Noctuidae 



A common species in the Atlantic States. 

 the fall of the year in western Pennsylvania. 



It is abundant in 



Genus HELIOPHILA Hiibner 



A large genus well represented in both the eastern and the 

 western hemispheres. Thirty-six species are credited to our 

 fauna. Of these we give figures of eight, selecting the 

 commoner and a few of the rarer forms. 



(i) Heliophila unipuncta Haworth, Plate XXiV, Fig. 40, 6 . 

 (The Army Worm.) 



Syn. extranea Guen6e. 



This species, the larva of which is known as the "Northern 

 Army Worm," or simply as the "Army Worm," is found from 



the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains, and 

 from Canada to Texas and southward at 

 suitable elevations upon the higher plateaus 

 of northern Mexico. It appears occasionally 

 in vast numbers, and is regarded by the 

 farmer and the horticulturist as one of those 

 pests against the ravages of which they 

 must direct a great deal of energy. The 

 first appearance of these insects in great 

 numbers is recorded as having occurred in 

 New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the 

 year 1743. In the year 1770 they devastated 

 the fertile fields of the valley of the Con- 

 necticut. They devoured the grasses and 

 cereals, but neglected the pumpkins and 

 potatoes. The chronicler of this invasion 

 says: "Had it not been for pumpkins, which were exceedingly 

 abundant, and potatoes, the people would have greatly suffered 

 for food. As it was, great privation was felt 

 on account of the loss of grass and grain." Suc- 

 cessive attacks of the insect have been made 

 since then upon the crops in various parts of the r IG ; , III- pa 



_, , r . , , of H. unipuncta. 



country. The year 1861 is memorable as having (After Riley) 

 been marked by their ravages, which were 

 particularly noticeable in the State of Missouri and in southern 

 Illinois. An excellent account of this invasion has been published 



Fig. no. Larva of 



H. unipuncta. 



(After Riley.) 



200 



