462 Report op the Entomologists of the 



The Bud Moth. 

 Tmetocera ocellana Schif. 



Although not a case-bearing insect the discussion of the 

 species may be placed here for convenience. 



History. — This species is probably of European origin. It was 

 known as a serious pest in this country nearly fifty years ago. 

 Since then it has been recorded as a serious pest in various parts 

 of the eastern states. 



Present distribution. — It is probably well distributed through- 

 out the eastern states. It is also well known in Canada. It has 

 been found in Missouri and as far west as Idaho. 



Food plarvts. — The writer has observed this insect upon apple, 

 pear, plum and peach trees. According to Prof. M. V. Slinger- 

 land,* who has made a careful study of this species, it also 

 attacks the cherry, quince and blackberry. 



Descriptions and life history. — The life history of this insect has 

 not been studied out by the writer. As given by Prof. Slinger- 

 land, in the bulletin above referred to it is briefly, as follows: 

 Usually the nurseryman or fruit grower is not aware that this 

 insect is injuring his trees until he finds that many of the leaf 

 buds fail to produce leaves in the spring. Upon examination the 

 little brown caterpillars may be found eating out the tender 

 centers of the swelling buds. Later in the season they attack the 

 unfolding leaves, drawing them together with silken threads as 

 shown at Plate XXIV, fig. 6. By June the caterpillars are full 

 grown. The pupa stage is passed in these nests, " in a tube of 

 dead leaves," and lasts about ten days. The parent insects are 

 dark ash gray moths marked with a cream white band across the 

 front wings. In three or four days after emerging the moths lay 

 their eggs. The eggs resemble minute drops of water and are 

 laid singly or in clusters on the leaves. The eggs hatch in from 

 seven to ten days. The young caterpillars soon begin to feed on 

 the skin of the leaf. They also make for themselves tubes of silk 

 usually along the midrib of the leaf. They continue to feed dur- 

 ing July and part of August, devouring only the soft parts of the 



♦Cornell Univ. Agl. Exp. Sta. Bui. 107, p. 67. 



