32 IMPORTED PARASITES. 



pute. At almost the same time the brood of Monodontomerus 

 was found for the first time in pupte of the gypsy moth in the 

 field ; and when the history of this species is considered, in the 

 connection which it bears toward the circumstances surrounding 

 the recovery of the Glyptapanteles so far from the point where 

 it was liberated, the whole situation is altered. 



Granted that the parasite disperses at the rate of one mile 

 in each week of activity, and that it is able to adapt its life 

 and habits to the climate and conditions in America, the chances 

 are, that, instead of looking for it in the immediate vicinity 

 of the points of colonization, it is quite as likely to be found 

 almost anywhere in the infested area within 25 miles of Boston- 

 If it is thus generally distributed, very large numbers in the 

 aggregate may exist, and it may increase at a rate as rapid as 

 that of Monodontomerus, and at the same time escape detection 

 until the summer of 1911 or 1912.^ 



This is not only possible, but probable, unless a number of 

 careful observers assist in the recovery of the parasite next sea- 

 son; and if any one should chance, at any time during the 

 summer, to discover parasite cocoon masses similar to those 

 figured, and will collect them and forward them in a small box 

 to the gypsy moth laboratory, Melrose Highlands, Mass., the 

 service will be greatly appreciated. There are a great many 

 native parasites of native caterpillars which are very similar 

 and in some instances indistinguishable from those of the 

 Glyptapanteles, but none of these have ever been recorded as 

 attacking the gypsy moth. 



The one great fear in connection with the introduction of this 

 most important parasite is that it will not find all of the natural 

 conditions necessary for its continued existence ill Massachu- 

 setts. Its life during the fall and its whereabouts during the 

 winter are equally a mystery ; and even the Japanese entomolo- 

 gists, who are the keenest of observers, resident in a country 

 where it is a relatively common insect, are wholly unable to sug- 

 gest a reasonable solution. It has been recorded upon a variety 



^ The occurrence of the cocoona in the near vicinity of the colony sites immediately following 

 the liberation is most natural, and in perfect harmony with the wide dispersion. The female 

 parasites as soon as they emerge are ready to deposit a small part of the eggs which they will 

 eventually deposit if they live and have opportunity. After the deposition of this part, it is 

 necessary for them to wait an appreciable time before they are ready to deposit any more. 



