THE WHITE MARKED TUSSOCK MOTH 



A. C. Ul'C.CLES 



4 i 



Fig. 14. A full grown caterpillar; male moth; wingless female moth just emerged from 

 the cocoon and beginning to lay eggs. 



In certain years tlie cateri)iriars or larvae of this insect are 

 probably the most abundant of the leaf eating forms found in the 

 state. Basswoods, elms and maples are the principal trees attacked. 

 The past season has been favorable for the de\elopment of these 

 insects, and in many places throughout the state the egg masses 

 may be seen in large numbers on the trees mentioned. Unless 

 something is done the caterpillars will do a tremendous amount of 

 injury this year. 



This insect is ])rimarih- a shade tree pest, although if not con- 

 trolled it will work on trees in the orchard. The control of this 

 insect is ustially a city problem, which means the cooperation of 

 individuals and the city government. With these things in mind, 

 some knowledge on the habits and forms of the insect will be valu- 

 able in controlling it. 



LARVAE. 



The lar\ae are the most beatitiful of oiu" caterpillars. The 

 head is coral red, with a pair of long black plumes projecting over 

 it. At the opposite end of the body is a single l)lack plume. On 

 the back are four whitish brush-like tufts looking- like miniature 



