INSECTS. 333 



The worms feed gregariously, lying side by side in solid 

 phalanx. They are of a dark brown in their younger 

 state, but become lighter and more clearly marked at 

 each successive moulting, so that they are distinctly 

 striped with black and yellow. The peculiar character 

 of this worm is, that when at rest, the head and tail are 

 carried up in the air, or recurved over the body, which is 

 supported by the six prop legs placed near the middle. 

 When disturbed, these caterpillars often throw their heads 

 from side to side, as though in anger. They are sparingly 

 furnished with hairs, and they spin but little; though 

 when young, the worms will sometimes drop from the 

 leaves when disturbed, and hang suspended by a fine 

 strand of silk. At full size, these creatures are an inch and 

 three-quarters to two inches long, and as thick as a goose 

 quill, so that we can readily imagine the amount of de- 

 struction which may be committed by one of these armies 

 or family groups of one to two hundred worms. 



Teeatment. — Constant vigilance is required on the part 

 of the orchardist, and unremitting efforts while the insect 

 is in the larval condition. Fortunately for us, their habits 

 are such as to aid us in a remarkable way. They may be 

 looked for in July, but they become numerous only about 

 the end of August, and in September. Some late broods 

 may be seen on the access of early frosts, but by the end 

 of September, the worms generally perfect their growth, 

 and descend into the earth to undergo their changes for 

 the next season, when the moths will again appear. 



When we may be inspecting our orchards, in the sum- 

 mer and autumn, we should observe any defective foliage, 

 as this is often an indication of the inroads of insects. 



