April, ’18] 
CHILDS: CODLING MOTH IRREGULARITIES 
225 
The information gained and the points herein discussed have been 
obtained through yearly breeding cage studies and field observations of 
the different stages in the life-cycle of the codling moth. Properly pre¬ 
pared and watched, the breeding cage can be used by the investigator 
as a good index for the successful timing of sprays in order to get max¬ 
imum control. However, in the hands of the novice, particularly one 
who is not very familiar with insect life, information gained from the 
cage can lead one astray. The writer has found some growers who can 
draw sound deductions, while for others, the interpretation would 
prove disastrous. 
The breeding cage information gained by the writer during the past 
four years has on many occasions proved decidedly perplexing, and was 
only of value when carefully weighed with surrounding general field 
conditions. As an example of this: In 1915 we observed several moths 
\ 
issuing in the breeding cages as early as April 27, due to the fact that 
about a week of very warm weather occurred at that time. This was 
followed by cold, rainy weather during the remainder of the spring. 
No more moths issued in the cages for nearly a month and no eggs 
were found until May 28. This is only one of many similar observa¬ 
tions. When problems arise that puzzle the trained investigator—who 
can make deductions of value only upon considering the problem from 
all angles—the orchardist stands little chance of gaining more than 
approximate information at best. In the absence of expert advice, 
however, breeding cage studies on the part of orchardists are to be en¬ 
couraged. Its maintenance not only keeps them more keenly inter¬ 
ested in habits and control but, if carefully attended to, serves as a 
very good indicator where developments are normal. 
Breeding cages employed by the writer have been of two kinds : one 
a box 14 x 16 x 20 screened in on three sides by ordinary window 
screening, and the other the actual screening in of the trunks of apple 
trees which were known to harbor codling moths; in order to insure a 
good supply, trees were often banded before the brood left the fruit, 
following which the cages were attached. 
For spring study of the insects’ development, cages were always pre¬ 
pared and stocked with worms during the fall of the year. In so doing 
no unnecessary stimuli, showing itself either in the form of increasing 
or retarding emergence occurred. A much greater variation in the 
emergence of the moths has been noted where transfers from the tree 
trunks were made during the spring of the year. The mortality of 
spring transfers is also much higher, making it often difficult to gather 
accurate information. To facilitate the stocking of cages, trees were 
usually banded before the worms left the fruit. Many of the insects 
will establish themselves in the folds of the burlap, which is used, and 
