Il6 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Gipsy moth 



PortJictria dispar Linn. 



Numerous brownish caterpillars with blue and reddish warts occur in large num- 

 bers on the sides of branches and trunks of many trees in the early summer. The egg 

 masses are- conspicuous and covered with buff colored hairs. An introduced species 

 which works very locally. 



This species has attracted more attention in America in all probability 

 than any other imported insect with the exception of the now notorious 

 San Jose scale and the cotton boll weevil. This is somewhat remarkable 

 considering its restricted range in this counti-y, and yet it is not very sur- 

 prising when due credit is given to the scientists charged with safeguard- 

 ing the interests of the country. The presence of this insect in enormous 

 numbers at Medford Mass., was brought to the attention of Prof. C. H. 

 Fernald in 1889, and .a special bulletin calling attention to this dangerous 

 pest was issued by the agricultural experiment station at Amherst Mass., in 

 November of that year. A study of the situation convinced Professor Fer- 

 nald that it was not only possible but practicable to exterminate this species. 

 The closing decade of the last century witnessed a wonderful struggle 

 between man and nature, and, had the work received the support it should, 

 there is no doubt as to what the outcome would have been. 



Not in New York. There is no occasion for extreme alarm. This 

 pest does not occur within the borders of New York State to our knowl- 

 edge ; but as the commonwealth of Massachusetts has not only declined to 

 do more toward exterminating the pest but puts no efficient checks on its 

 distribution, it is only a question of time when the insect will invade our 

 borders. It is impossible to say just when this insect will succeed in estab- 

 lishing itself in New York State. Favoring circumstances may bring about 

 its introduction within a year or two or it may not occur for a number of 

 years. Forewarned is forearmed and while the extermination of the pest in 

 America may now be placed among the impossibilities, it is of greatest 

 importance that it be kept under control, as it spreads over the country. 



History in America. This species was introduced into Medford Mass., 



