CURRANT AND GOOSEBERRY INSECTS 



343 



to other parts of the plant. With increase in size they become 

 more destructive, and if numerous are able to strip a bush of 

 its leaves in a few days (Fig. 304). The larvae molt several 

 times as they increase in size, but the exact number of molts 

 has not been determined. They becom'e full-growii in two or 

 three weeks, and are then about f inch in length. At the 

 last molt they 

 lose their black 

 spots and assume 

 a uniform green 

 color tinged with 

 yellow at the 

 ends. The larva 

 then descends to 

 the ground and 

 spins a smooth 

 oval brownish co- 

 coon beneath 

 leaves or other 

 trash; sometimes 

 the cocoons are 

 attached to the 



stems or leaves some distance from the ground. The larva 

 transforms to a brownish pupa within the cocoon and the flies 

 of the second brood emerge in late June or early July. Some- 

 times there is a small third brood. The winter is passed in 

 the cocoon, probably in the larval condition. 



Treatment. 



The larvae may be readily destroyed by an early application 

 of either 1 pound Paris green or 4 pounds arsenate of lead in 

 100 gallons of water. Later, when the fruit is near maturity, 

 fresh hellebore should be used at the rate of 4 ounces in 2 or 3 

 gallons of water or, as a dry application, 1 pound in 5 pounds of 

 flour or air-slaked lime. 



Fig. 304. — Full-grown currant worms. 



