INSECT ENEMIES OF WESTERN FORESTS 



89 



spring the adult moths appear. These are nearly white, with a few 

 black spots on the wings, orange markings on body and legs, and 

 a wing expanse of 1 1 4 inches. A spotless form is called H. textor 

 Harr. 



Figure 35. — The California oakworm (Phryganidia calif ornica) : A, Adult 

 moth, natural size; B, moth laying eggs on under side of oak leaves; C, 

 caterpillars, natural size. 



OAK MOTHS 



The California oakworm (Phryganidia calif ornica Pack.) (Di- 

 optidae) (29) (fig. 35) periodically defoliates the various species 

 of oaks in California and sometimes attacks other trees in the 

 vicinity of heavily infested oaks. It is particularly injurious to 

 shade and ornamental oaks in the San Francisco Bay district, and 

 not only renders the trees unsightly but may seriously weaken or 

 even kill them. 



The moths have a body about y 2 inch long, and wings of light 

 brown with darker veins and a spread of about \y± inches. The 

 males are distinguished by yellowish patches near the center of 

 the forehead and by their broader and more feathery antennae. 

 Full-grown caterpillars are about 1 inch long, and dark olive 

 green, with conspicuous black and yellow longitudinal stripes on 

 the back and sides. 



