1909.] The Insect and Allied Pests of the Hop. 563 



The Otter Moth (Hepialus humuli, Linn.). 



The large caterpillars of this moth are sometimes sent as 

 a hop pest. It is quite likely that they are accountable for 

 a good deal of damage which is attributed to other causes * 

 Not only are the outer parts of the smaller roots devoured 

 by them, but they also tunnel right into the main roots. 

 As a rule they work some little way beneath the soil, and 

 so are not detected. Besides hops they also feed on the 

 roots of docks, thistles, and the burdock. This insect is 

 also known as the Ghost Moth and the Hop Vine Cater- 

 pillar. 



The male moth has satiny white wings, dusky beneath, 

 and a dusky body ; the female has the front wings marked 

 with ochre-yellow and brick-dust red to orange. The wing 

 expanse varies from ij to 2 inches. These moths fly at dusk 

 and in the dark, and have a curious, pendulous, erratic flight. 

 They drop their eggs when in flight, usually in June. The 

 caterpillars hatch in about two weeks, and at once burrow to 

 the roots, where they remain feeding until the following 

 April. Pupation takes place in the soil, the pupae being 

 chestnut-brown. 



Treatment consists in examining the plant centre when it 

 shows signs of flagging to see if the large white caterpillars 

 are present, and destroying them if found. Nothing can be 

 done with any success by dressings, for the cause of the 

 unhealthiness cannot be ascertained for certain, unless the 

 roots are examined. Nor can anything be done to prevent 

 the moths from dropping their eggs. Needless to say, all 

 docks, thistles, and burdock, as well as long grasses should 

 be kept down around the gardens. The mole should be 

 encouraged, for it feeds on this larva as well as upon wire- 

 worm and leather jackets and the smaller Bibio-grubs. 



The Hop Dog or Pale Tussock Moth. 

 (Dasychira pudibanda, Linn) 



Although one can scarcely say this insect (PI. II., Fig. 1) is 

 a pest, it is sufficiently abundant in the hop gardens of this 

 country to call for a few comments. In some years it is much 

 more abundant than others; in nearly every case a plentiful 



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