390 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Three families are represented. The Saturniidce are the largest of the species, 

 expanding up to six inches or more, the wings broad and usually with clear or 

 transparent discal spots. The mouth parts are aborted and the antennae in the 

 male have two branches or pectinations on each side of each joint. The larvae 

 are all silk spinners. 



The Hemileiicidcz are represented by only one species, black with a partly 

 transparent central band, the antennae with single pectinations on each side, 

 the joints very short and numerous. 



The Ceratocampida; are quite different in appearance, the wings narrower, 

 pointed at the apex, the antennae with two branches to each side of each joint, 

 but pectinated on the basal half only. The larvae are furnished with horns or 

 other processes, often becoming very large and formidable in appearance. 

 None of them are silk spinners and the pupae are formed under ground. 



Several of the larvae in this series feed on cultivated plants and orchard tree, 

 but none are ever really troublesome. Their large size render them easily 

 visible and hand-picking is the best remedy. The species of Anisota sometimes 

 strip forest trees over quite an area ; but have done no permanent injury in 

 New Jersey so far as my observations have extended. 



Family SATURNIIDJE 



ATTACUS Linn. 



A. promethea Dru. Common all over the State, VI to VIII. The larva 

 feeds chiefly on sassafras ; but also on a large variety of fruit and shade 

 trees : it is never injurious. 



A. angulifera Wlk. G. d., VI to VII ; but rare : the larva on the tulip-tree, 

 sassafras and wild cherry. 



A. cecropia Linn. G. d., rather common, VI to VIII. The larva feeds on 

 most orchard and shade trees, and occasionally devours considerable 

 foliage on grape and small fruits. 



SAMIA Hbn. 



S. cynthia Dru. Common near Jersey City and for some distance from it in 

 every direction. Also found near Trenton and Philadelphia. Does not 

 occur at New Brunswick, nor have I found it in other parts of the State. 

 Mr. Davis records it in Staten Island from June to August. The species 

 is an introduction from China, and feeds chiefly, though not exclusively, 

 on the Ailanthus or "tallow-tree." 



ACTIAS Leach. 



A. luna Linn. G. d. ; not rare, VI to IX ; two-brooded. The larva feeds on 

 walnut, sweet gum, birch and other forest trees. 



