No. 4.] THE GYPSY MOTH. 269 



Repoet of the Director of Field Work. 



To the Committee on the Extermination of the Oypsy Moth. 



Gentlemen: — In presenting this report, I have, in accordance with 

 your request, included a very brief account of the life-history and habits 

 of the gypsy moth as they have been observed in this coimtry. 



The Eggs. 

 (Plate I, fig. 8, cluster of eggs on bark ; figs. 9 and 10, eggs magnified.) 

 The eggs are deposited in clusters, 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 cavities and crevices of 

 trees, stumps and undergrowth, also on fences, buildings, in stone walls, 

 etc., near the plants or trees on which the insect feeds. The eggs are 

 laid in July, August and September, and hatch after the foliage starts 

 in the following spring or in the early summer; therefore the insect 

 passes the fall, winter and early spring in the egg state. 



The Larva or Caterpillar. 

 (Plate I, 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 upon or in the cavi- 

 ties of the trunks and branches of trees, where they gather in laro-e 

 numbers during June, July and the first part of August. 



The Papa. 



(Plate I, fig. 5.) 



The caterpillar when full grown sheds its outer covering and becomes 



a pupa. This usually occurs in July or August. It may be found in 



the same situations as the eggs. In Massachusetts the insect remains 



in the pupa state from eight to twelve days. 



Tlie Moth. 

 (Plate I, figs. 1 and 2, female; figs. 3 and 4, male.) 

 The female usually deposits her eggs very near the abandoned pupd 

 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 of the Caterpillar. 

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

 The length of larval life varies somewhat according to circumstances. 



