338 Bush-Fruits 



destroyed. The larva commonly reaches maturity by the first of 

 July, when it is a pale green caterpillar, about three-fourths of an 

 inch long, with a small, pale brown, horny looking head. It then 

 descends to the ground and spins a thin cocoon among fallen leaves 

 and rubbish, within which it changes to a chrysalis, remaining in 

 this condition until the following spring. 



Remedies. Infested berries color prematurely, and can be hand- 

 picked, taking care that the very active worms do not quickly leave 

 the fruit. If chickens are allowed in the field after fruiting time, they 

 will consume many of the chrysalids. 

 References. 



Riley, Mo. Repts. 1:140. 



Saunders, Kept. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 7:39. 



THE IMPORTED CURRANT BORER 



Sesia tipuliformis, Clerck 



This is a slender, rapid-flying, wasp-like, dark blue moth, half 

 an inch long and three-fourths of an inch broad, having three yellow 

 bands across the body and a yellow collar. It appears toward the 

 end of May or the first of June, and deposits its eggs upon the stems 

 near a bud. When hatched the larva eats its way directly to the 

 center, thence upward and downward in the pith. Here it remains 

 until the following year, meanwhile eating out a tunnel from six 

 to twelve niches in length. When full grown, the larva is about 

 half an inch long, white, with a brown head and a few hairs scattered 

 over its body. Like many other immigrants in the insect world, 

 this species appears to prosecute its work with renewed energy in 

 the home of its adoption, far outstripping the native currant borer 

 in the success of its undertakings. It prefers the red currant, but 

 it is not too fastidious to accept the black currant or gooseberry as a 

 substitute when occasion demands. 



Remedies. The method of treatment, which is the same for all 

 species of borers attacking these plants, consists in pruning away 

 and burning all infested canes, late in winter or early in spring, 

 before the moths emerge. With several canes allowed to grow, and 



