8 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 662. 
Among predaceous insects are several species of ground beetles 
which are said to feed upon the larve, among them Calosoma scruta- 
tor Fab. Among the Hemiptera Mr. A. H. Kirkland has observed 
several species of Podisus' and the reduviid, Diplodus luridus Stal, 
attacking the larve. According to Prof. Bruner, Podisus spinosus 
Dall. and Perillus claudus Say also are enemies of the caterpillar. 
While most birds as a rule do not feed on hairy larve such as the 
tent caterpillar, yet several species are known to include this insect 
in their diet, as the black-billed 
and yellow-billed cuckoos, the blue- 
jay, and, according to Mr. E. H. 
Forbush, the crow, chickadee, Balti- 
more oriole, red-eyed vireo, chipping 
sparrow, and yellow warbler. Kirk- 
land states that the common toad 
feeds greedily on tent caterpillars, 
he having found in their stomachs 
the remains of from 15 to 20, and in 
one instance 37 of these larvee. 
The caterpillars are also subject to 
destruction by a bacterial disease, 
especially when they become grown 
Fic. 7.—Itoplectis in the act of ovipositingon OT nearly SO, and sick, sluggish indi- 
cocoon of apple-tree tent caterpillar. En- viduals may often be observed lying 
larged. (After Fiske.) F 
outside at full length on the nest. 
Larve killed by this disease are soft-bodied, the skin easily rupturing 
and permitting the escape of the liquid, decomposed body contents. 
METHODS OF CONTROL. 
REMOVAL OF USELESS TREES. 
As has been stated, the unsightly nests of the tent caterpillars are 
especially apt to be found on wild cherry, apple, and other trees grow- 
ing along roadsides, fences, and elsewhere. In most cases such trees 
could doubtless be removed without disadvantage, and their removal 
would greatly reduce the numbers of this pest by lessening theirfavorite 
food supply. 
COLLECTING THE EGGS. 
During the dormant period of trees, when the leaves are off, the egg 
masses are fairly conspicuous, and with a little practice may be 
readily found; it is then that the twigs bearing them should be cut 
off and burned. Trees infested with larve during the early part of 
the year, or those in the immediate vicinity, are perhaps more likely 
to be chosen by the parent moth for the deposition of her eggs, and 
such trees at least should be searched if it is not practicable to extend 
1 Podisus placidus Uhl., P. modestus Dall., and P. serieventris Uhl. 
