410 Report OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY OF THE 
Some lifa history observations.— When attention was called 
to this species on June 13, 1908, the first three stages of the 
larva were recognized at this time feeding upon apples and 
pears. The earliest date for the finding of cocoons was June 
27, when one was observed near Lockport. A male moth 
emerged July 9 and egg-masses were observed for the first time 
on July 12. In the early summer eggs, larvae, pups and 
adults were frequently found on the same tree. Most of the 
cocoons were formed by July 15, but a few caterpillars were 
observed from time to time until August 21. 
Habits of the caterpillar.— Upon hatching, the caterpillars 
begin to feed upon the underside of the leaves, at first eating 
only a portion of the leaf. As the caterpillar molts and in- 
creases in size, larger holes are made, and, when mature, the 
whole leaf is devoured except possibly the largest veins. The 
younger stages of the caterpillar will, if disturbed, suspend 
themselves by a strand of silk, and upon further jarring will 
usually drop to the ground. When the caterpillars are 
numerous on a tree, they are disposed, at the end of the feeding 
period, to migrate to considerable distances. The caterpillar 
will crawl down from the tree upon which it hatched and 
matured, and ascend the trunk of another tree in order to 
spin its cocoon, | 
Natural spread of the insect.— The spreading of the insect 
from one tree to another and from one locality to another 
depends very much upon the migratory habits of the cater- 
pillar. In this way trees that have in the past been free from 
injury may become infested. The caterpillars are, when 
numerous, undoubtedly often carried from one place to another 
by dropping on passing vehicles or people. In addition, the 
insect may be transported in the egg stage, as the egg masses 
are often attached to nursey stock. 
NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE TUSSOCK MOTH. 
Birds.— The tussock moth has a large number of efficient 
natural enemies, which do much to decrease the numbers of 
