272 



FOREST ENTOMOLOGY. 



Fig. 259. Hyponomeuta evonymellus. 



Hyponomeuta EVONYMELLUS (L.) 



The genus contains a number of species. The one generally 

 found in the north of England is H. evonymellus. It is found on 

 bird-cherry and spindle-tree, and the conspicuous feature of the 



damage is the defoliation of the 

 bushes, together with the gauze- 

 like spun webs, which protect the 

 gregarious larvas. 



The moth (fig. 259) measures 



about -| inch from the tip of the 



wings. The upper surface of the 



wings is a lustrous white colour, 



and shows five rows of black 



spots (over forty in all). The hind wings are dark -grey. The 



head and antennae are white, eyes black, and abdomen grey. 



The caterpillar is about -f inch in length, and of a yellowish-grey 



colour. The head is black, 

 and there are black spots on 

 the segments. 



After the caterpillars are full 

 fed they congregate within the 

 web, and pupate in a mass, 

 for the mass of pupal remains 

 may be found even in the 

 following year, reminding one 

 of the empty cases of the 

 wasp or honey - bee. (Fig. 

 260.) 



As regards the life-history 

 of this species, I have only 

 made observations in North- 

 umberland. The moths ap- 

 pear about the first week in 

 July. They deposit their eggs 

 in clusters on the twigs, just 

 immediately below a bud, and they are most beautifully concealed by 

 a delicate covering, the colour of which harmonises with the tiny 

 stem so well that it is only after a most careful search they can be 



Fig. 260. Webb and empty pupal cases of Hypono- 

 meuta evonymellus. 



