ATTACKING THE LEAVES. 



329 



The Glassy Cut-worm, Hadena devastatrix (Brace). In 

 Fig. 341 we have a representation of the larva. It is of a 

 shining green color, with a red head and a dark-brown, horny- 



FiG. 341. 



Fig. 342. 





looking shield on the next segment. On each ring there are 

 a number of shining dots, from each of which arises a single 

 short hair, as seen in the magnified segment below. The 

 moth (Fig. 342) is of a dark ashen-gray color, marked with 

 black and white spots, streaks, and dots; the hind wings are 

 pale brownish gray. 



Many more examples of these cut-worms and their moths 

 might be cited, but enough has been given to show their 

 general characteristics. 



To subdue these insects is no easy matter, since they do 

 not usually eat the foliage in the manner that other cater- 

 pillars do, but attack the plant at about the base, and, having 

 cut it through, leave the greater portion of it to wilt and 

 perish. Sprinkling the plants with air-slaked lime, ashes, 

 or powdered hellebore, or showering them well with water 

 containing Paris-green, in the proportion of one or two tea- 

 .'^poonfuls to a pailful of water, would destroy many of them ; 

 but the safest way is to catch and kill the enemy. Where 

 a plant is seen suddenly to wilt and die, the author of the 

 mischief can generally be found within a few inches of the 

 plant destroyed, and a short distance below the surface of the 

 ground. These larvae are all vigorously attacked by various 

 species of parasites. 



