THE HAG-WORM. 



23 



THE BAG- WORM. 

 ( Thyridopteryx ephemera/ormis Haw.) 



Although this species was not particularly destructive to oar sh . 



trees in 1886, and in numbers greatly inferior to the Fall Web-^ 

 ami the Tussock-moth, yet in 1670 it was much more formidable, and 

 at irregular intervals becomes a great pest where not properly dealt 

 with, especially in more southern States. For the past two or three 

 years it has been on the increase in special localities in Washingl 

 and should be carefully looked after. 



HABITS AND NATURAL HISTORY. 



The Eggs.— Daring winter time the dependent sac-- or bag 

 species may be seen hanging on the twigs of almost ev< 

 If they happen to be on coniferous trees, and they are usually more 

 abundant on these than on deciduous trees, they are not in frequently 

 mistaken for the coues. In reality they are the coverings spuo by 

 worm, and they serve not only as a protection to it. but also to the 

 eggs. Upon cutting open the larger of these bags in winter time they 

 will be found to contain the shell of a chrysalis technically called the 

 puparium . which is rilled with numerous small yellow eggs I g. 7 e). 

 Each of these is a little over 1 millimeter in length. in form, 



and surrounded by a delicate, fawn-colored, silky down. In this con- 

 dition the eggs remain from fall throughout the winter and early spring. 



4\ 



- - lb d mal< 



»rva with bag 

 nprig 



Tht Larva and its Bag.— About the middle of May in this latitude the 

 Qto small but active larva.-, which at once commence to 



