LASIOCAMPIDS. 135 
ican species, which are unsuitable. The wilted leaves of the 
osage orange can also be used. The different states of this 
important moth are shown in Fig. 135. 
FAMILY LASIOCAMPIDA® OR LASIOCAMPIDS. 
This family includes the destructive tent-caterpillars and 
the lappet moths. The adults are stout-bodied and hairy 
moths of medium size. The antenne are pectinated in both 
sexes, those of the males being usually longest. 
TENT-CATERPILLARS. 
There are but few insects that are better known to per- 
sons interested in fruit and shade trees than the different 
kinds of tent-caterpillars, which occur throughout the north- 
ern regions of the globe, and of which numerousspecies have 
been described. All are similar in general appearance and 
habits. In the United States they are called ‘‘ Tent-caterpil- 
lars,’’ because here one of the most common species is distin- 
guished by its habit of forming a large silken tent for the 
home and protection of a whole community of worms. All 
tent-caterpillars, however, spin a large amount of silk, only 
their tents are not as conspicuous as in the above species. 
In Europe, but especially in Germany, they are called ‘‘Rin- 
gelspinner’’ from the small ring or ringlet-like egg-masses, 
which the females deposit around a small twig of the tree 
selected for this purpose. The illustrations show that both 
popular names are well selected, since they express a habit 
readily perceived. 
In Minnesota we have to deal with two species of tent- 
caterpillars, which are always common in certain well- 
defined localities, and sometimes exceedingly so, as for 
instance in 1898, when in many parts of the State they 
devoured the foliage of all kinds of trees growing in orchards 
and forests. Few insects have a moreinteresting life-history 
