INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES. 



159 



their ravages. The moths vary in size from \ in. to f in. 

 across the fore wings, which, are white, marked with three 

 lines of black dots, and fringed at the apex. The hind 

 wings are dull leaden, or slaty-grey. The caterpillars are 

 grey, spotted with black, and slightly or thinly hairy. 

 The eggs are laid upon twigs in patches, late in summer, 



FIG. 41. THE SMALL EKMINK MOTH (Hyponomeuta padelliu). 

 A CATEHPILL.U!. B MOTH. C LARV.E IN WEB. 



and the caterpillai-s are hatched out in October; but 

 remain very small, protected by the coverings of gum 

 placed over the eggs, till spring. As the leaves unfold in 

 spring, the tiny caterpillars penetrate their tissues and 

 feed there till they gain strength, after which they issue 

 forth in great numbers, devouring the foliage of the trees. 



