114 PAPERS ON CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECTS. 
The gamma mark is somewhat differently shaped: Both its upper arms di- 
verge, thus cutting off a broader equilateral triangle, through the upper 
median border, between them. The outer arm of this figure forms at its inner 
side an obtuse angle and is directed parallel with the hind edge (of the wing) 
while in the European species it is more basally directed. The lower arm of 
the gamma sign runs nearly horizontal. In this direction the black enclosed 
part, supported by the two outer arms, is more snout-shaped while in the Ger- 
man forms this form is approximately a rectangular space, rounded at its 
apex. The ring spot is surrounded by a whitish margin, elongate, and inclined 
very obliquely basally. The posterior diagonal band runs from the subcostal 
to the inner branch of the median (branch 2), not in a smooth curve as in 
gamme but in an unbroken straight line and is not so strongly curved basally 
opposite the lower arm of the ganvma sign as in the latter. On the under 
surface, as in the French forms, the wings are clear white with, especially on 
the forewings, sharp black mottlings. The remainder of the ‘border of the 
underside, as is also the color of the hind wings, is lighter colored than the 
European forms. This form may be easily separated from moderately light 
varieties in color and design by these important distinctions—the gamma sign 
and the posterior diagonal band. 
Whether we have to do with a distinct species, a local variety, or merely 
an accidental variety, must be proved by more extensive comparisons. 
Specimens of gamma from the Atlantic States, where they are said to be indig- 
enous by Ruhordem, Koch, and Grote, I have not yet seen. They are, when 
the californica form is considered with them, spread over the whole northern 
hemisphere from Greenland to Abyssinia. They should be found even in New 
Holland [Australia], cf., my Geographical Distribution of the Butterflies of 
Germany, etc., Volume II, page 219. 
PARASITES. 
This moth is severely parasitized.. At the field laboratory in 
Pullman, Wash., we obtained five hymenopterous and two dipterous 
parasites and observed a disease during the seasons of 1909 and 1910. 
On July 12, 1909, two small larve of the alfalfa looper, measuring 
about 14 mm. in length, had contracted to 8 mm., became turgid, quite 
hard, and changed to a rich ferruginous brown. On July 22 of 
the same year two specimens of Rhogas autographw Vier. (fig. 46) 
emerged. On close examination of this improvised puparium it is 
found to be almost entirely made up of the abdominal segments 7 to 12 
of the lepidopterous larva (see fig. 47). The thoracic and anterior ab- 
dominal segments 1 to 6 contract to form an almost black annulated 
cap over one end of the puparium, with the transparent head shield 
terminating this cap. Segment 13, bearing the anal prolegs, termi- 
nates the other end of the puparium and is also transparent. Seg- 
ments 9 and 10 each bear the transparent skin of their respective 
prolegs. The hair papille on segments 7 to 10 are pale and col- 
lected in a darker elevated band around the middle of their respective 
segments. The adult in emerging gnaws a smooth, circular hole 
through the dorsum of the eleventh and twelfth segments. 
