COMMON VAPOURER MOTH. 
68 
layers thick, and then outside these a coat of ‘ fly ’ with their heads 
all pointing upwards. Next day all the ‘ fly’ and greater part of the 
‘ lice ’ had disappeared, and then my attention was caught by what I 
at first thought was grass-seed, hut, on stooping down, found to be 
cast-skins of the Dolphin, myriads of which strewed the ground where 
the Peas were stoutest, indicating what an immense population the 
Peas had maintained. 
“As yet I have threshed but a portion of the crop, and cannot 
state positively what the produce per acre will be. Those of my 
neighbours, who in great measure escaped the attack, get from 4£ to 
qrs. per acre.” 
“ Tares. — Dolphin .—This crop was as much infested with Dolphin 
as the Peas were. All of mine but about two acres were cut green for 
horses, &c., and latterly I was much afraid such an abundance of 
insects in their food would seriously affect their health. Fortunately 
the hulk of Aphides were dislodged either by cutting or collecting the 
Tares, and no harm was done. Those left for seed produced about 
three sacks an acre of very small Tares.” 
PEAR. 
Common Vapourer Moth. Orgyia antiqua, Stephens. 
Caterpillar (after Taschenberg). Male moth. Female moth, with abortive wings. 
The pretty and easily distinguishable caterpillar of the Common 
Vapourer Moth is not so well known as it should be, on account of its 
destructive habits. In the words of Edward Newman (‘ Brit. Moths,’ 
p. 40), “it feeds on every tree or shrub in the garden.” Hawthorn 
and Sloe are especially frequented, but it also feeds on the leafage of 
Pear and other kinds of fruit-trees ; of Roses and other garden plants ; 
and sometimes on Fir. 
It is found both in town and country, and has been recorded as an 
abundant insect throughout the metropolitan district. During the last 
few years specimens have been sent in from different localities. On 
July 22nd caterpillars were forwarded, with the observation:—“ In 
the vicinity of Linton-upon-Ouse there are two large fruit-trees bare 
