80 IKJUEIOUS INSECTS 



into the ground, form an earthem cocoon, in which they 

 become chrysalids, and in summer or early autumn ap- 

 pear as moths, to continue the round of changes. There 

 are half a dozen or more species of this 

 terrestrial or non-climbing Cut- worms; 

 the one chosen for illustration (fig. 50), 

 the Greasy Cut-worm {Agrotis telifera, 

 Harr.), is one of the most common, and 

 will give a general idea of all. It ap- 

 pears to attack nearly aU green cultivat- 

 ed plants with equal avidity, and has proved most 

 destructive to corn, tomatoes, and tobacco. 



Remedies. — Birds give much aid by destroying the 

 larvae when exposed by the plow. Chickens will destroy 

 large numbers if cooped in the garden. There axe several 

 insect enemies; Ichneumon and other flies deposit their 

 eggs within the worm. Some of the Cannibal beetles, 

 and some spiders prey upon them. Finding their hiding 

 places and killing the worm, is the most effective artifi- 

 cial remedy. The worms usually secrete themselves in 

 the ground near the place where they have destroyed a 

 plant, and often drag a leaf to the entrance of the hole, 

 as if to serve as a guide to it. It has been recommended 

 to make a number of smooth holes near the hill of com, 

 or near other plants that are attacked, by means of a 

 small stick; many will take refuge in these, and may be 

 killed the next morning by the use of the same stick. 

 This method has been carried out more expeditiously by 

 the use of a circular block of wood, with several smooth 

 pegs in its under side near the edge. This is furnished 

 with a handle, and thrusting it down upon the soil, it 

 will make a series of smooth holes, in which the worms 

 will take refuge; the next day they may be killed by the 

 use of the same implement. In localities where loss 

 from these worms is apprehended, it is a wise precaution 



