46 



larva is shown at 1 and 2, at 7 the same enclosed in its silken web, the cocoon at 3, the 

 chrysalis at 4, and the perfect insect at 5 and 6. 



The Egg. 



The eggs are fastened to such clover as the females can find access to by creeping 

 into the crevices and small openings in the stack. In a few days during the summer the 

 larva is hatched. 



The Larva. 



The full-grown larva measures nearly three-quarters of an inch in length, tapering 

 each way, with the body much wrinkled, and is of a dark, olivaceous-brown colour, with 

 several smooth, shining dots on each segment, each giving rise to a fine, whitish hair. 

 The young larvae are paler in colour, and occasionally specimens will be found which, even 

 at maturity, retain this lighter colour. They usually dwell within a cylinder of silk of their 

 own constructing, and from this issue to feed on the dry clover. They are very active in 

 their movements, wriggling briskly backwards as well as forwards, and are often found 

 lively late in the season, with the thermometer down to the freezing point. Each larva 

 has the power of readily spinning a silken thread, by means of which it suspends itself in 

 mid-air, and where these larvae are abundant in a barn, they sometimes hang in this way 

 in such numbers from the timbers of the building .as to be a source of great annoyance to 

 passers-by. 



The Pupa. 



When full-gi'own, the larva seeks some sheltered spot in which to pass the chrysalis 

 state of its existence, and often selects the under side of a piece of board or other sheltering 

 substance for this purpose, and there constructs an oblong oval cocoon of silk intermixed 

 with particles of excrement and other foreign matter, and in this passes the next stage of 

 its existence. The chrysalis is about one-third of an inch long, and of a pale yellow colour, 

 with markings of a deeper shade. 



Number of Broods. 

 There are doubtless two or more broods of this insect each year. 



Past History and Mode op Operation. 



This insect is one which is widely distributed. It is common in Europe, from 

 whence it has probably been brought to this country. In Europe, however, it does not 

 appear to have ever attracted attention as an insect injurious to clover. In this country 

 its destructive habits have long been known and often commented on. It is abundant 

 throughout the Eastern, Middle, and some of the Western States, as well as in Canada. 

 It is in the larval state only that the insect is injurious. The larva does not feed on 

 clover in its green or growing condition, but infests it in the stack or barn, and spoils it 

 for feeding purposes by devouring its substance, interweaving it, and covering it with 

 white silken webs and black excrement resembling grains of gunpowder. Sometimes the 

 silken webbing is so dense as to make the hay look mouldy. It is towards the bottom of 

 a stack that the injury is chiefly done ; instances are on record where two feet or more of 

 the lower portion has been so full of worms and cocoons as to be rendered worthless. 



Remedies. 



As the worms feed only on dry clover, they must be confined during the summer to 

 those portions of clover hay remaining over from the previous year's making ; on this 

 account new hay should not be stacked with the old. Where clover is stacked for several 

 years on the same foundation, the bottom layers, coming in contact with the infested 

 leavings of the previous year, will be sure to suffer. It is also recommended to put a 

 ^ood log or rail foundation under the stack, so as to raise it above the surface. 



