refers to the fact that in some species there are backward-pro- 
jecting tufts on the hind margin of the wings which protrude 
when the wings are folded. The larvae are usually solitary, but 
some are nest builders. When disturbed, they often elevate each 
end of the body and remain attached by the four pairs of pro- 
legs at the middle of the body, Many feed exposed on the foliage; 
others feed from within folded leaves or tents. 
The poplar tent maker, [chthyura inclusa Hbn., occurs in southern 
Canada and from New England to Georgia and Colorado and 
feeds on various species of poplar and willow. The adult is 
brownish-gray, with three whitish lines crossing each forewing, 
and it has a wingspread of about 25 mm. There is a crest of 
dark brown hairs on the front of the thorax, and the hindwing 
is crossed by a wavy band. Full-grown larvae are brownish to 
nearly black and up to 42 mm. in length. There are four lines 
of light yellow on top, and one bright and several indistinct lines 
and yellow marks are on the sides. Also, there are black tubercles 
on the tops of the first and eighth abdominal segments. 
Adults appear from March to July and from July to August, 
depending on location. Eggs are laid in clusters on the undersides 
of leaves. The larvae are gregarious and live in tents or webs 
which they construct by pulling together the edges of one or more 
leaves and lining them with silk (fig. 115). They feed from May 
to October, then crawl to the ground and pupate in loose cocoons 
to spend the winter. Old, abandoned nests often remain on trees 
throughout the winter. There are one and a partial second or 
two generations per year. This species often seriously defoliates 
F-519526 
FIGURE 115.—Nest of the poplar tent maker, 
Ichthyura inclusa, torn open to show the larvae. 
310 
