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Psyche 
[Vol. 87 
containing the micropyle, the surface is entirely covered with a 
reticulate pattern of hexagonal cells. 
Larvae 
Hatching 
The first instar larva eats its way through the egg apex 5-6 days 
after oviposition and consumes additional shell before attacking the 
leaf. 
Behavior 
After hatching, the larva constructs its first shelter by making a cut, 
about 1 cm long, perpendicular to the edge of the leaf. As it cuts, it 
rolls and crimps the cut portion of the leaf and fastens it in place with 
silk. The result is a conical chamber (Figure 7), closed at the top; open 
at the bottom. The chamber may be constructed on either the right or 
left edge of the leaf, and may be rolled over the upper surface or the 
lower surface of the leaf. Thus, four configurations are possible. 
As the larva feeds upon the inner layers of its shelter, it plugs the 
open end with frass and molted head capsules, probably as a barrier 
to intruders. 
Second and later instars turn and continue the cutting and rolling 
parallel to the leaf edge, until as much as half the perimeter of the leaf 
has been rolled (Figure 8). 
After consuming most of the rolled portion of the leaf, the larva 
moves to another leaf. Later larvae construct shelters beginning 
higher up on the leaf, often within a few centimeters of the attachment 
of blade and petiole. As a result, almost the entire leaf blade is rolled 
(Figure 9). 
Similar shelters have been described for Dysodia by past workers. 
Clemens (1860) noted that D. oculatana in eastern United States 
“. .. feeds... beginning on one side of a leaf to form a cone or cornet, 
cutting and rolling the separated portion, as it increases in size, 
sometimes across the entire leaf.” 
Forbes (1942), speaking of Dysodia spp. on BCI, commented 
“Larva forming a very messy and foul-smelling nest (whence the 
generic name). ...” 
Number and Duration of Instars 
There are five larval instars. Instar durations for seven reared 
individuals are given in Table 2. 
