ATTACKING THE LEAVES. 



115 



fore wings are of a shining dark brown, suffused with a tinge 

 of purple, and slightly dusted with dull-yellowish atoms. The 

 hind wings are dark gray. 



This insect also mines the leaves of the wild crab-apple, 

 different species of thorn, the blackberry, and the raspberry, 

 but has never been known to do any material injury. 



No. 51. — The Apple-tree Case-bearer. 



Coleophora malivoj^ella Riley. 



With the opening of spring there will sometimes be found 

 on the twigs of apple-trees curious little pistol-shaped cases as 

 shown at a. Fig. 114. Each of these on examination will be 



Fig. 114. 



found to contain a larva, possessing the power of moving from 

 place to place and carrying its protecting case with it. These 

 cases are very tough, almost horny in their texture, and seem 

 to be proof against the attack of insect enemies. As the buds 

 begin to swell, the cases will be found here and there sticking 

 on them, while the active little foe within is busily devouring 

 their interior. In this way many of the fruit-buds are de- 

 stroyed, nothing but hollow shells being left. As the season 

 advances, the caterpillal*s leave the twigs and fasten on the 



