49 
variety was so distinet as to be described, previous to breeding, as 
another species. This is entirely of a pearly, translucent white color, 
with fine, wavy, purple lines, one on each side cof medio-dorsal space 
and two others lower down on each side inclosing the second row of 
spines, which, like the general surface, are translucent white. There is 
a large purple spot a little back of the middle on each side of the dor- 
sum. I have found this variety only on pear, and it is rather rare. 
The cocoon is spun among the leaves and does not differ in color, form, 
or texture from those of other Limacodes. The moth bred from this 
pale larva does not differ from those of typical querceti, being of a rich 
fustic brown, with bright green and velvety black ornamentation. In 
the size of the green and black spots and in general intensity of color 
a series of moths of this species also exhibit considerable variation. 
The almost equally beautiful and even more strikingly marked Saddle- 
back Caterpillar (Hmpretia stimulea) occurred in very unusual numbers 
on Plum, Pear, Chestnut, Maple, and Wisteria vine, doing considerable 
damage—especially during the semi-gregarious period, which continues 
to the third molt—to the foliage of the fruit trees attacked. 
Phobetron pithecitum and Limacodes scapha were other species of this 
group observed. 
Lagoa crispata was quite numerous on White Oak and Chestnut, and 
colonies of Saturnia io appeared on Corn and Sassafras and defoliated 
several rose bushes in our garden before we discovered the authors of 
the mischief. Altogether there was quite an array of * urticators,” 
and gloves were very necessary to preserve the hands of the collector 
in taking them and also in caring for them in the rearing cage. They 
seem to dispense stinging points all over the foliage over which they 
crawl and all about the cage in which they are confined. I have often 
had my hands smart for hours after changing the leaves and cleaning 
the cage in which these larvee had been reared, long after they were 
inclosed in their cocoons. 
There was throughout this and contiguous States a notable outbreak 
of Datana both D. angusti and D. ministra, but especially the former. 
This species appeared on the Walnut in June, and the second brood 
again in August, and from the excessive and repeated defoliations it is 
probable that many fine trees have been destroyed. 
During a journey taken about the 1st of September, numbers of 
trees were noticed bearing what would have been a heavy crop of nuts, 
but absolutely leafless, while the trunks were almost covered with larval 
exuvie. The nuts were, of course, small and imperfect, the shrunken 
husks clinging to the seed. Several collections of the walnut-feeding 
larvee were sent me, but not having a supply of walnut leaves conven- 
ient, I was not able to rear any of them, as they refused to accept asa 
substitute the leaves of hickory or of Rhus glabra or copalina, although 
some years ago I bred them from the latter. 
During September the black-necked larve of what I suppose will 
25910—Bull, 23——4 
