PELLIONELLA AND POMONELLA. 87 



The species which lias been at work upon this rug is 

 probably Pellionella, the onl}- ' clothes-moth ' known in 

 the United States the larva of which constructs a case 

 for its occupancy. 



" The moths themselves are very small, expanding 

 their wings not more than eight-tenths of an inch. 

 They are thus well fitted for making their way through 

 minute holes and chinks. If they cannot find such a 

 tiny avenue into wardrobe or bureau, or fail of the 

 opportvuiity of an open drawer or door, they will con- 

 trive to glide through the keyhole. Once in, it is no 

 easy matter to dislodge them, for they are exceedingly 

 agile vermin, and escape out of sight in a moment. 

 The mother-insect deposits her eggs on or near such 

 material as will be best adapted for the food of the 

 young, takins; care to distribute' them so that there may 

 be a plentiful svipply and enough of room for each." 



"Isn't that a bit of pure maliciousness?" queried 

 the Mistress. "The mother, I suppose, scatters her 

 eggs so that her ravenous caterpillars may do all the 

 damage possible by attacking many parts of a garment 

 at the same time." 



" That is a bit of pure maternal instinct," I answered. 

 "The mother-moth wisely arranges that all her off- 

 spring shall have a fair outset in life — enough to eat 

 and wear. When one of this scattered faniil}' issues 

 from the egg its first care is to provide itself with a 

 domicile, or, if you please, a dress. It belongs to that 

 class of caterpillars that feed under cover. I once 

 placed one upon a desk covered with green cloth and 



