Division of Entomology. 



C. H. Fernald. 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 

 Ocneria dispar, L. 



This insect was introduced into this country about the year 1868, 

 by Mr. L. Trouvelot, now residing in Paris, France, but then living 

 near Glenwood, Medford, where he attempted some experiments in 

 raising silk from our native silkworms. I was informed that Mr. 

 Trouvelot brought a cluster of gypsy moth eggs from Europe, and, 

 having opened the box, took out the eggs and laid them on the sill 

 of an open window, when the wind blew them out and he was not 

 able to find them. 



Distribution. 



From this center they have now been distributed more or less 

 abundantly in twenty-nine cities and towns in the eastern part of 

 Massachusetts, as published in the report of Mr. E. H. Forbush, 

 Field Director in charge of the work of destroying this moth. See 

 map. 



I am under great obligations to Mr. Forbush for permission to use 

 such of his field notes as I desire, and also to the Gypsy moth Com- 

 mittee for permission to use the plates in this paper. 



The gypsy moth has frequently been reported in other towns and 

 even in other states ; but, upon investigation, these reports have 

 proved incorrect. 



The gypsy moth has been reported in Japan, but Mr. Butler of the 

 British Museum, one of our best authorities in such matters, states 

 that what is called the gypsy moth in that country, represents three 

 different species, neither of which is the true gypsy moth of Europe 

 and Massachusetts. 



Food Plants. 



This insect has been found in Medford and vicinity feeding on 

 apple, plum, cherry, quince, elm, linden, locust, maple, ^balm of 



