An Explanation of Plate I, with a Short Description of the 

 Different Forms of the Gypsy Moth and its Feeding Habits. 



The Eggs. 



[Fig. 8, cluster of eggs on bark ; Figs. 9 and 10, eggo magnified.] 



The eggs are deposited in clusters, averaging about five hundred eggs each, 

 and covered with yellow hairs from the body of the female moth. These 

 egg-clusters are usually found in sheltered places on the bark or in the crev- 

 ices and cavities of trees, stumps and undergrowth ; also on fences and build- 

 ings and in the crevices of stone walls and other objects, near the plants or 

 trees on which the insect feeds. The eggs are laid in July, August and Sep- 

 tember, and hatch after the foliage starts in the late spring or early summer 

 of the ensuing year; therefore the insect passes the fall, winter and early 

 spring in the egg. 



The Larva or Caterpillar. 



[Figs. 6 and 7.] 



When first, hatched the caterpillars are less than one-fifth of an inch in 

 length. As they grow larger they may be seen in clusters upon the trunks 

 and branches of trees or in the cavities and other hiding-places where the 

 eggs are often found, where they gather in June, July and the first part of 

 August. 



The Pupa. 



[Fig. 5.] 



The caterpillar when full grown sheds its outer covering and becomes a 

 pupa or chrysalis. This usually occurs in July or August. The pupa may 

 be found in the same situations as the eggs. In Massachusetts the insect 

 usually remains in the pupal state from eight to twelve days, emerging as a 

 moth at the end of that period. 



The Moth. 



[Figs. 1 and 2, female ; Figs. 3 and 4, male.] 



The female moth usually deposits her eggs very near the abandoned pupa 

 case, and within a few hours after emerging from it. She dies soon after. 

 The male is a rapid flyer. The female does not fly. 



Habits ov the Caterpillars. 



The gypsy moth feeds only when in the larval or caterpillar state. In 

 Massachusetts the eggs of the gypsy moth begin hatching about April 20, and 

 the young continue to emerge until the middle of June. The length of larval 

 life varies somewhat according to circumstances, but probably averages ten 



