168 NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS. 



The AEGO TIGER MOTTI (Arctla Argo) is a little different 

 from the preceding : it is smaller and not so highly colored. 

 Its caterpillar is of a very dark -green color, and is seen in 

 large numbers during the autumn, running on paths and 

 feeding upon grasses, but principally on the plantain. It 

 forms a coarse, hairy cocoon, in the same manner as the 

 former, in crevices. 



The WHITE MILLER, or VIRGINIA ERMINE MOTH (Arctia 

 Figure 41. Virginica), Fig. 41 , is 



considered quite a 

 handsome moth. It 

 may be seen early in 

 the summer, flying 

 short distances in 

 meadows and gar- 

 The White Miller. dens Curing the day 



And in the evenings. It is generally white, though some 

 times of a yellowish color, with a black spot near the centre 

 of the fore wings and two black spots on the hind wings. 

 The wings expand about one and a half inches. The eggs, 

 which the female deposits on the leaves of different herba 

 ceous plants, are of a golden yellow color, and from them 

 issue caterpillars, which arc thickly covered with hairs more 

 or less yellow, and which on this account are called Yellow 

 Bears. They become about two inches long, and feed on 

 every herb which comes in their way. The leaves of In 

 dian corn are their favorite food, but they eat also those of 

 clover, peas, beans, and cabbages. They arc, therefore, in 

 jurious to vegetation, and ought to be destroyed whenever 

 met. 



The RUSTY VAPOR MOTH. This moth, also called TUS 

 SOCK MOTH (Orgyia leucostigma), Fig. 42, is neither distin 

 guished for its beauty nor its size. Its wings expand only 

 about an inch, and are of a light-brown color, of very or 

 dinary and uninteresting appearance. But its caterpillar 



