INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



387 



attaining a length of nearly 4 inches. They are light green with 

 showy oblique white stripes and highly colored markings around the 

 spiracles on the sides. The oblique lines serve at once to distinguish 

 the larvae from the green forms of the two-lined sphinx. 



Fig. 387. — Adult female of the tomato worm, Protoparce sexta 

 (Johan.). The proboscis is extended to show its great length. 

 Slightly reduced. (Original) 



Distribution. — This insect is exceedingly common throughout the 

 entire State. 



Food Plants. — The larvae feed largely upon tomato plants, often 

 defoliating large areas. They also attack potato, tobacco and various 

 other Solanaeece. 



Natural Enemies. — Internal parasites perform an important part 

 in the control of this pest and are probably responsible for the com- 

 paratively small amount of damage done. 



