58 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



can easily be found in their burrows. The cavities made by the borers are 

 nearly filled with frass. The caterpillar completes its growth in the spring, 

 eats its way nearly through the bark | pi. 4, fig. 13], then retires into its 

 burrow, spins a loose silken cocoon and changes to a jjupa. Shortly before 

 the adult emerges, the pupa works its way partly out of the burrow, ruptur- 

 ing the thin piece of bark covering the outlet of its retreat in the operation, 

 and the moth escapes, leaving the pupal case; as represented on plate 4, 

 figure 14. 



This pest attacks both hard and soft maples. In some localities it is 

 reported as most injurious to the former, in others to the latter. In Albany 

 its work is most evident on soft maples. Woodpeckers are efficient aids in 

 keeping this pest in check in forests, according to the late Dr Kellicott. 



Remedies. As the parent moth shows a marked inclination to deposit 

 eggs on rough bark, the trees should be protected from injury by horses, 

 boys and other agencies and the trunks kept as smooth as possible. The 

 caterpillars bore near the surface and are easily dug out and destroyed. 

 Infested trees should be inspected the latter part of the summer and the 

 borers killed. The wounds in the trees should be carefully covered with 

 grafting wax, paint or other protective substance. A plaster made of fresh 

 cow dung and lime has been used for this purpose with e.xcellent results. 

 The deposition of eggs could probably be prevented to considerable extent 

 by treating the trunks of the trees about the middle of May with a wash 

 prepared as follows: thin i gal. of soft soap with an equal amount of hot 

 water and stir in 1 pi. of crude carbolic acid (^ pt. refined), let it set over 

 night and then add 8 gal. of soft water. A])ply thoroughly to the trunk, 

 specially about all crevices and wounds, from the ground to about 6 or 8 

 feet high, and renew if necessary before the middle of June. 



Bibliography 

 1898 Felt, E. P. Fish, Game and For. Com. N. Y. 4th Rep't, p. 384-85 



