LARGE CATERPILLARS EATING THE LEAVES 269 
pure kerosene, taking care not to get this on the surrounding foliage. 
Spraying the foliage with Paris green or arsenate of lead will easily 
poison the caterpillars. 
The Forest Tent Caterpillar 
(Malacosoma disstria Hbn.) 
The common name of this species 
is misleading, for it does not construct 
a tent. It is, however, closely related 
to the tent cater- 
pillar, and has ac- 
quired a similar 
name. While often ‘ 
a forest pest, it 
is apt to attack 
fruit tree foliage 
as well, and may 
strip the trees 
when abundant. 
The full-grown 
caterpillar is two 
inches long, dark 
in color, and has 
Fic. 377.—The Forest Tent g row of conspicu- 
Caterpillar. Original. 
y 
ous, diamond- 
shaped, 
white spots 
down the. Fie. 378.—Egg-mass 
of the Forest Tent 
i Caterpillar. Orig- 
its back. inal 
middle of 
Eggs are 
laid in a compact ring around 
twigs, and covered with a shin- 
ing varnish. The young cater- 
Fic. 379.— Adult of the Forest Tent ; ; ; 
Caterpillar. Original. pillars appear early in spring. 
