LEPIDOPTERA 



31 



sites because they derive their food from the caterpillar. 

 The caterpillar which contains these ichneumon parasites 

 is called a host. 



The ichneumon parasitic larva3 grow rapidly and before 

 the caterpillar dies they reach the stage at which they 

 turn into pupse. When they are ready to pupate, they eat 

 their way out of the body 

 3f the caterpillar and 

 spin a cocoon which in 

 some cases remains at- 

 tached to the body of the 

 3aterpillar (Figure 27). 

 These parasitic larvae so 

 veaken the caterpillar 

 :hat it dies. We shall 

 earn more of these ich- 

 leumons later. 



Next to ichneumons, 

 she birds are probably 

 :lie most active enemies 

 >f the Lepidoptera. 

 Many birds live entirely 

 ipon caterpillars and we 



ind birds that seek them as food in all stages of their 

 levelopment and growth. The eggs laid on the twigs 

 md trunks of trees are eaten by chickadees, nuthatches, 

 Drown creepers, and woodpeckers. The larva' are eaten 

 3y many birds, notably by cuckoos, bluebirds, wrens. 

 blackbirds, orioles, blue jays, crows, and house sparrows. 

 The cocoons and pupae are sought by the chickadees, 

 woodpeckers, nuthatches, and brown creepers. The adult 

 nsects are preyed upon by house sparrows, chipping 

 sparrows, and the whole group of flycatchers, including 

 :he kingbirds and phoebes. 



Figure 28. — Larwe of a Leaf Miner. 

 At work in an elm leaf. 



