404 REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY OF THE 
INTRODUCTION. 
During the summer of 1908, the tussock moth (Hemero- 
campa leucostigma A. & 8.) appeared in more than its usual 
numbers in the rural districts of western New York. A 
noteworthy feature of this outbreak was the presence of the 
caterpillars in orchards in several communities, where they 
did considerable damage to young fruits. While injuries to 
orchards are not of unusual occurrence, this insect is primarily 
a Shade-tree pest. It is commonly associated with towns and 
cities, rather than with the country, and because of its impor- 
tance to tree planting in municipalities, it is a familiar insect, 
at least by name, to many readers. Its attacks on fruit trees 
have attracted less attention. The present interest of fruit 
growers in this insect has prompted the publication of this 
bulletin, which deals largely with the tussock moth as an 
orchard pest. 
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE TUSSOCK MOTH. 
PRESENT OUTBREAK IN ORCHARDS, 
On June 10 letters began to arrive at the Station, announcing 
that an unknown pest had made its appearance in western 
New York, which was especially destructive to the young 
fruits. The arrival of specimens of the caterpillar soon proved 
that the real miscreant was the tussock moth. Samples of its 
work were received from many localities in our leading apple 
growing counties but the most damage was done by this insect 
in the vicinity of Lockport, Ransomville and Middleport. The 
work of the caterpillars was first noticed by fruit growers 
on June 8 and during the following week the principal injuries 
were done. In company with Mr. B. D. Van Buren, a State 
Inspector of Nurseries, an examination was made on June 11 
of a number of orchards where the insect was especially de- 
structive. At this time the caterpillars were in the first, 
second and third stages, and, contrary to expectations, were 
