12 



the toad is small, but the case is of interest as showing that tree- 

 infesting caterpillars are often captured by this animal. 



It would seem that such heavily armored insects as the spiny Vanessa 

 caterpillars would escape the toad, yet in spite of their natural protec- 

 tion they are gathered in without apparent discomfort. The damage 

 caused to the elm, willow, and apple by these insects is a matter of 

 common knowledge. 



Elsewhere mention has been made of the capture by the toad of the 

 winged brown-tail moths as they fall partially stunned from the street 

 lamps. The lamps have a Strang attraction for the moths, and the 

 toad makes sure that few if any escape. This imported European 

 pest has now become well established in several New England States, 

 particularly in residential districts. It is here that the toad is most 

 valuable as a destroyer of the moths. Four toads taken under electric 

 lamps contained 10, 11, 15, and 17 moths, respectivel3^ The cater- 

 pillars of this insect are but little more fortunate than the moths. S'X 

 toads taken in infested orchards contained, respectively, 3, 3, 5, 7, 8, 

 and 12 caterpillars. When we consider that the hair with which these 

 insect are clothed produces a most intense irritation whenever it 

 comes in contact with the human flesh, it would seem that the toad is 

 practically immune from injuries of this class, and that few if any 

 caterpillars are well enough protected to escape its rapacious appetite 

 once they come within its reach. 



ECONOMIC STATUS OF INSECTS DESTROYED BY THE TOAD. 



In the following table an attempt is made to strike a balance between 

 the good accomplished by the toad through its ravages on injurious 

 species and the harm it does by destroying beneficial species: 



Insect food of the load classified as regards economic status. 



Benefi- Nputral Inj un- 

 cial. JMeutrai. ^^^^_ 



Cutworms, caterpillars, etc. 

 Ants. 



Injurious beetles 



Sow bugs, myriapods, snails, etc . 



Ground beetles 



Grasshoppers, etc 



Spiders . 



Percent. 



Per cent. 

 28 



Carrion beetles . . . 

 Worms 



Vegetable matter. 

 Mineral matter . . . 



Total a. 



62 



a The 5 per cent unidentified has been excluded from this classification. 



To summarize: Against the toad must be reckoned the destruction 

 of many beneficial ground beetles, a few spiders, an occasional carrion 

 beetle, ladybird, and ichneumon fly, forming as a whole 11 per cent of 

 its food. 



