THE WHITE-MARKED TUSSOCK-MOTH 



Larva of White-marked Tussock-Moth 



By E. L. Webster 



Numerous reports of the abundance of the white-marked tussock-moth 

 in Iowa have been received this fall (1916) at the Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station at Ames. The insect seems to be common generally in the 

 state, since reports have come in from so many widely separated communi- 

 ties, including Dubuque, Marshalltown, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Red Oak, 

 and elsewhere. While this is not a new insect in Iowa, it seldom causes 

 such widespread notice. 



THE INJURY 



The injury is caused by the caterpillars of the moth, which feed on 



various shade and orchard 

 ] trees. The insect is a well 



V known pest of shade trees, 



^L frequently causing much 



Ifci ' "* ^ 1 MUMS"' UIM-..UM '"--yf damage in states east of the 



Mississippi river. Where 

 abundant, the caterpillars 

 (larvae) may strip trees 

 completely of foliage, caus- 

 ing severe damage. With 

 this in mind, it is essential 



that immediate measures be taken whenever the insect appears in Iowa, to 



prevent further damage in 1917. 



THE INSECT 



The mature larva is a beautiful caterpillar, about 1^ inches long, with 

 conspicuous tufts of fine hair. Projecting forward and diverging are two 

 tufts of black hair, one-third as long as the body; to the rear a single tuft, 

 also black, and a little shorter. On the upper side are four compact tufts 

 or tussocks of white or cream color, each on a separate segment of the 

 larvae. The head is coral red. In general appearance the larvae is dark 

 gray, with a broad, velvety black band on the back, bordered with yellow 

 stripes and yellow below. 



After passing thru the intermedi- 

 ate pupa or resting stage, the cater- 

 pillar becomes the mature insect, or 

 moth. Only male moths have fully 

 developed wings. The males are 

 ashy gray in color, the wings expand- 

 ing to about 1% inches. The fore 

 wing is crossed with undulating 

 bands of darker shades and bears a 

 conspicuous white spot. 



i Hemerocampa leucostlgma. 



The White-marked Tussock-Moth 



