8o NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



courtesy the writer was enabled to examine a number of trees infested 

 by this species. 



Early history. The work of this caterpillar was first broii_i,dit to public 

 notice by Prof. \V. D. Peck in 1818, when the insect was briefly described, 

 and its injuries to locust trees in the vicinity of Cambridge Mass., recorded. 

 Professor Peck also states that he met with this species in black oak. Dr 

 Harris mentions the borer under the name of Xyleutes, ami l)r P'itch gave 

 a detailed account of its work in 1858. He characterizes this species as by 

 far the most pernicious wood-boring insect, and adds that it wounds the 

 trees most cruelh'. He observes that the stateliest oaks in our forest are 

 mined and probably ruinctl in every instance " where one of these borers 

 obtains lodgment in their trunks. It perforates a hole the size of a half inch 

 auger, large enough to admit the little finger and recpiiring 3 or 4 years for 

 the bark to close over it." These holes run inward to the heart of the tree, 

 and admit the water from every shower, which causes the wood to decay and 

 soon ruins the trees. Dr Riley, writing of this insect in 1870, characterizes 

 it as a serious enemy to the locust in Iowa, and states that it aids the locust 

 borer, Cyllene robiniae P'orst., in destroying locust groves through- 

 out the country. Prof. C. W. Johnson in 1896 records this species as very 

 injurious to black oak at Bellville, Mifflin co., Pa., and gives an instance of 

 its killing many trees in that neighborhood. This insect has also been 

 noticed by a number of later writers. Professor Lugger states that this 

 borer is not uncommon in Minnesota, and that it is frequently attracted to 

 electric lights. Professor Hillman records it as common in Nevada in 

 locust, elm and poplars. It is stated by Professor Buffum to be the species 

 which attacks cottonwoods in Wyoming, and Professor Gillette states that 

 it is confined almost exclusivel)- to cottonwoods in Colorado. 



Life history and habits. The moth may be found abroad in New York 

 during the greater part of June, and Dr Fitch states that it occurs in the 

 early part of July. This species was bred June 8, igoo, from infested ash 

 logs received from Mr M. V. Adams of Buffalo, and many more a])|)eared 

 between the 20th and 2 2d, and one the 28lh. .Several moths were bred 



