7o SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



exterminated by the English sparrow, is replaced by the Orgyia, which 

 the sparrows will not attack. 



As will be seen from the literature of this species as given abo\^, it 

 has already been treated of by most of our writers on economic ento- 

 mology. It has also been noticed in many other minor publications not 

 cited, and the figures originally given of it in its different stages often 

 reproduced. But so serious are its injuries to fruit and shade trees and 

 various ornamental shrubs, and so general the ignorance of the best 

 means of relief therefrom, that the present notice of it seems desirable. 



As a knowledge of the several stages of insect life and other particulars 

 which enter into a life-history are of great importance in all efforts to 

 control insect depredations, they will first be considered. 



The Caterpillar. 



While the perfect insect is unusually sombre in color and without the 

 slightest ornamental feature, unless it be its prettily pectinated antennae, 

 the caterpillar, as if by way of compensation, is strikingly beautiful, not 

 only to naturalists, but to all who will take the trouble to give it an ex- 

 amination. Dr. Fitch has written appreciatively of its beauty, as follows: 



" The term ' caterpillar ' is applied to a worm which is clothed with 

 hairs ; and we commonly associate this term with something which is 

 ugly and repulsive in its appearance. But many caterpillars are far 

 from meriting this prejudice, being, in reality, objects of much beauty. 

 This is eminently the case with one which may frequently be seen in the 

 month of July upon apple trees and also in our yards upon rose bushes. 

 We cultivate the rose for ornament, and nature, as if to further our de- 

 signs, places upon the leaves this neat, little, prim caterpillar, which is a 

 more delicate, elegant object than the handsomest rose that ever grew. 

 I well remember the first time I ever noticed one of these caterpillars. 

 It was in the hay field, in my boyhood. One of the laborers, who had 

 little taste for any of the beauties of nature — a man of that class of 

 whom the poet sings, 



' A primrose bj^ the river's brim, 

 A yellow primrose was to him, 

 And it was nothing more ' — — • 



in stooping for a handful of grass to wipe off his scythe, had his atten- 

 tion arrested by one of these caterpillars. Taking up the leaf on which 

 it was standing, he was for several moments absorbed in contemplating 

 its bright colors and the artistic arrangement of its elegant plumes. Then 

 as he was laying it down, he said to himself, 'That is the prettiest thing 

 I ever saw ! ' Let us not murmur if the leaves of our rose bushes are 



