Insects Injurious to the Apple. 



71 



CODLING JIOTH, 



flK. //. llaiiiinond. 

 FIG. 65. 

 'UPA AND COCOON UNDER BARK. 



tlie 



very carefully to see the Codling Moth at this operation. The moth 

 first appears about the time the apple blossom commences to fall, 

 but in very small numbers. In size it is usually about ^ inch 

 across the expanded wings ; 

 the front wings are grey, with 

 numerous darker wavy trans- 

 verse lines and a metallic eye- 

 like spot at the corner ; the 

 hind pair are plain grey. Tlie 

 male can be told from the 

 female by the former having 

 a distinct short dark line on 

 the under surface of the front 

 wings. These moths are ex- 

 tremely pretty creatures when 

 seen in the light, the wings 

 having a satiny sheen. When 



at rest the wings are closed up in roof-like manner over 

 abdomen. During daylight we find them resting under the leaves 

 and on the trunks of the trees. When in the latter position they 

 are very difficult to detect, especially if the trees are covered with 



lichens and moss, ovvhig 

 to the colours of the wings 

 blending with those of 

 the tree. This protective 

 coloration in insects is 

 often very marked, much 

 more so than in the 

 insect we are dealing 

 with, and serves to pro- 

 tect them from the prying 

 eyes of birds and other 

 natural enemies. 



The eggs (2) are placed 

 separately, as a rule, on 

 the sides of the fruit, 

 but now and again on 

 the leaves. Each egg is 

 a very thin, almost trans- 

 parent round body, resembling a fish scale and shining on the 

 fruit like a drop of dew. If we look at it under a microscope 

 we see it is beautifully sculptured, especially round the edge. So 



GREATLY ENLARGED OVUM OF THE CODLING JIOT 



(The actual size is smaller than a pin's head.) 



