49 



variety was so distinct as to be described, previous to breeding, as 

 another species. This is entirely of a pearly, translucent white color, 

 with fine, wavy, purple lines, one on each side of inedio-dorsal space 

 and two others lower down on each side inclosing the second row of 

 spines, which, like the general surface, are translucent white. There is 

 a large purple spot a little back of the middle on each side of the dor- 

 sum. I have found this variety only on pear, and it is rather rare. 

 The cocoon is spun among the leaves and does not differ in color, form, 

 or texture from those of other Idmacodes. The moth bred from this 

 pale larva does not differ from those of typical querceti, being of a rich 

 fustic brown, with bright green and velvety black ornamentation. In 

 the size of the green and black spots and in geDeral intensity of color 

 a series of moths of this species also exhibit considerable variation. 



Tbe almost equally beautiful and even more strikingly marked Saddle- 

 back Caterpillar (Empretia stimulea) occurred in very unusual numbers 

 on Plum, Pear, Chestnut, Maple, and Wisteria vine, doing considerable 

 damage-— especially during the semi-gregarious period, which continues 

 to the third molt — to the foliage of the fruit trees attacked. 



Phobetron pithecium and Limacodes scapha were other species of this 

 group observed. 



Lagoa crispata was quite numerous on White Oak and Chestnut, and 

 colouies of Satumia io appeared on Corn and Sassafras and defoliated 

 several rose bushes in our garden before we discovered the authors of 

 the mischief. Altogether there was quite an array of " urticators," 

 and gloves were very necessary to preserve the hands of the collector 

 in taking them and also in caring for them in the rearing cage. They 

 seem to dispense stinging points all over the foliage over which they 

 crawl and all about the cage in which they are confined. I have often 

 had my hands smart for hours after changing the leaves and cleaning 

 the cage in which these larvae had been reared, long after they were 

 inclosed in their cocoons. 



There was throughout this and contiguous States a notable outbreak 

 of Datana both D. angusil and D. ministry but especially the former. 

 This species appeared on the Walnut in June, and the second brood 

 again in August, and from the excessive and repeated defoliations it is 

 probable that many fine trees have been destroyed. 



During a journey taken about the 1st of September, numbers ot 

 trees were noticed bearing what would have been a heavy crop of nuts, 

 but absolutely leafless, while the trunks were almost covered with larval 

 exuviae. The nuts were, of course, small and imperfect, the shrunken 

 husks clinging to the seed. Several collections of the walnut-feeding 

 larvae were sent me, but not having a supply of walnut leaves conven- 

 ient, I was not able to rear any of them, as they refused to accept as a. 

 substitute the leaves of hickory or of Elms glabra or copalina, although 

 some years ago I bred them from the latter. 



During September the black-necked larvae of what I suppose will 

 25910— Bull. 23 4 



