148 FARM AND SCHOOL PROBLEMS. 



The Coddling Moth. 



The coddling moth is one of the principal pests of applei, 

 pears, and other fruits. 



The coddling moth causes damage to fruit growers, variously 

 estimated at from 12 to 15 million dollars per year and an ex- 

 pense of 3 to 4 millions more *pent for control of this moth. 



The woodpecker is the coddling moth's worst enemy. There 

 are over 30 varieties of other birds that help to destroy this moth. 



LIFE OF THE CODDLING MOTH. 



It flies at night. 



It lives from one to four weeks. 



In warm weather it begins to lay eggs in two or three days, 

 and in cool weather in from 10 to 12 days. 



The egg on a leaf or apple, looks like a small white blister, 

 about the size of a pinhead. 



This moth lays nearly all the eggs upon the upper or under 

 side of the leaves. 



Eggs hatch on an average in about eleven days. 



The majority of eggs do not hatch until about four weeks 

 after the blossoms fall. 



When the egg hatches, the young larvae or apple worm 

 is about one sixteenth of an inch long. 



These worms may feed upon foliage and transform without 

 entering the apple. 



When the worms reach the apples, about two-thirds of them 

 enter the apples at the blossom end. 



The seeds of the apple seem to be the most relished part 

 by the worms. 



The worms attain their full growth in from 20 to 25 days. 

 and when leaving the apple often leave through the side. 



A full-grown worm is about three-fourths of an inch long. 



About the last of July the full grown worms begin to leave 

 the apples to form their cocoons. 



They continue to leave the apples till the fall of the year. 



Cocoons are formed under the bark, where most of the lar- 

 vae pass the winter. 



