320 LIFE STORIES OF AUSTRALIAN INSECTS. 



as if to be sure of its next move. AVheii satisfied 

 that the way is clear, the object ahead is grasped 

 by the walking legs; then the remainder of the 

 body is pulled up in an arch or loop. It pupates 

 in a loose cobweb-like mass on the under surface 

 of the leaves of the food plant. 



The bean moth has a very close relative in Plusia 

 argcntifcra, which has similar markings on the 

 Avings, which are generally of a lighter colour, the 

 hind pair being opalescent. The larva, too, strongly 

 resembles that of the bean moth, and we have 

 found it on the same food plants. 



The army worm (Leucania iinipiincta). — Like an 

 army, countless numbers of the larvae attack various 

 types of vegetation, often leaving nothing but the 

 stems of the plants attacked, and sometimes not 

 even these. They are nearly IJ inches in length, 

 dull green in colour, Avith lighter stripes running 

 along the body. They pupate in the soil. The 

 motli is a light brown or buff in colour. 



Poisoned bait has proved one of the most effec- 

 tive remedies for the cutworms. One oz. of paris 

 green, 1 lb. bran or pollard, mixed dry, then water 

 and a little salt added. Pellets of tliis scattered 

 among garden plants or growing crops form a 

 most attractive bait. 



