20 



MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 353 



Description. The moths have a wingspread of about IH inches. The wings 

 vary from pure white to white with black spots, which differ in number in different 

 individuals. 



The eggs are laid in clusters on the under side of the leaf. Several hundred 

 have been found in a single cluster. The eggs are round, about 1/50 inch in diam- 

 eter, and the surface is finely pitted or sculptured. They are yellowish when 

 first laid, but turn to a dull lead color just before hatching. 



The newly hatched caterpillar is pale yellow, sparsely haired, and has a black 

 head and two rows of black markings along the bod>-. The mature caterpillar is 

 about \\i to IH inches long and has an abundance of long hairs which arise in 

 tufts from tubercles along its body. It is yellowish in color, with black and brown 

 markings which vary considerably in appearance. 



The oval cocoon is thin and mixed with hairs from the body of the caterpillar. 

 When it is spun at or just below the surface of the ground, particles of soil may be 

 entangled in its meshes. The pupa is brown and swollen at the middle, and some 

 of the segments are divided by deep sutures. It is about 14. inch long. 



Fall Webworm 



i. Young caterpillars feeding on hickory leaf. Actual size. 



2. Egg cluster on peach leaf. Actual size. 



3. Adult female moth. 2X. 



Courtesy, Conn. Agr. Expt. Station. 



