284 MANUAL OF VEGETABLE-GARDEN INSECTS 



has an expanse of about li inches. The front wings are dull 

 gray with the usual pattern lightly marked but distinct. There 

 is a dark dash at the base of the wing and another below the 

 middle. The subterminal line has two long teeth running 

 to the margin. The hind wrings are dirty white, darker towards 

 the margin (Fig. 172). 



Reference 



Riley, 1st Rept. State Ent. Mo., pp. 84-85. 1869. 



The Clover Cutworm 



Mamestra trifolii von Rottenburg 



This cutworm ranges throughout the northern hemisphere 

 and has been reported from Chile. It has been especially in- 

 jurious to cabbage in the vicinity of Washington, D. C, and in 

 Canada it has proved destructive to peas and clover. It also 

 attacks mangel, turnip, beet, lettuce and spinach. Among its 



wild food plants are lamb's 

 quarters and purslane. 



Unlike many cutworms, 

 it passes the winter in the 

 pupal stage. The spring 

 brood of moths is on the 

 wing in May and June and 

 the second brood in August 

 and September. The first 

 brood of caterpillars is rel- 

 atively small and does com- 

 paratively less injury. The second brood in August and Sep- 

 tember often proves very destructive to peas, clover and late 

 cabbage. The mature caterpillar is about 2 inches in length, 

 greenish yellow, mottled with brown and black, and has a broad 

 pinkish }3and below the spiracles. Pupation takes place in 

 the ground. 



Fiu. 173. 



The clover cutworm moth 

 (X U). 



