MOTTLED PLUM-TREE DAGGER MOTH 



119 



the foliage if aphids become numerous. In spraying against 

 aphids or plant lice, the spray must reach the insects under the 

 curled leaves and strike them with some force. Dipping the 

 affected tips of the branches in a pan of nicotine sulfate solu- 

 tion and shaking the submerged twigs in the liquid is very effi- 

 cacious and practical. For this use a tablespoonful to a gallon 

 of water. 



The Plum-tree Sphinx. The adult moth of this species (Sphinx 

 drupiferarum S. and A.) lays its pale yellowish green eggs singly, 

 on the leaves of the plum. These eggs hatch in six to eight days. 

 The full grown larva is rich green with lateral dark spots; oblique 

 bands appear on each side of the body. It enters the ground a few 

 inches to pupate, forming an earthen chamber. The pupa is dark, 

 reddish brown and the pupal stage lasts from fall until the following 

 spring. Figure 143 illustrates the moth. 



-tree sphinx. (Lugger.) 



Control. This insect seldom needs special attention. Four 

 pounds of arsenate of lead in one hundred gallons of water is the 

 usual remedy suggested. Hand-picking may be resorted to. 



Mottled Plum-tree Dagger Moth. The larva of this moth 

 (Acronycta super arts Guen.) is usually greenish, but may vary in 

 color, showing a broad chestnut-colored stripe along the back. 

 There are several tubercles bearing hairs on each segment, and 

 other hairs are found along the side of the body. The caterpillar 

 is one inch long, slightly compressed. The young caterpillars 

 appear in June and again late in September. 



The larva feeds on the foliage of plum, apple, mountain ash, 

 birch, etc. It is also often found on shadberry and many other 

 similar plants. 



