3IO NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Karner. The writer met witli this insect in considerable numbers at 

 Manor, Long Island, in 1900, but aside from that has not seen it in any 

 other place than the above mentioned locality. 



Bibliography 

 1859 Fitch, Asa. Ins. N. Y. 5th Rcp't 1S58, p. 43-44 

 1872 Lintner, J. A. Ent. Contrih. 2; 155-56 



J889 Ins. X. Y. 5th Re|)'t, p. 192-200 



1890 Packard, A. S. U. S. Em. Com. 5th Rep't, p. 124-25 

 1903 Felt, E. P. For. Fish & Crame Com. yth Rep't, p. 524-25 



Buck or Maia moth 

 Hcmilcuca maia Driir)- 



Small black spiny caterpillars occur in early summer feeding in company on the 

 leaves of various oaks, particularly in swampy places 



This interesting species is one of the rarer forms met with in New 

 York State. It was observed by Dr Lintner in early May i86q, at Karner. 

 where he found a belt of eggs encircling a small twig of the bear or black 

 scrub oak, and a colony of the insects were discovered by the writer in the 

 same locality in 1902. The habit the larvae possess of feeding in com- 

 pany for a time and their large size as they approach maturity, makes the 

 species a conspicuous one. The handsome moths are counted desirable 

 additions to a collection. 



Early history. This species was noticed in the early half of the last 

 century by Dr Harris, who records it as a very rare moth in Massachusetts. 

 It is stated to be more abundant in Illinois and Missouri, where it is called 

 the buck or deer moth because of its flying late in autumn when deer 

 run. The range of this species is given by Dr Packard as from Maine to 

 Georgia, and westward to Kansas. It has also been rarely found west of 

 the Rocky mountains at Dayton Nev., flying about willows in August. Dr 

 Packard states that it occurs in California. Specimens from this latter 

 place apparently agree, as stated by Dr Riley, with those reared by Dr 

 Lintner in New York. 



Life history. The life histor)- of the insect may be summarized as 



