290 PESTS OF ORCHARD AND SMALL FRUITS 
The Gypsy Moth (Porthetria dispar Linn.) 
This notorious European pest has now become established in the 
New England states, where it is doing immense damage, defoli- 
Fig. 427.—Larva of the Gypsy 
Moth. Original. 
end. After they are three 
fourths grown the caterpillars 
tend to feed only at night, com- 
ing down the trunks of the trees 
and hiding or resting in masses 
during daylight. 
Pupation takes place in a 
flimsy cocoon, on the trunk or 
ating forest, shade, and fruit 
trees. Evergreens are freely at- 
tacked after the caterpillars are 
half grown. 
The full-grown gypsy caterpil- 
lar is 23 inches long, hairy, and 
dark or black in general color. 
Beginning just behind the head 
there is a double row of five dark 
blue spots down the back, fol- 
lowed by a double row of six 
dark red spots, the last pair of 
the latter just above the hind 
Fic. 428. — Egg-mass of the Gypsy Moth 
on bark. Original. 
