12 



The caterpillar of this species f^scc figure 2) is a formidable looking creature, measuring, 

 when full grown, if at rest, about three inches, and, when crawling, about three and a half 

 inches. While young, as this larva feeds singly, it does not attract much attention, but, as 

 it approaches maturity, it consumes in a short time, large quantities of leaves, rendering long 

 branches of the vine quite leafless. It is usually met with of full size late in August, and 

 feeds on the American ivy ( A mjwlojmsqulnque folia) as well as on the grape vine. The fol 

 lowing descriptions of the larva and perfect insect are compiled chiefly from Mr. Rihiy's 

 second report on the insects of Missouri. 



The largest segment in the body of the larva is the third behind the bead ; the second 

 is but half its size, and the first still smaller ; and, when at rest, it usually withdraws the 

 head and the two next segments within the third, as shown in the figure. Tiiis caterpillar 

 varies much in colour; when young, it is usually- green, witii a long slender reddish ho.'n, 

 rising from the last segment but one, and curving backwards. When full grown, the general 

 colour is sometimes green, but more frequently a pale straw, or reddish brown, and the long 

 recurved horn has disappeared, its place being occupied by a polished tubercle. The pile 

 straw colour, or reddish brown deepens at the sides, and finally merges into a rich brown. 

 A broken line of brown runs along the back, and another unbroken, with its upper edge fad- 

 ing gradually, extends along each side. It has six scalloped cream coloured spots on e:ich 

 side, and is covered more or less with minute spots, which are dark on the back, but light tnd 

 annulated at the sides. There are also from six to eight transverse wrinkles on all but tile 

 thoracic and caudal segments. The head, front segments and breathing holes incline to flesh 

 colour, while the prolegs and caudal plate are deep brown 



Fig. 3. 



When full grown, and about to transform to a 

 chrysalis, the colour of the worm often changes 

 to that of a beautiful pink or crimson. It then 

 descends to the ground, and burrows under 

 ^ ' neath, and undergoes its change there within a i 



smooth cavity. The chrysalis (sec fig 3) is of a dark .shining mahoganj' brown colour, 

 roughened, especially on the anterior edge of the segments in the back. 



Fig. 4. 



The moth (figure 4) is of a brownish grey colour, variegated with light brown, and with 



the dark spots shown in the figure deep brown. The hind wings arc pink, with a dark shade 

 across the middle, still darker sfiots below this shade, and a broad grey border behind. It is 

 usually single brooded, the chrysalis remaining in the ground through the fall, winter and 

 spring months, and producing the moth towards the latter part of June. 



This insect has rarely presented itself in .sufficient numbers to prove alarming to the 

 vine grower, either here or in the United States. Indeed, with us, it has hitherto been a 

 rare insect ; nevertheless, since some usually rare insects occasionally appear in comparative 

 abundance, we have thought it best to present our readers with a history of the sjiecies, so 



