Fig. 273. 



264 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE GRAPE. 



No. 141. — The Grape-vine Epimenis. 



Psj/coinorpha epimenis (Drury). 



There is still another grape-feeding insect which, in the cat- 

 erpillar state, bears a strong general resemblance to Nos, 138 

 and 139. The larva (Fig. 273, a) in this species is smaller, of 



a bluish-white color, with 

 four transverse black bands . 

 on each segment, as shown 

 at b in the figure, and a few 

 black dots, but lacks the 

 orange bands which dis- 

 tinguish the three species last described. The shield behind 

 the head, the hump on the twelfth segment, and the anal plate 

 are of a dull-orange color; the dots on the hump are arranged 

 as shown at c in the figure. The young larva attacks tlie ter- 

 minal buds of the vine in spring, fastening the young leaves 

 by a few silken threads, and secreting itself within the en- 

 closure. When full grown, which is usually towards the end 

 of May, it bores into soft wood or any other suitable sub- 

 stance, and there changes to a reddish-brown chrysalis, about 

 four-tenths of an inch long, roughened on the joints, and 

 having a curious, flattened, horny projection on each side of 

 the tip. Within this enclosure it remains until the following 

 spring, when the perfect insect escapes. 



The moth (Fig. 274) is of a velvety-black color, with a 

 broad, irregular, white patch extending nearly across the front 



wiuffs, and a somewhat larger and more 

 Fig. 274. 



regularly formed spot of a dull orange-red 



across the hind wings. The wings are also 



sprinkled with brilliant purplish scales, 



most numerous along the outer margins, 



where they form a narrow baud. The 



under side is paler, with similar markings, the purplish scales 



a|)pearing very distinct on the front and posterior margins of 



tlie hinder wings. The antennoe of the male are toothed. 



