An Explanation of Plate I, with a Short Description of the 

 Different Forms of the Gypsy Moth and its Feeding 

 Habits. 



The Eggs. 



[Fig. 8, cluster of eggs on bark ; Figs. 9 and 10, eggs magnified.] 

 The eggs are deposited in clusters, averaging about six hundred 

 eggs each, and covered with yellow hairs from the body of the female 

 moth. These egg-clusters are usually found in sheltered places on the 

 bark or in the crevices and cavities of trees, stumps and undergrowth ; 

 also on fences and buildings and in the crevices of stone walls and 

 other Objects, near the plants or trees on which the insect feeds. The 

 eggs are laid in July, August and September, and hatch after the 

 foliage starts in the late spring or early summer of the ensuing year ; 

 therefore the insect passes the fall, winter and early spring in the egg. 



The Larva ok Caterpillar. 



[Figs. 6 and 7.] 



When first hatched the caterpillars are less than one-fifth of an inch 



in length. As they grow larger they may be seen in clusters upon the 



trunks and branches of trees or in the cavities and other hiding-places 



where they gather in June, July and the first part of August. 



The Pupa. 



[Fig. 5.] 

 The caterpillar when fully grown sheds its outer covering and be- 

 comes a pupa or chrysalis. This usually occurs in July or August. 

 The pupa may be found in the same situations as the eggs. In Massa- 

 chusetts the insect usi;ally remains in the pupal state from ten to 

 thirteen days, emerging as a moth at the end of that period. 



The Moth. 

 [Figs. 1 and 2, female ; Figs. 3 and 4, male.] 

 The female moth usually deposits her eggs very near the abandoned 

 pupa case, and within a few hours after emerging from it. She dies 

 soon after. The male is a rapid flyer. The female does not fly. 



Habits of the Caterpillars. 

 The gypsy moth feeds only when in the larval or caterpillar state. 

 In Massachusetts the eggs of the gypsy moth begin hatching about 

 April 20, and the yoimg continue to emerge until the middle of June. 

 The length of larval life varies somewhat according to circumstances, 

 but probably averages at least ten weeks ; therefore the feeding season 

 in this country lasts about four months. When the caterpillars are first 



