TENT CATERPILLARS. 



Two species of so-called " Tent Caterpillars " are frequently 

 found on various fruit trees, especially on the apple, plum > 

 and pear. By far the commonest and most destructive is 

 the Lackey Moth Caterpillar [Clisiocampa neustrta). But in 

 parts of England, notably districts in Kent, the somewhat 

 local Brown-Tail Moth [Porthesia chrysorrhcea) does almost 

 as much harm in some seasons ; this especially applies to 

 the present year, the caterpillars having done considerable 

 damage to apple and plum orchards in parts of Kent. These 

 two insects are called "Tent Caterpillars" on account of the 

 larvae forming tent-like nests of silk on the trees, in which 

 they live during their early existence, and beneath which 

 they shelter during wet weather and at night when they are. 

 more mature. 



The damage caused by these two larvae can easily be 

 prevented, and even when they have obtained a considerable 

 hold on the orchard they can be remedied to some extent by 

 spraying. 



Tent Caterpillars also occur in great numbers in America > 

 there, as here, being very ravenous feeders, they soon strip 

 the foliage off the trees, and cause the fruitlets to fall. 



As there is some difference in life history as well as in 

 appearance between the two species, they are best considered 

 separately as far as their natural history goes ; prevention 

 and treatment are the same for both species. 



I. — The Lackey Moth [Clisiocampa neustria, Linn.). 

 The Lackey Moth belongs to the family Bombycidce, a. 

 family which does not contain many species in Great 

 Britain. The Bombycidce are more or less hairy moths, the 

 male antennae are pectinated, the female thread-like. The : 



