5° 



Varieties. — Two varieties of this species have been described. 

 Numerous specimens of both were reared from the cocoons 

 above referred to. They are as follows : 



Variety sylvatica Harr. has the space between the lines filled in 

 forming a broad brown band across each anterior wing. Plate 

 VI, third row; the two on the left are males and the third a 

 female. 



Variety thoracicoides Neumoegen and Dyar, has the bands 

 wanting or very obscure. Plate VI, fourth row ; all males. 



Among the specimens reared in the laboratory there was 

 an interesting series showing a gradual gradation from the light 

 typical form with the two well marked bands, to the variety 

 sylvatica having the space between filled in with brown forming 

 the broad bands as above described. Plate VI, fifth row. 



SUMMARY OF LIFB-HISTORY. 



In the latitude of New York State the eggs are usually laid 

 during the last week of June and until about the second week of 

 July. They are placed in bands extending around the twig and 

 are covered with a shining frothy glue. The caterpillars are fully 

 formed in the eggs before the summer is over, but do not escape 

 until early the following spring. They feed upon the foliage of a 

 large variety of trees and shrubs. They spin a thread of silk 

 wherever they go, but do not build nests. When not feeding or 

 when about to molt they gather often in large numbers upon 

 the limbs or trunks of the infested trees. Pupation takes place 

 during the latter part of May or early in June, the cocoons being 

 placed either upon the leaves or in almost any locality near the 

 ground. The moths appear during the latter part of June and 

 early July. The eggs are at once laid. There is but one annual 

 brood. 



NATURAL CHECKS. 



The same natural agencies mentioned in Bulletin 152, page 289, 

 as operating against the apple-tree tent- caterpillar probably have 

 an equal influence upon this species. In addition to unfavorable 

 climatic conditions, birds, insects and diseases have a marked 



