274 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY IVol. 14 



mid-dorsal line is invariable, and easily distinguishes this species from 

 others. As full growth is gained the larvae become quiet, shrink in 

 size, and exhibit pupal motions when disturbed. The larva descends 

 about 2 inches into the soil, constructs a roomy cell, and the pupa is 

 formed therein. 



In May and Jime, 1914, individual records of larval life varied from 

 24 to 28 days, averaging 26}i days. In July, 1915, a large brood va- 

 ried from 20 to 27 days in the larval stage, averaging 24 days. In 

 September and October, 1915, the larval stage required from 5 to 6 

 weeks. 



Pupa. The pupa is of the common Noctuid type, about an inch 

 long. It is light brown when first formed, but darkens as develop- 

 ment proceeds, until almost black. In June, 1914, individuals re- 

 quired from 13 to 16 days for the pupal stage; in June and August, 

 1915, the pupal stage was from 15 to 20 days, averaging 16 or 17; in 

 October, 1915, nearly a month was required. 



Adult. The adult is a rather large moth, expanding about 1^ in- 

 ches. Two forms occur; one, the more numerous, is a sober brownish- 

 gray in general color, the other a shade of purple, which does not re- 

 tain its intensity in dry specimens. The pattern is the same in both, 

 but the shade is quite distinct, and among several hundred moths only 

 one has been seen that could be classed as intermediate. 



The method of rearing had the disadvantage of giving few individual 

 records of adult hfe. The longevity in 6 cages of moths varied from 8 

 to 13 days. Eggs are deposited within three days after emergence, 

 and up to 2 or 3 days before death; in one cage eggs were deposited 

 12 days after the emergence of the youngest moth present. Females 

 confined alone have in some cases deposited normal looking eggs, 

 which failed to develop, as before noted. The eggs are usually de- 

 posited in masses, irregular, usually compact, although sometimes 

 scattered. Eggs masses contained from 30 to 320 eggs, averaging 130. 

 The moths preferred white cloth to any other available substance for 

 oviposition. Judging from the number of egg masses found in a cage 

 as compared with the nimiber of moths present, a female may deposit 

 more than one egg mass. 



Summary of Life-cycle 



Table of Life-periods in Summer 



^The life cycle in the last row is computed by adding 3 days as preoviposition 

 period. 



