SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO ORCHARD FRUITS 559 



they alight on the skin, produce a dermatitis much like that caused 

 by poison ivy. As the cast skins are carried here and there by the 



FIG. 408. Winter web of the brown-tail moth cut open to show cells within. 



wind and the young caterpillars drop from the trees, people 

 are frequently badly poisoned where the pest becomes abundant, 

 so that it is a serious public nuisance as well as a defoliator of 



FIG. 409. Winter web of the brown-tail moth bearing young larvae which 

 have emerged before the foliage has appeared and are feeding on the 

 dead leaves of the rest two-thirds natural size. 



fruit and shade trees. The caterpillars prefer fruit trees, pear, 

 wild cherry, and apple being most relished, but become abundant 



