194 



CATERPILLAR PESTS. 



of these caterpillars is similar to that of the preceding- caterpillars. The 

 moths lay eggs in cliistors ou their food-plants^ the eggs hatching in a few 



Fig. 221, 

 Moth of Jute Sairy Caterpillar. (Majnijled twice.) 



days as a rule. The caterpillars feed for two to four weeks and become 

 chrysalides in a cocoon in the ground or hidden away under stones, etc, ; 

 the moth emerges in five to ten days and again lays eggs. The whole 

 period from egg to egg is four to six weeks, so that several broods succeed 

 one another so long as conditions are favourable. 



The caterpillars are very characteristic in appearance ; they are long, 

 usually of a black and yellow colour, with hairs covering the whole bodj'. 

 When the caterpillar pupates, the hairs are used with the silk to prepare 



the cocoon. 



The moths are distinct 



in appearance from the 



moths of other injurious 



caterpillars ; most are 



brightly coloured, red, 



orange or white with black 



markings, or dots. 



Less than ten species* 



seem to be common in 



different parts of India, 



attacking a variety of 



Fig. 222, 

 Moth of Gujarat Sairy Caterpillar. 



* There are four principal species in India- 

 233. Amsacta moorei. W. Madras. 

 231, Amsacta lineola. F, 

 220. Amsacta lactinea. Cr. 

 J3C. Diacrisia olliqna. Wlk- Behar and Oudh. 



> Gujarat. 



