CURRANT SPAN WORM. 



361 



6, 1, 2, 



V.-.^^ 



imported currant worm, by the absence of the minute black 

 warts that cover the body of the latter. The same remedies 

 should be used for this worm as are recommended for the pre- 

 ceding insect. 



The Currant Span Worm. (Fig. 5, 

 caterpillar, 3 pupa, from the " Ameri- 

 can Entomologist.") Many persons in 

 speaking of the "currant worm" con- 

 found the caterpillar-like saw-fly larva 

 with the well-known geometer caterpil- 

 lar, which is a native species, and was 

 long since described by Dr. Fitch, under the name of Abraxas 

 ribearia. As soon as the 

 leaves of the currant are 

 fairly expanded, late in 

 May or early in June, the 

 young caterpillars, scarce- 

 ly thicker than a horse- 

 hair, may be found eating 

 little holes in them. In 

 about three weeks after 

 hatching, it becomes fully 

 grown, being about an 

 inch long, and bright yel- 

 low in color, the body be- 

 ing covered with large 

 black dots. The chrysa- 

 lis is shining reddish 

 brown, about half an inch 

 long, and may be found 

 late in June, either upon the ground or just under the surface. 

 In two weeks after entering the chrysalis state the moth may be 

 observed flying about the garden, or resting upon the leaves 

 during cloudy weather. The moth is yellow ochreous, with dark, 

 often nearly transparent blotches on the wings. It is not easily 

 mistaken for any other moth. Mr. Riley, in an article on this 

 insect in the "American Entomologist," states that by sprinkling 

 powdered hellebore upon the leaves, or applying a solution of 

 eight or twelve ounces to a bucketful of water, the caterpillars 

 will be killed. Hand-picking assiduously followed up, and a 



46 



