276 FRUIT INSECTS 



The Lesser Peach-tree Borer 

 Sesia pidipes Grote and Rol^inson 



This insect is also closely related to the peach-tree borer, 

 with which it has sometimes been confused. Besides the peach 

 it also attacks plum, cherry, June berry, beach plum and chest- 

 nut. It is widely distributed throughout the United States 

 and Canada. 



Unlike the peach-tree borer the larvae do not confine their 

 attacks to the crown but more often occur on the trunk and 

 larger branches. They usually infest old trees with rough bark, 

 and most of the burrows are found in the vicinity of wounds. 

 The pinkish or translucent larvae very closely resemble those of 

 the peach-tree borer, but are somewhat smaller. When full- 

 grown the larva eats out an exit hole nearly through the bark, 

 and in a suitable cavity beneath constructs an oval cocoon of 

 bits of bark and frass bound together with silken thread. A few 

 days after the construction of the cocoon the larva changes into 

 a brownish-yellow, spindle-shaped pupa about f inch in length. 

 The moth emerges in about a month or a little less in the South, 

 leaving the empty pupal skin projecting from the burrow (Fig. 

 236). Both sexes of the moths resemble the male of the peach- 

 tree borer, having all four wings transparent. Larvae of all 

 stages except the first may be found during the winter. These 

 mature at different times throughout the summer and give a 

 continuous supply of moths. In the South there are two genera- 

 tions annually, while in the North there is probably only one. 



Treatment. 



This borer rarely attacks perfectly sound uninjured trees and 

 is of little economic importance in commercial orchards which 

 receive good care. It is best controlled by digging out the larvae, 

 after which the wounds should be treated with some protective 

 wash. The work may be done in connection with the treat- 

 ment for the peach-tree borer. 



