INSECTS 



and tapers somewhat toward the other end. The general 

 color is blackish, but there is a pale gray collar on the 

 first segment back of the head and a grayish line along 

 the sides of the body. Most of the segments have pale 

 rear margins above, which are often bright yellow or 

 orange on the fourth to the seventh segments. There is 

 usually a darker line along the middle of the back. The 

 body is covered with long gray hairs, those on the sides 

 spreading outward, those on the back curving forward. 

 After a few days of feeding the caterpillars increase to 

 nearly twice their length at hatching. 



When the weather continues fair after the time of 

 hatching, the caterpillars begin their lives with happier 

 days, and their early history is different from that of 

 those unfortunates described above. Three other broods, 

 which were found hatching on March 22, before the period 

 of bad weather had begun, were brought indoors and 

 reared under more favorable circumstances. These 

 caterpillars spent but little time on the egg masses and 

 wasted only a few strands of silk upon them. They were 

 soon off on exploring expeditions, small processions going 

 outward on the twigs leading from the eggs or their 

 vicinity, while some individuals dropped at the ends of 

 threads to see what might be below. Most, however, at 

 first went upward, as if they knew the opening leaf buds 

 should lie in that direction. If this course, though, hap- 

 pened to lead them up a barren spur, a squirming, furry 

 mob would collect on the summit, apparently bewildered 

 by the trick their instinct had played upon them. On 

 the other hand, many followed those that first dropped 

 down on threads, these in turn adding other strands till 

 soon a silken stairway was constructed on which indi- 

 viduals or masses of little woolly bodies dangled and 

 twisted, as if either enjoying the sport or too fearful to 

 go farther. 



For several days the young caterpillars led this happy, 

 irresponsible life, exploring twigs, feeding wherever an 



f 266 1 



