On the Life History and the Poison Apparatus of the White Flannel Moth, Lagoa Crispata Packard.

Abstract

The white flannel moth, according to Holland, ranges from Massachusetts southward along the coast. According to Riley and Johannsen, the white flannel moth occurs in the Atlantic and Southern United States. The caterpillar, Holland says, feeds on blackberry. As early as 1869 the life history of this species was observed by J. A. Lintner. In the published account there are very complete descriptions of the various stages, of the habits of the larvae, as well as of the manner of spinning the cocoon. The number of larval instars observed were six. The host plants of the larvae are given as various species of Quercus, Vaccinium, Pteris aquilina, and other plants. According to Smith, quoted by Felt, the caterpillar,“lives on most of the orchard trees and small fruits as well as many other trees and shrubs.” Felt lists, in addition to the host plants named above, elm, apple, and raspberry.