6 



Sto.te. This insect was accidentally introduced into Medford 

 twenty-three years ago, and has spread from that place till it 

 has now been found in more than twenty towns and cities. 

 The moths emerge from the pupal stage in July, and, after 

 mating, the female (plate 1, figs. 1 and 2) lays her eggs (figs. 

 9 and 10, enlarged), in a cluster on the bark of trees (fig. 8) 

 and in various other places. These egg clusters are covered 

 with very fine yellowish hairs from the under side of the abdomen 

 of the female, and do not hatch till the following May. As soon 

 as the eggs hatch, the young caterpillars feed on the leaves of 

 nearly all species of plants, and have proved especially injurious 

 to fruit and ornamental trees. They grow rapidly and reach 

 maturity in about six weeks, when they vary somewhat in size 

 and appearance, as shown in figs. 6 and 7. They then change 

 to the pupal stage (fig. 5) and in about two weeks the moths 

 emerge. The males (figs. 3 and 4) differ from the females 

 both in size and color. 



During the past season several different species of parasites 

 have been discovered attacking the gypsy moth, and these have 

 been collected and referred to the best authorities for deter- 

 mination. Some of them prove to be new to science, while 

 others are amono^ the most useful in holdino- our common native 

 insects in check. 



This is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous insect pests 

 that has threatened our Commonwealth and country, and every 

 possible measure should be adopted for its destruction. For 

 two years past the State has made appropriations for the exter- 

 mination of this insect, and most vigorous efforts are being 

 made in the infested towns to accomplish this purpose. It is 

 highly important that our citizens in all parts of the Common- 

 wealth should be able to recognize the insect in each of its 

 stages, so that, if it should be found in any new localities, it 

 may be reported to the gypsy moth committee in Maiden, 

 Mass. 



To aid in recognizing this insect the plate given herewith has 

 been prepared, and also twenty-four boxes, each containing a 

 cluster of the eggs, three diff'erent sizes of the caterpillars 

 inflated, a pupa, a male and a female moth with ' the wings 

 spread and one of each with the wings closed, have been put 

 on exhibition in the infested towns for the information of the 

 people. 



