THE GIPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTHS 15 



oaks. The numerous nests of young caterpillars, visible in these 

 wooded sections last September, gave every indication that the 

 injuries next season would be more extensive than were those 

 during the spring of 1905. The nests of this insect were very 

 abundant on hard and soft maples in and about Saugus and there 

 is every probability that unless active steps are taken these trees 

 will be defoliated another year. The nests were less apparent 

 on the elm. Numerous apple and pear trees throughout the in- 

 fested region were in a dead or dying condition and bore striking 

 testimony to the voracity of this insect, while others supported 

 many nests containing caterpillars destined to continue the work 

 of devastation another season. 



The serious effects upon property values, caused by the abund- 

 ance of gipsy moth caterpillars, applies with double force to those 

 of this pest, since the caterpillars are not only extremely annoying 

 when abundant, but their irritating barbed hairs, blowing from 

 the nests or cocoons, are constant reminders of the insect's presence 

 aside from the serious discomfort inflicted. 



Distribution. This species, unlike the gipsy moth, spreads 

 readily with the wind, as the female moths fly without difficulty. 

 This has been an important factor in extending the distribution 

 of the insect. It was brought into this country in the early 90's 

 and in 1901 it had made its way 30 miles west to Hudson, Mass. 

 It has been reported from the Connecticut valley, has spread half 

 or two thirds the length of the state of New Hampshire, occurs 

 at Kittery, Me., and has been found at St John, New Brunswick. 



Brown tail moth caterpillars, like those of the gipsy moth, may 

 be carried considerable distances on vehicles or persons, though 

 favorable winds at the time the moths fly seem to be the most 

 important factor in distributing the pest. There is some danger 

 that automobiles passing through infested sections during the 

 time the moths are in flight may carry gravid females long dis- 

 tances and correspondingly hasten the spread of the insect. One 

 of the agents connected with the work of suppressing this pest 

 and the gipsy moth states that a considerable number of moths 

 were found last summer among the cushions of an automobile in 

 the infested section. The long runs made by these vehicles render 

 it very possible that uninjured adults have been carried beyond 

 the limits of the present known infested area. These facts indicate 

 a strong probability of this pest becoming established shortlv 

 within the bounds of New York State, if it has not already obtained 

 a foothold. 



