182 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



The moth is about three-quarters of an inch long with a wing 

 expanse of about If inches and is extremely variable in color and 

 markings. Some are dull olive green while others are yellowish 

 or nearly white a*nd with almost no markings. In the most typical 

 moths the wings are bordered with dark bands, the wing veins are 

 black and the fore-wings are spotted with black. 



FlG. 134. Corn ear-worms at work. The central cob has been attacked by 

 a nearly full-grown worm, which has bored through the husk near the 

 middle. 



The eggs are semispherical in shape, about one-fifteenth inch in 

 diameter, light yellowish, and prettily corrugated with ridges as 

 shown in Fig. 184. Those of the first brood are laid on corn, peas, 

 beans, or whatever food-plants are available, and hatch in three to 

 five days, depending upon the temperature. 



The caterpillars of the first generation often attack corn when 

 about knee-high, feeding in the axils of the tender leaves, so that 



