290 



PESTS OF ORCHARD AND SMALL FRUITS 



The Gypsy Moth {PortJietria dispar Linn.) 



This notorious European pest has now become established in the 

 New England states, where it is doing immense damage, defoli- 

 ating forest, shade, and fruit 

 trees. Evergreens are freely at- 

 tacked after the caterpillars are 

 half grown. 



The full-grown gypsy caterpil- 

 lar is 2^ inches long, hairy, and 

 dark or black in general color. 

 Beginning just behind the head 

 there is a double row of five dark 

 blue spots down the back, fol- 

 lowed by a double row of six 

 dark red spots, the last pair of 

 the latter just above the hind 



Fig. 427. — Larva of the Gypsy- 

 Moth. Original. 



end. After they are three 

 fourths grown the caterpillars 

 tend to feed only at night, com- 

 ing down the trunks of the trees 

 and hiding or resting in masses 

 during daylight. 



Pupation takes place in a 

 flimsy cocoon, on the trunk or 



Fig. 4_'b. — Egg-massof the Gypsy Moth 

 on bark. Original. 



