38 



black-spotted. During the day it may be found resting on trees, tree 

 boxes, fences or even on leaves; but during the night it flies readily, 



Fig. 91. 



FaU web worm : a, caterpillar from side; 6, c, same from above, showing variatioM ; d, e, the pupa 

 fcom front and side ; /, the adult moth. From Div. Bnt., TJ. S. Dept. Agl. 



and during that time the female lays her eggs. These eggs are placed 

 in one mass on the under side of a leaf, ranging from four to five 



hundred; each egg bright yellow 

 in color, nearly spherical and 

 ornamented by numerous regular 

 pits. In about ten days they hatch 

 and the caterpillars at once spin 

 a little tent for their common 

 shelter. As they increase in size 

 they draw in more leaves, twigs, 

 and sometimes even branches, so 

 that the nest may become from two to three feet across in its largest 

 dimension. 



The first brood is rarely abundant enough to attract much atten- 

 tion, and the nests seem to be smaller than those found later in the 

 season. Early in July caterpillars are full grown, leave the nests and 

 make cocoons in any convenient shelter nearby. Moths issue in a few 

 days and shortly afterward are ready to lay eggs in turn. 



Fig. SiS. 



Female laying eggs ; individual eggs enlarged at b. 



