The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-07-06

rloTluA, ouo frequently HOIlCSo 0l"0
tiers of the leaves and smaller termi
nal twigs, somewhat closely joined
together by loosely formed web
Now, this web cluster seldom at
tains foot In diameter, while the
usual size met with is scarcely hal
that size. If we examine the wei
critically, which those of an lnquisl
tive turn of mind generally do, we
shall probably find in it few spiders
of various sizes, shapes and colors'
also the bodies, wings, legs, ETC., OF
other insects, evidently what Will
form, or rather what has formed a
repast for these Arochnids. All these
evidences, the web and the insectlvo-
rous remains, would satisfy most
people, that all was their work and
probably think nothing further OF the
matter. But Notwithstanding this
overwhelming evidence, confrmatory
OF the SPIDERS work, or as the lawyer
would say, "strong circumstantlal
evidence" it is nevertheless not
caused by them, but by an entirely
different matchmaking else than a
caterpillar.
Now, this caterpillar spins the web
and lies concealed from observation,
either close to leaf or perfectly
motionless resembling small black
stick, in the centre OF the web; and
except by the closest observation is
very naturally apt to be overlooked.
1t teeds On the buds and tender bud
leaves, thus destroying the vitality
OF the branch, and unless removed
produces species of die-back.
first noticed and bred the moth.
from caterpillars taken off trees in
my own garden, last fall, and am in
debted TO Prof. J. HI. Comstock for
determination Of the species.
In reply to letter OF mine in re-
gard to it, the Professor, under date
OF November 18th, 1880, writes;
at is Pyralid and probably
An@glis de,oisaIs. led, a species de-
scribed from Brazil I found it very
common throughout Florida on oak
as well as orange. Did you notice
that when the Iarva was disturbed in
It's web that it straightened itself and
remains motionless, resembling a
dried stick ?"
This, then, is another insect, and
like many Others, to a foreign shore
are we indebted tor its introduction;
and to which orange growers can
either send their thanks or anethe-
mas. However, they need feel nc
alarm tor their groves, as it can be
easily seen and destroyed. Where
ever this web exists there dwells
the caterpillar, and the remedy il
simple. The branch containing i
should be promptly removed an(
burnt.
ITS NATURAL HISTORY.
There are two broods in the year
the first brood matches from the las
of June to the second week in July
the second brood during October.
Mr.. Editor, now is the time to de
stroy these pests and I desire to par
tlcularly impress the Importance o
this fact upon our orange growers.
They should bear in mind tina
every one killed at this stage of thei
existence saves them from kill
inc not less than seventy-fiye, ant
in the fall seventy.fve times seventy
five-or .tfUe thousand, sac huadrec
and taoe'aty5i0e. And unless thes
were destroyed by spring they woul'
give birth to 4O1,S75, yes, over fou
hundred thousand Now, that thi
fact is demonstrated, trust agricul
turists will see what they accomplish
by destroying single caterpillar.
1,hn na1nrnillnr !. n 1t, L. nNnr hol