Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-04-30
Parasite of Brown.TalI Moth.

About Feb. 2S appeared notice from
the Maine Agricultural Experiment Sta
ton concerning parasite that hibernates
in the adult condition in the winter nests
of the browu-tail moth. Since that
account of NJ aereus, several CORE
spondents lat Leeds Center and Stroud
water) have recognized that parasite IN
winter nests which they collected and
have sent them into the station for veri-
ficstion.
The station entomologistss have con-
tinued series of observations on winter
nests collected in various parts OF the
state, and have more encouragement
still 10 offer in the fact that nests col
lected at Orono the last of February be-
gan to yield March 9 second and
smaller parasite, which has survived the
winter in considerable numbers. This
minute insect, measuring only about lilo
inch in length, Is apparently species
introduced from Europe about hve years
ago and released in Massachusetts, shortly
afterwards. Unlike it's larger relative,
which waits until spring before laying
her eggs, the young of this second intro
duced species feed on the catsrpillars OF
the brown-tail moth while they are in the
winter nest in the fall, and leave their
bodies shrunken and dried in appearance.
While they do all their feeding IN the
fall, they do not emerge as winged IN
sects until two or three weeks after the
time for the caterpillars to become active
in the spring. .
What proportion Of the mortality OF
the brown-tail caterpillars in their nests
this winter is due to the weather condi-
tions and what to this tiny parasite, 1t Is
not possible to state, but Of this we may
be sure that the parasites have survived
the winter in encouraging numbers 80 far
north as Orono and that their presence
means the death of at least part OF the
caterpillars in the winter nest. The
method recommended previously for the
release of NJ. aereus near infested wood
lands would also apply to this even timer
friend, only as this later parasite Is
longer in emerging from the nests in the
spring the nests would need to be pre-
served iu natural outdoor conditions for
about three weeks after the caterpillars
themselves become active. A strip OF
cotton batting fastening to the outside OF
the barrel or other receptacle In whlch
the brown-tail winter nests have been
placed can be smeared with tree tangle-
foot so as to trap the brown-tail caterPil-
lars when they begin to crawl, but the
parasite becoming winged will ny on un-
harmed.
Up to the present time imported par
asites of the brown-tail moth, origi nally
established in Massachusetts,, have been
received from half a dozen counties In
the southwestern part Of the state.
The recent discovery Of the smaller spe-
cies in Orono gives this locality the rec
ord for the most northerly range thus far
noted. Besides these two important in
sects which have already proven their
ability to withstand Maine winter, many
other beneficial predaceous and parasitic
insect enemies OF the gypsy and brown
tail moths have been started on their
career of usefulness In this country.
Among these are some which parasitize
the freshly laid eggs, others attack the
caterpillars, and still others the pupse
within their cocoons. OF the numerous
kinds of parasites of the brown-taii
which have been imported and liberated
| in Massachusetts, five or six different
pecies are now apparently firmly estao'
lished and two or three others are gain,
| ing a foothold. Whether they Will Ill
spread as far a. Maine and maintain
lth themselves is q matter OF much interest,"
and Importance. D. Woods, d.
rector, Orono, Ms.