264 MANUAL OF VEGETABLE-GARDEN INSECTS 



Fig. 155. 



The well-marked cutworm 

 (X U). 



pumpkin and other vegetables. As a climbing cutworm, it 

 attacks apple, currant and gooseberry. Among its wild food 

 plants are included soft maple, box elder and wild endive. 



These insects hibernate as partly grown caterpillars which 

 become mature during May and June. The caterpillar is If 



inches in length and is 

 easily recognized by a double 

 row^ of distinct, oblique, 

 black spots on the back 

 of the abdominal segments 

 (Fig. 155). The rows of black spots are bordered laterally 

 by a distinct yellow stripe. The median yellowish stripe 

 is distinct. The reddish brown pupre are found buried 

 a few inches in the soil. The moths emerge during June and 

 July and have been collected as late as the middle of October. 

 During the day they have the habit of hiding under loose 

 bark, in crevices about buildings 

 and in fences. When at rest the 

 wings are folded closely one above 

 the other, giving the moth a flattened 

 appearance. The moth has an ex- 

 panse of li inches. The front 

 wings are of a dark, smoky brown 

 color, the transverse lines paler 

 and not very distinct. The inner 

 spot is oval bordered with black ; the reniform spot is marked 

 with black on the inner side and the two are often united by 

 a black line. The hind wings are smoky, darker towards the 

 margin (Fig. 156). The eggs have not been described. So 

 far as known, there is only a single generation annually. 



Fig. 156. — The well-marked 

 cutworm moth (natural size). 



References 



Harris, Insects Injurious to Vegetation, pp. 325-327. 

 Cornell Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 104, pp. 571-574. 1895. 



1841. 



