30 MISC. PUBLICATION 318, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
ination will show that scales are present on the body and at least 
on the veins and margins of the wings. Insects of this group also 
have a pronounced tuft of hair on the tip of the abdomen. They are 
known as the clearwing moths. The larvae, or caterpillars, of most 
of these moths chew their way into the woody portion of plants and 
often cause serious damage. These moths have complete life changes. 
and usually there is one generation each year. The moth shown here 
is the parent of the peach-tree borer (Sanninoidea evitiosa). Ithasa 
wingspread of 114 inches. 
Skippers.—Among the butterflies and moths may be found insects 
that resemble butterflies when flying around in the daytime, but on 
close inspection they resemble moths because 
of their heavier bodies. If the antennae are 
hooked, as shown in the accompanying pic- 
ture. these insects belong to the group called 
skippers. They get this name from their 
rapid, darting flight. The one pictured here 
is the locust skipper (Hpargyreus tityrus). 
It has a wing expanse of from 134 to 2 inches. 
eee ae The forewings are dark brown with yellow 
se bands and silver spots beneath; the hind wings 
are uniform in color. The mouth parts of these moths are made 
for sucking, and the larvae feed on various leguminous plants such 
as clovers. The skippers overwinter as pupae on the ground in dead 
leaves. The life changes are complete. These insects occasionally 
become pests. Stomach poisons will kill the larvae. 
DIPTERA (FLIES) 
In this big insect world there is one group that is particularly 
annoying to picnic parties. either while they are attempting to eat 
or when they are fishing along streams. The group of insects re- 
ferred to belongs to the order Diptera. which means that members 
of this family have two wings and only stubs where the hind wings 
ought to be. Members of this order vary considerably in size and 
shape. as the description of the following kinds, representing different 
families, will indicate. 
Houseflies.— Possibly the most common of this group is the housefly 
(J/usca domestica), which is about one-fourth of an inch long, gray 
with black stripes, eyes dark red, and abdomen yellowish at the base. 
Contrary to the ideas of many persons, the house- - 
fly cannot bite, as it has specialized or lapping- 
type mouth parts. The stablefiy, which closely 
resembles the housefly and is quite often mistaken 
for it, has piercing mouth parts and can most cer- 
tainly register its presence. Houseflies feed on 
all sorts of filth and possibly are one of man’s 
worst enemies, since they carry disease organisms. 
They have complete hfe changes, overwinter in all 
stages, and have several generations each season. 
Space sprays and aerosol bombs? give temporary 
relief from flies. DDT residual sprays around 
FIGURE 75.—Housefiy. 
* For more on the use of space sprays and aerosol bombs. see page 57. 
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