105 



The earlier stages differ in their paler color, the youngest larvae 

 being nearly white, and in haying a much smaller percentage of the 

 piliferous tubercular spots black. Only the lateral row is black, and 

 of these the first thoracic and first abdominal are pale, the hairs being 

 also pale, nearly white. The two pairs of thoracic spots are larger 

 than the others, a character which is more pronounced in the earlier 

 stages than in the antepenultimate. The penultimate stage of the 

 larva is shown from the side at ~b. 



The cocoon. — Transformation to pupa takes place in a cocoon, which, 

 with the first generation, is often formed on the surface of the earth, 

 sometimes attached to the dried leaves upon which it has fed. The 

 cocoons of the second generation appear always to be formed normally 

 beneath the earth's surface. The outer surface of the cocoon is 

 covered with sand or earth, giving the appearance represented in the 

 illustration at g. Such a cocoon divested of the outer grains of earth, 

 which may be brushed off with a soft earners hair pencil, measures 

 about half an inch long and a fourth of an inch in diameter. Soon 

 after forming its cocoon the larva becomes contracted to about half or 

 a little less than half its length when fully extended when feeding. 



The larvae during the daytime are unusually sluggish as compared 

 with other Pyralids, such as the grape leaf-folder (Desmia funeralis) 

 and are not easily disturbed. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The known localities for this species indicate a wide distribution, 

 and it is probable that it is common from Canada to Mexico. The 

 available list of localities includes the following: Washington and 

 Georgetown, D. C. ; Cabin John, Md. ; Alexandria, Va., and Still- 

 water, Okla., from all of which specimens have been received. Grote 

 and Robinson's type or types were from Pennsylvania. Lintner 

 records Albany, N. Y., (vicinity); Smith, New Brunswick, N. J., and 

 in the National Museum are specimens from Maine, North Carolina, 

 Kansas, Texas, and Arizona. 



DIVISIONAL RECORDS OF ATTACK. 



The Divisional records begin with a note made by Mr. Pergande, 

 August 21, 1884, when larvae were found upon morning-glory in the 

 District. In 1888 Mr. Pergande again observed this species in the 

 District during July and August, feeding on sunflower and dahlia. It 

 was also observed that year by Prof. W. B. Barrows on morning-glor}^ 



Writing under date- of July 4, 1896, Professor Bogue stated that he 

 had reared this species (specimens of which were sent) from common 

 morning-glory at Stillwater, Okla. Larvae were observed to feed at 

 night and to cut the petioles of the leaves upon which they were feed- 

 ing in the manner previously described. 



