sional occurrences in September, the latest on our notes for central 

 Illinois being September 20. 



Breeding almost wholly in grass-lands, its injuries to corn are to be 

 apprehended only where this cro]) follows upon grass, or where the corn 

 field adjoins a pasture or meadow. In the former case the injury may 

 be generally distributed throughout the field, but in the latter it will be 

 limited chiefly to the side next to grass. It continues its injuries so 

 late in spring that it is difficult for the corn grower to escape it by late 

 planting, and even the first replanting of injured fields ma}' fall a sacrifice 

 to it; but plantings made as late as the first or second week in June will 

 be practically safe from serious injury by it. On the other hand, the 

 early date at which the moth begins to lay her eggs lessens the value of 

 fall plowing as a preventive measure. Probably pasturing of infested 

 fields of grass by pigs in fall, before breaking up for corn, is the best gen- 

 eral preventive measure available in ordinary practice. 



The Variegated Cutworm. 



Peridroma margaritosa saucia Hubn. 



(Agrotis saucia.) 



This cutworm, when fully grown, is about an inch and three quarters 

 long, and is easily recognized by its conspicuous markings. (Fig,^5, b, c, d; 

 Fig, 6.) The general effect of its ground-color is grayish or brownish — 

 usually variable, however, being light or dark as its surroundings expose 

 it more or less to 

 the light, those on 

 trees or bushes be- 

 ing darker than 

 those feeding near 

 the ground o n 

 broad-leaved 

 herbs. It is most 

 easily distinguish- 

 ed, when of aver- 

 age color, iby a 

 row of four to six 

 pale dots extend- 

 ing from the neck 

 half wa}' or more 

 down the back, 

 and a velvety spot 

 on the segment 

 next to the last, 

 sharply defined behind, but shading gradually forward into the dark 



Fi(i. 5. The Variesateil Cutworm (Peridroma margaritosa saucia): 

 (J, adult; fc. c rf, larvoD; p. /, eggs, ligure e srently enlarged; others 

 natural size. (Howard, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.) 



