6 FARMERS’ BULLETIN 105, 
Two common species of tachina flies? attack the larva of the catalpa 
sphinx. These are general parasites of butterflies and moths, the 
former infesting 27 distinct species, the latter 22. 
A few birds prey upon the caterpillar, but most of them evidently 
find it when full grown a rather tough morsel, the skin being espe- 
cially thick and resistant and the insect a very muscular one, so that, 
in fact, it is difficult to crush one with the end of a cane. Among the 
birds which have been re- 
corded as destroying this 
insect are cuckoos, the cat- 
bird, and the Baltimore 
oriole. 
REMEDIES. 
There are several meth- 
ods by which the catalpa 
sphinx may be readily de- 
stroyed. The caterpillars 
may be gathered by hand, 
the folage of the trees 
may be sprayed with ar- 
se ae tae a ele AR ase ak eee Miers i senical eee the PEE 
Adult with puparium at right and enlarged MAY be destroyed by spad- 
antenna at left. (From Howard.) ing the ground around the 
tree trunks in the fall, and, indirectly, the sphinx may be destroyed 
by protecting ‘the parasitic insects which attack it. 
HAND PICKING. 
Owing to its large size, the caterpillar is easily seen and can be con- 
trolled by hand picking. In the case of large trees a long ladder and 
a 12-foot pole pruner or similar device will be necessary in this work. 
SPRAYING WITH ARSENICALS. 
Where the caterpillars are injurious to trees of considerable height, 
rendering hand picking difficult, or where they occur in such abun- 
dance as to render probable the complete defoliation or stripping of 
the tree, the application of an arsenical spray is the best method for 
their control. Advantage may be taken of the gregarious habit of the 
young caterpillars by watching rather closely for their appearance in 
the spring, and if the leaves are observed to be eaten in any particular 
place, promptly applying an arsenical spray. 
The arsenicals ordinarily used in the control of shade-tree insects 
are arsenate of lead and Paris green. If properly applied, neither of 
1 Phorocera claripennis Macq. (fig. 4) and Frontina frenchii Will. 
