FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 21 



be seen in early fall projecting from the trunk as represented at figure 14, plate 2. On 

 cutting into the injured wood, a whitish, brown headed caterpillar (Plate 2, figure 1 8) 

 about one half inch long may be found in the latter part of the summer. In the early 

 spring the silken frass covered cocoons (Plate 2, figure 15) may be found in the burrows. 

 Life History and Habits. The moths are most abundant at Buffalo, N. Y., from 

 May 20 to June 15, according to the observations of the late Dr. D. S. Kellicott. The 

 males have been seen by Mr. L. H. Joutel flying up and down the trunk of infested 

 trees looking for a partner in much the same way as does the male of the lunate long 

 sting, Thalessa lunator Fabr. The eggs are deposited on the bark of both soft and sugar 

 maples, the female preferring as a rule to place them on roughened areas, specially in 

 the vicinity of wounds, if one may judge from the injury inflicted. The eggs soon 

 hatch and the young borers commence operations in the bark and sap wood. In the 

 fall most of the caterpillars are about one half inch long and can easily be found in 

 their burrows. The cavities made by the borers are nearly filled with frass. In the 

 spring the caterpillar completes its growth, eats its way nearly through the bark 

 (Plate 2, figure 13), then retires into its burrow, spins a loose silken cocoon and 

 changes to a pupa. Shortly before the adult emerges, the pupa works its way partly 

 out of the burrow, rupturing the thin piece of bark covering the outlet of its retreat in 

 the operation, and the moth escapes, leaving the pupal case as represented on plate 2, 

 figure 14. 



This pest attacks both hard and soft maples. In some localities it is reported as 

 most injurious to the former, in others to the latter. In Albany its work is most evident 

 on soft maples. Woodpeckers are efficient aids in keeping this pest in check in forests, 

 according to the late Dr. Kellicott. 



Remedies. As the parent moth shows a marked inclination to deposit eggs on 

 rough bark, the trees should be protected from injury by horses, boys and other 

 agencies and the trunks kept as smooth as possible. The caterpillars bore near the 

 surface and are easily dug out and destroyed. Infested trees should be inspected the 

 latter part of the summer and the borers killed. The wounds in the trees should be 

 carefully covered with grafting wax, paint or other protective substance. A plaster 

 made of fresh cow dung and lime has been used for this purpose with excellent 

 results. The deposition of eggs could probably be prevented to considerable extent 

 by treating the trunks of the trees about the middle of May with a wash prepared as 

 follows: Thin one gallon of soft soap with an equal amount of hot water and stir in 

 one pint of crude carbolic acid (one half pint refined), let it set over night and then 

 add eight gallons of soft water. Apply thoroughly to the trunk, specially about all 

 crevices and wounds, from the ground to about six or eight feet high, and renew if 

 necessary before the middle of June. 



