U. S. D. A., B. E. Bui. 127, Part I. T. C. & S. P. I. I., May 31, 1913. 
PAPERS ON INSECTS AFFECTING VEGETABLE AND 
TRUCK CROPS. 
THE SPOTTED BEET WEBWORM. 
{Hymenia perspectalis Hiibn.) 
By F. H. Chittenden, Sc. D., 
In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
The spotted beet webworm (Hymenia perspectalis Hiibn.) has at- 
tracted the writer's attention on two occasions from its occurrence on 
beets in the District of Columbia. It is a singular fact that it was 
first observed in 1905 and that its presence did not again become no- 
ticeable until after a lapse of seven years, or until 1912, when it became 
a veritable pest. It may be classified both as an enemy to sugar beet, 
because of its occurrence on that plant normally, and as an insect 
injurious to ornamental plants in both the garden and greenhouse. 
The larva is at first sight rather plain, but on closer examination it is 
seen to be distinctly and beautifully marked. The moth is also a 
most beautiful creature and has often been found flying about the 
District of Columbia. The food plants which will be mentioned in 
the present paper probably do not by any means exhaust the list. 
DESCRIPTIVE. 
THE MOTH. 
Hymenia perspectalis is a member of the family Pyralidse and sub- 
family Pyraustina?, according to Dr. Dyar's classification. It has been 
described under various synonyms as follows: Spoladia animalis 
Guen., S. exportalis Guen., Zinckenia primordialis Zell., Desmia 
rhinthonalis Walw., and Hymenia pharsiusalis Walk. 
The genus (under the name Zinckenia) is characterized by Sir 
George Hampson as follows : 
Palpi upturned, the 2nd joint broadly scaled in front and not reaching vertex 
of head, the 3rd well developed and acuminate; maxillary palpi long and fili- 
form ; froiis rounded ; antennae of male nearly simple, the base of shaft excised, 
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