226 



Forty- FOURTH Report on the Si ate Museum 



Everybody walks over them, but few, I think, stop to inquire about 

 their life-history or habits, or whether they are harmful or otherwise. 

 I notice chickens eye them curiously, but will not devour them, pre- 

 sumably on account of their hirsute covering. J.'^H. C. 

 MoRETON Farm, N. Y., October 15. 



To the above the following rejily (some additions thereto are 

 inclosed in brackets) was made, through the Gountry Gentleman, of 

 November 27th of the present year: 



Traveling Habit of the Caterpillar. 

 The caterpillars sent are the common red-and-black " woolly-bears," 

 known to science as Pyrrharctia Isabella. It is very seldom that it 

 occurs in such numbers as reported above, but it may be seen 

 almost every year during the autumn months, traveling over roadways 

 and along foot-paths, en route to some suitable place for its winter 

 quarters. Its remarkably rapid gait would indicate extreme haste to 

 find the desired shelter, but if followed, it would be seen to consume 

 hours of time in unnecessary travel, as if in obedience to some 

 requirement in its economy, or simply for the pleasure that the 

 exercise may afford. 



Fig. 1. 



The Isabella tiger-moth, Pyeehabctia Isabella: a, its larva; b, its cocoon 

 opened to show the pupa. 



The Caterpillar Described. 

 Nearly all who have had the privilege of passing their childhood in 

 the country — where nature may be so conveniently studied and ever 

 appeals to the inquiring eye — are familiar with the class of cater- 

 pillars known from their thick-set, hirsute clothing as " woolly-bears." 

 This particular one is the most common of all throughout the eastern 

 part of the United States. When full-grown it measures an inch and 



