1919 



Samuel E. Cassino, 



Salem, Massachusetts. 



Vol. II 



March 25, 1918 



Publisher. 



No. 3 



Notes on the Larvae of Catocala and 

 Their Habits 



Bv William Beufenmuller, New York. 



The larvae in shape are elongated, tapering towards 

 both extremities, rounded above and flattened beneath. 

 They are smooth with the lower parts of the sides 

 provided with filaments or fringes which are more or 

 less prominent or are wanting entirely. The eighth 

 segment is generally provided with a dorsal elevation 

 or protuberance or is entirely smooth. The eleventh 

 segment is a^so sometimes more or less elevated. The 

 two first pair of abdominal legs in the young larvae 

 are rudimentary and scarcely discernible. The pairs 

 of legs gradually develop in the succeeding stages and 

 rarely if ever, attain the same size as the two last pair 

 of abdominal, causing them to be semi-loopers in 

 walking. The anal legs are elongated. The head of 

 all the species is very characteristic in shape and 

 subject to no modifications, as far as my observations 

 go. The markings are quite constant and subject to 

 very little or no variation. The head may be used as 

 a good distinguishing character of closely allied spe- 

 cies. On the first prothoracic segment beneath, is an 

 eversible gland, as has been detected by Prof. Poulton. 

 This gland probably emits a pungent liquid or dis- 

 agreeable odor used in defense for the larva against 

 its enemies. Mr. William \\'hite (Proc. Ent. Soc. 



Copyri|rht, I9ig, hy Samuel E. Cauino. All rrirhta rf««rT«d 



