8 Psyche [February 
Provision for an abundance of normal food. 
Provision for a suitable larval environment. 
Provision for a suitable pupal environment. 
Provision for a suitable adult and egg laying environment. 
Regulation of temperature and humidity. 
Prevention of disease. 
Prevention of parasitism by other insects. 
Bate 
pa 
Tue Use or Fruit Jars wit Tin Covers. 
The general use of shallow fruit jars (Pl. I, fig. 1) has been 
found extremely successful for many species of insects. By alter- 
ing conditions slightly for each stage (egg, larval, pupal and adult), 
these jars can be used throughout the life of many forms. The 
jars are four inches deep and four inches in diameter. The tin tops 
can be screwed on tightly without the use of rubber bands. In- 
sects confined in these jars cannot escape, nor can parasites enter. 
It is easy to duplicate conditions required by insects fond of a 
moist environment or which pupate in the soil. If at any time an 
excess of moisture forms, it may be diminished by loosening the 
screw tops or by adding a small quantity of dry sand. 
The following constitutes the method used successfully for rear- 
ing lepidopterous larve: 
CARE OF THE EGGs. 
The eggs are placed in a jar containing a piece of filter or blotting 
paper to absorb the excess moisture. The cover is screwed on 
tightly to prevent any larve from escaping when they hatch. 
Once in every three or four days, the cover is removed for a moment 
to permit the circulation of air. 
CARE OF THE LARV. 
As soon as hatching commences, a small amount of food is 
placed in the jars. Several hundred caterpillars may be placed in 
one jar, but as they increase in size the number per jar should be 
decreased in order to prevent overcrowding. After the larvee have 
molted once or twice, the filter paper may be removed, and a 
fourth of an inch of dry sand substituted. The sand is changed 
every three or four days before it becomes foul or mold develops. 
The jars should be kept shaded to ensure a nearly even tempera- 
ture. 
