296 MANUAL OF VEGETABLE-GARDEN INSECTS 



melon, eiiciimber, corn, wheat, alfalfa and clover. As a 

 climber it attacks peach, raspberry and grape. It is reported 

 as also feeding on cotton bolls and the heart of young corn 

 plants in the same way as the cotton boll-worm. 



Hibernation takes place either as larvae, pupse or adults. In 

 California the spring brood of caterpillars is most abundant in 



May and June. The fidl- 

 grown larva is from 1^ to 

 2 inches in length (Fig. 181). 

 Thereare two varieties; one 

 is velvety black above and 

 reddish brown beneath with 

 bright yellow lines on the 

 and has the back marked 



Fig. 



181. — The yellow-striped army- 

 worm (natural size). 



two prominent and many fine 

 side ; the other is reddish gray 

 with a pair of triangular black spots on each segment, the 

 lateral markings not being so distinct. In late May and 

 June the caterpillars transform in earthen cells to rich reddish 

 brown pupae and the moths emerge two or three weeks later. 

 The moth has an average 

 expanse of li inches. The 

 front wings are brownish 

 gray with a beautiful and 

 complicated pattern. The 

 reniform spot is small and 

 pyriform ; the orbicular is 

 elongate oval, and is placed 

 in a light-colored bar ex- 

 tending towards the hind 

 angle of the wing. In the middle of the wing there is a 

 small sharply defined white V. The hind wing is opalescent 

 white, narrowly margined with brown (Fig. 182). Nothing is 

 known as to the egg-laying habits of- this species. In Cali- 

 fornia it is said to be double brooded, the spring brood being 

 the more destructive. 



Fig. 



182. — The yellow-striped arm.\- 

 worm moth (X li)- 



