 family are those of the genus 

 Schizura, of which we have several species. Figure 406 represents the 

 larva of Schizura ipomeaz. At the left in the figure is shown a front view 

 of the longest tubercule. This species feeds on oak, maple, and many 

 other plants. In the Gulf States it feeds on Ipomea coccinea, which fact sug- 

 gested its specific name. 



Fig. 406. 

 at left. 



■ Schizura ipomea', larva; tubercle enlarged 



