No. 4.] THE GYPSY MOTH. 297 



While I have for some time had grave doubts of the possibility of 

 complete extermination, I am now led to believe that such a thing is 

 really possible, provided the work be continued for several years with 

 sufficient appropriations to keep the entire territory under careful 

 supervision. This is a case where only skilful, experienced and faithful 

 men should be employed ; for, if the work should be slighted in any 

 way, it ivould be greatly prolonged, and therefore all the more expen- 

 sive to the Commonwealth. 



From a careful examination of the reports of those in charge of the 

 sections, and also of the territory under their supervision, it seems quite 

 probable that the insect has been exterminated in certain localities ; but 

 it would be very unwise not to continue a careful inspection of these 

 localities until there can be no possible doubt about the matter, and in 

 time by this method the area to be kept under examination will be les- 

 sened, and consequently the annual expense gradually reduced. 



A careful search was made last year for parasites on the gypsy moth,, 

 and the following species were foimd, some of Avhich were determined 

 by myself and the others by gentlemen who have made a special study 

 of the groups of insects to which these belong. They were as follows : — 



Destroying the Eggs. 



Trombidmm bulbipes, Pack., determined by Prof Herbert Osborn. 

 Nolhrus, near ovivorus, Pack., determined by Prof. Herbert Osborn. 

 Phloeothrips, sp ? determined by Prof Herbert Osborn. 



A minute Hymenopterous insect was bred from the eggs and acci- 

 dentally lost before I had an opportunity to see it. 



Living within the Caterpillars and emerging after they transform 



to Pupce. 



Theronia ^nelanocephala, Br. 



Meraporus, sp ? determined by Mr. L. O. Howard. 

 Anisocyrta, sp ? determined by Mr. E. T. Cresson. 

 Exorista, two species, determined by Dr. S. W. Williston. 

 Phorocera, four species, determined by Dr. S. W. Williston. 



The above are true parasites. 



Qaurax anchora, Loew, determined by Dr. S. W. Williston. 



Osten Sacken has observed the larvae of this species in multitudes 



devouring the pupre inclosed in the cocoons of the Cecropia moth. 



Fhora scalaris, Loew, determined by Dr. S. W. Williston. 



Phora incisuralis, Loew, var., determined by Dr. S. W. Williston. 



The last three species are regarded by Dr. Williston as accidental 



parasites, entering the pupae of the gypsy moths while the flies are in 



the larva state, and then feeding in and destroying the moths. 



