52 OUR SHADE TREES AND THEIR INSECT DEFOLIATORS. 
In several instances batches of eggs of this moth were parasitized, and 
instead of producing young caterpillars they brought forth the tiny 
insects of this species. The batches of parasitized eggs were found 
July 27 upon the leaves of Sunflower, and August 18 upon leaves of 
Willow; judging from these dates it was the second brood of moths 
that had deposited them. There can be no doubt, however, that eggs 
Fic. 23.—Telenomus bifidus (greatly enlarged). 
produced by moths emerging from their cocoons in early spring had 
been parasitized as well. The female Telenomus was also observed, 
August 2, busily engaged in forcing its ovipositor into the eggs, and 
depositing therein. The female insect is so very intent upon its work 
that it is not easily disturbed, and one can pluck a leaf and apply 
a lens without scaring if away. The eggs soon hatch inside the large 
egg of the moth, and the larvie produced soon consume the contents. 
This egg-parasite is a very useful friend, nipping the evil in the bud, 
so to speak. 
Meteorus hyphantrie Riley.—‘ This parasite (Fig. 24) has performed 
very good services during the caterpillar plague and has done much to 
check any further increase of the Web-worm. During the earlier part 
of the summer this insect was not very numerous, but sufficient proofs 
in the form of empty cocoons were observed to indicate at least one 
earlier brood. Towards the end of September, and as late as the 15th 
of October, very numerous cocoons of a second brood were formed 3 
they could be found in all-situations to which the caterpillar itself had 
access. But the great majority of them were suspended from the 
trunks and branches of trees, and chiefly from near the base of the 
trunk, Hach cocoon represents the death of one nearly full-grown eat- 
erpillar, since the latter harbors but one larva of the parasite.* A 
careful watch was kept to see how such a suspended cocoon was formed, 
* In only one instance the cocoon of this parasite was found inside that of its host. 
