88 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Fig. 5. Male gypsy moth. 



carefully investigate the parasites preying upon this insect 

 in its native home, although such work was hardly feasible 

 while the State was engaged in the effort to absolutely ex- 

 terminate the moth, as the presence of imported parasites 



would necessitate the presence 

 of an abundant supply of the 

 host insects. 



Another European insect re- 

 sponsible for a notable amount 

 of damage and annoyance in east- 

 ern Massachusetts is the rapidly 

 spreading brown-tail moth (Eu- 

 proctis chrysorrhoea, Linn.). This pest first came into 

 prominence in May, 1897, when it was found committing 

 severe depredations on pear trees at Somerville. It seems 

 probable that the insect was brought to this locality on rose 

 bushes imported from Holland or France. 



This insect has a unique life history, in that its cater- 

 pillars successfully hibernate in a half grown condition in 

 conspicuous webs at the ends of the infested twigs. Leaving 

 these webs as soon as the buds swell in the spring, the tiny 

 caterpillars first consume the buds and later devastate the 

 foliage. By the last of June they have reached their full 

 development, and spin up in loose cocoons on the smaller 



Fig. 6. Female gypsy moth. 



branches, on houses, walls and in other sheltered localities. 

 From these cocoons in about three weeks' time the white, 

 brown-tailed moths emerge and fly vigorously °v night in 

 search of suitable places in which to deposit their eggs. 



