304 PROTECTION AGAINST INSECTS. 



The caterpillars hatch in April or the beginning of May, 

 and live socially in companies of 50 to 100, until they are full 

 grown, in web-nests spun by their joint labours, and increas- 

 ing in size as they grow up. They leave these nests to feed 

 on leaves, returning to them in wet weather or by night. In 

 fine weather they are fond of sunning themselves. When 

 disturbed, they let themselves down to the ground by threads, 

 or after hanging some time in the air, draw themselves up 

 again. 



When full grown, in June, they disperse, and spin cocoons 

 among the leaves, or in bark-cracks. 



Generation annual; the insect is very common over the 

 greater part of Europe and in England. 



c. Relations to the Forest. 



The caterpillar is found on many trees, especially on apple 

 and other orchard trees, and on oak, hornbeam, and poplars ; 

 also on elms, birch, maples, willows, thorns, briars, etc. 

 Only ash and lime appear to be spared. Its attack com- 

 mences on the blossom and leaf-buds, then extending to the 

 foliage, and lasts from the end of April till the beginning 

 of June. It is chiefly important in orchards, to which it does 

 immense damage. 



d. Protective Rules, etc. 



i. Protection of enemies, notably titmice, the golden-crested 

 wren, the cuckoo, finches, etc. 



ii. Pruning and burning twigs bearing the egg-rings during 

 the winter. 



iii. Destruction of the young caterpillars in their webs by 

 crushing with gloves, or short brooms, or by cutting off the 

 webs and letting them drop into a pail containing paraffin. 

 These remedies can be economically applied in orchards and 

 tree nurseries only. 



3. Bombyx pudibunda, L. (Pale Tussock Moth), 

 a. Description. 



Moth with a spread of wings of 45 mm. (3 ), 50 to 60 mm. 

 (?). Fore- wings whitish-grey, sprinkled with darker spots 



