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 aiid 10, eggs magnified.] 

 The eggs are deposited in chisters, averaging about five hundred 

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

 moth. These egg-clusters are usually foimd 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 Lakva or 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 

 ^vhere 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 ]\Iassa- 

 chusetts the insect usually remains in the jjupal state from ten to 

 thirteen daj's, 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 depo.'^its her eggs very near the abandoned 

 pui)a 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 Catekpillars. 

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

 In Massachusetts the eggs of the gypsy moth begin hatching about 

 April 2", and the young continue to emerge mitil the middle of June. 

 The length of larval life varies somewhat according to circumstances, 

 but probably averages ten weeks ; therefore the feeding season in this 

 country lasts about four months. AVheu the caterpillars are first 



