INSECTS AFl'liCTlNt; I'AKK AN'l) WOODLAND TREES 



109 



has a row of somrwhal iliamoiHl-shai)(.'(.l wliitish spots tlown the mickllc of 

 the back, while its close relative possesses a narrow whitish stripe in place 

 of the dots. The egg belts [pi. 7, dg. 12] encirclinj^ the more slender twigs, 

 are smaller, usually with one or two wrinkles or depressions in the brownish, 

 protective covering-, antl the ends of the belts are more al)ru])t than are 

 those of the species usually found on appletrees. An average sized egg 

 belt, collected in Albany, of the forest tent caterpillar contained about 150 

 ^ggs. If an egg is opened in September or later, a well developed, nearly 

 black caterpillar with a few whitish hairs may be seen. The recently 

 hatched caterpillars are nearly black with whitish hairs and are found clus- 

 tered together or traveling along certain silk-lined paths. After the second 

 molt, the characteristic row of whitish spots along the back appears and 

 as the caterpillars increase in size, the colors become brighter and more 

 distinct. The white or yellowish white cocoons |pl. 7, fig. 14] are spun in 

 leaves on the tree or lying on the ground, in crevices of the bark, under 

 stones, in fence corners and under almost any convenient shelter. Within 

 the cocoon is found the dark brown pupa [pi. 7, fig. 15 [ The moths are 

 light, buff colored, active creatures [pi. 7, fig. 10, 11]. The male may be 

 recognized by his richer coloring, smaller size, and feathery antennae 

 [pi. 7, fig. 11]. 



Life history and habits. The winter is passed by the well developed 

 larvae within the eggshell. On the appearance of warm weather, the young 

 caterpillars begin to emerge and if no food is at hand, await the unfolding 

 of the leaves. From eggs received in early spring, young caterpillars 

 emerged Ap. 1 7. There is considerable latitude in the time of hatching, 

 even in one locality, about a month as reported by the late Prof. V. H. 

 Lowe, and there is a corresponding variation in the time the caterpillars 

 attain maturity. As the young increase in size, they molt from time to 

 time, leaving their cast skins in small clusters on the bark [pi. 7, fig. 16]. 

 When not feeding, the larvae may be found in clusters on the limbs. They 

 also resort to such places when about to molt, an operation requiring at 

 least a day or two. A wind or jarring causes these creatures when small to 



