•21 



would serve as a protection against the toad, but the stomach that is- 

 able to receive and peacefully digest " yellow jacket" wasps does 

 not flinch before the spiny covering of this caterpillar. Six full 

 grown larvae of tliis species were taken from a single stomach. 



Fig. 20. Spring Cankerworm, 

 J'dleacritd rernata. 



Fk;. 19. lyiiivaof Eui-tiri 



(tntiopii. 



In eastern Massachusetts where brushland is infested by the gypsy 

 moth, the toad renders considerable service in destroying tlie cater- 

 pillars of this highly injurious insect. The stomachs of three toads 

 captured in such an infested spot contained respectively seven, fif- 

 teen and sixty-five gypsy moth larvae.* Contrary to the usual habits 

 of the animal, these toads were feeding at midday and on a high, dry 

 hillside, doubtless being attracted from their accustomed haunts by 

 the al)undance of caterpillars. 



Flu. 21. I..:irvii of I'livaiiliild pyrnmiiloiili'.i. 



Tent caterpilhirs were found only in stoma clis taken in May and 

 June. In tlie former month they formed eighteen per cent of the 

 food. At the time when these insects are fully grown and are crawl- 

 ing over the ground in search of a suitable place for pupation, they 

 fall an easy prey to the toad. The remains of thirty-seven full 

 grown tent caterpillars were taken from a single stomach while 

 many others contained from fifteen to twenty. Since this insect is 

 an apple tree pest of the first rank, the good work of the toad in this- 

 conneetion is entitled to high commendation. 



*Tlie Gypsy Moth, Forhu.sh-Ffiiiiild, ISl'C p. 4(>4. 



