OF THE FARM AND GARDEN. 



31 



be found even more effectual, as the worms drop to the 

 ground with the slightest jar. 



THE ZEBRA CATERPILLAR. 

 (Mamestra picta, Harr.) 



There is another insect which often proves injurious 

 to our cauliflowers and cabbages, though it by no means 

 confines itself to these two vegetables. Early in June 

 the young worms, which are at first almost black, though 

 they soon become pale and green, may be found in dense 



Fig. 24. THE ZEBRA CATERPILLAR (Mamestra plcta). 

 a, Larva ; b, Moth. 



clusters on these plants, for they are at that time gre- 

 garious. As they grow older, they disperse and are not 

 so easily found, and in about four weeks from the time of 

 hatching, they come to their full growth. Each worm, 

 (fig. 24, a,) then measures about two inches in length, 

 and is velvety- black, with a red head, red legs, and with 

 two lateral yellow lines, between which are numerous, 

 transverse white, irregular, zebra-like finer lines, which 



