F. R Petherbridge 7 



The caterpillars bind the leaflets, and often several leaves together, 

 by means of threads, this providing an easy means of recognising an 

 attack. They also make little webs on the backs of leaflets under which 

 they feed and moult. They can crawl fairly quickly, and when touched 

 they wriggle in the characteristic tortrix manner. Sometimes they sus- 

 pend themselves from the plants by means of long threads. 



The caterpillars hatch over a fairly long period and remain feeding 

 until nearly the end of June (June 29th in 1916; June 15th in 1917; 

 June 25th in 1918). 



Pupation takes place in the webs on the leaves which have been 

 spun together, i.e. where the larvae have been feeding. It usually starts 

 early in June, but may take place at the end of May (May 23rd, 1911, 

 Theobald; June 1st, 1917; June 11th, 1918). 



The moths begin to hatch out in June (June 7th, 1911, Theobald; 

 June 21st, 1917) and may be found up to the end of July. They may be 

 found sitting on the leaves or crawling about in the centre of the plants, 

 and may often be seen to fly short distances when disturbed. Apparently 

 they are not capable of flying far, as the attack has spread very slowly. 

 Fields adjoining others badly attacked remained free from attack for 

 two years. This first brood of moths lay their eggs during July usually 

 on the backs of the stipules at the base of the plant, but occasionally 

 on the lower part of the leaf stalks. Moths brought from Walton on 

 July 11th, 1917 were put on strawberry plants in a breeding cage. 

 Young caterpillars were first found on July 21st. Caterpillars were 

 found at Walton on July 18th and also at intervals until September 5th. 



Pupae were found on August 19th, 1917 and until September 20th. 

 Moths were found on September 11th and were present until November 

 17th. After this date no moths were found until the following June. 

 Several observers suggest that the moth hibernates. Theobald says 1 

 "The moths apparently hibernate, for I have taken them by beating 

 in late October at Buxton and again in the early spring at Wye." 



Although I searched carefully for these moths during the winter and 

 spring I found none from December to June, and I came to the conclusion 

 that the moths do not hibernate. Moreover a large number of eggs were 

 present on the plants from November onwards. This has an important 

 practical bearing, for by ploughing up a piece of strawberries in December, 

 the eggs will almost certainly be prevented from giving rise to moths 

 next spring. 



In 1917 a few eggs were first found on the stipules on November 3rd 



1 Theobald, Insect Pests of Fruit. 



