144 
THE I'.IIoU N-TAII. MnTII. 
formation of spaces or microscopic vescicles in the epidermis at the site of 
injury, and in inflammatory changes about the vessels of the corium. 
•• Mice inoculated with active nettling hairs present lesions characterized 
by a large amount of fluid exudate, while those inoculated with inactivated 
nettling hairs show inflammation of the nature of a reaction due to the 
mechanical injury brought about by these elements." He appends a 
bibliography. 
Mr. A. H. Kirkland, Superintendent for Suppressing the 
Gipsy and Brown-tail Moths, in Massachusetts, recommends 
the following as the best remedy for the brown-tail moth 
dermatitis: Carbolic acid y 2 dram, zinc oxide ^ ounce, 
lime water 8 ounces ; shake thoroughly and rub well into 
the affected parts. Mr. Kirkland states that in the expe- 
rience of his men in the parasitic laboratory where they 
are handling thousands of the caterpillars, this proves the 
most effective remedy. 
Fig. 28.— Pimpla fly on a cocoon of tent 
caterpillar. One of the native par- 
asites of the Brown - Tail Moth. 
Twice natural size. (After Weed.) 
Fig. 29.— A predaceous bug (Iirachy- 
mena 4-pustulata), such as feed 
upon the Brown-Tail caterpillars, 
seen from below, and showing the 
long, sharp beak between the legs, 
upon which the caterpillars are im- 
paled. 
NATURAL ENEMIES. 
A number of parasitic insects which commonly live upon 
our native caterpillars attack the larvse and have been bred 
from the pupae (Fig. 28) of the brown-tail moth. Preda- 
ceous bugs (Fig. 29) also appear in numbers on infested 
trees and devour large numbers. Toads and bats eat the 
moths as they fly to electric lights. The worst enemy of the 
moths, however, is the English sparrow, which attacks them 
eagerly and consumes large numbers, as well as killing 
many not eaten. All of the common birds which feed upon 
our native hairy caterpillars feed upon those of the brown- 
