946 
Journal of Agricultural Research 
Vol. V, No. 20 
On examination it was at once seen that there were larvae in all stages, but 
the closest search did not reveal a single egg on the foliage or trunk or 
branches of the tree. The youngest larvae, which seemed to us to have 
just hatched, were very active, running about over the trunk and branches, 
and a search at the base of the trees soon revealed immense numbers of 
eggs just below the surface of the soil, in the matted grass, under sticks, 
and among rubbish. 
THE EGG 
We did not observe the date of the first egg laying nor determine the 
number of eggs laid by a single female. At Ithaca egg laying occurs 
from June to August. If we judge from the length of the larval life 
and the egg stage, the deposition of eggs at Ithaca undoubtedly began 
the last week in June. The egg-laying period extended throughout July 
and the early part of August. 
The egg is entirely different in shape from that of closely allied species. 
It is oval, of a light-straw color, and measures 0.72 to 0.84 mm. in length 
by 0.60 to 0.64 mm. in width. The entire surface is marked with rather 
regular hexagonal areas. Targe numbers of these eggs were found at the 
base of the few pin-cherry trees located close to the Cornell University 
grounds. The eggs adhered rather firmly to each other and to the matted 
grass. Although close search was made, no eggs could be found at the 
base of any other species of Prunus (PI. LXV, fig. 1,2). 
THE IvARVA 
During the latter part of July eggs hatched in from 14 to 18 days after 
they were laid. The young larva escapes from the egg by cutting a hole 
through one side with the mandibles. The young larvae are very active, 
running about rapidly. They soon find their way to the trunk of the tree 
and could be seen any time during the hatching period clambering 
actively over the branches in search of the young and tender foliage near 
the tips of the twigs. They are found most commonly on the under 
surface of the foliage skeletonizing the leaves. They feed ravenously, 
grow rapidly, and reach maturity in from two to three weeks. Where 
the larvae are abundant all the foliage may be so completely skeletonized 
as to turn brown and die, giving the trees a scorched appearance (PI. 
TXV, fig. 3, 4). The length of the life cycle, with the number of molts, 
is given in Table I. 
