174 



tree-trunk or other sii})))ort to which it is fastened. It has a large 

 circular flap at the anterior end, cut out by the larva so as to be easily 

 jnished oi)en by the emerging moth (Fig. 1H6). 



LEAF-ROIJ.ERS. 



Tortricidx. 



Thp: Sulphur Leaf-roller. 



Epagoge suljureana Clem. 



(Dichelia suljureana.) 



Leaf-roller larvae roll or fold up leaves or parts of leaves in various 

 ways, making more or less of a web within the cell thus formed, to hold 

 the leaf in position and to make a convenient and safe retreat. These 

 larvse are slender, greenish, and active. They venture forth to feed 

 on the near-by leaf tissue, but do not destroy much of it. Unless very 

 abundant, therefore, their injury is altogether insignificant. Corn leaves 

 may occasionally be found folded or rolled lengthwise, and if the leaf is 

 opened the larva or brown pupa may be seen in its web. Two or more 

 species affect corn in this way. The present species is one of the com- 

 monest leaf-rollers, but, although too common at times on clover and 

 celery, it has never been known to cause any injury of consequence to 

 corn. 



It is a slender, active, yellowish green or translucent green larva, 

 half an inch long or more, which rolls and webs the corn leaf length- 

 wise, and, when disturbed, spins a thread for its escape. 



It is recorded from most of the states in the northern half of the 

 country, from Maine to the Mississippi River and south to Virginia; 

 also from Missouri, Colorado, and Texas. Besides the food plaints men- 

 tioned, it feeds on strawberry, cotton, salsify, asparagus, grajie, orange, 

 willow, locust, pine, and a variety of common weeds and wild plants, 

 including Ranunculus acris, Erigeron canadense. Verbena urticcefolia and 



hastata, Monarda fisiidosa, and burdock. 

 It seems quite partial to opening 

 flowers, as of clover and fleabane 

 (Erigeron). It has been found inhab- 

 iting large cecidomyiid galls on willow. 

 The larva tapers each way, and is 

 Fig. 167. The Suii.iu.r Leaf-roller, transluccut or yellowish green, with 

 &nlt'r/If size.''' ''''"^'" "^^""^ ''"■'^ pale head and no definite markings. 



It pupates in the rolled leaf, the pupa 

 being very dark in color — almost black. The adult (Fig. 167), with 

 folded wings, is about a quarter of an inch long, somewhat flat and 

 squarish, the wings being rather broad. Their ground color is sulphur- 



