As they move about they form a continuous thread of silk from a fleshy
tube on the lower side of the mouth, which is connected with the
silk-producing glands in the interior of the body, and by means of
this thread they appear to find their way back from the feeding
grounds. It is also by the combined efforts of all the young from one
belt of eggs that the tents are formed.
These caterpillars do not feed during damp, cold weather, but take two
meals a day when it is pleasant.
After reaching their full growth, they leave their tents and scatter
in all directions, seeking for some protected place where each one
spins its spindle-shaped cocoon of whitish silk intermingled with
sulphur colored powder, Fig. 15, d. They remain in these cocoons,
where they have changed to pupae, from twenty to twenty-five days,
after which the moths emerge, pair, and the females lay their eggs for
another brood.
Several remedies have been suggested, a few of which are given below.
Search the trees carefully, when they are bare, for clusters of eggs;
and, when found, cut off the twigs to which they are attached, and
burn them.
As soon as any tents are observed in the orchard they should be
destroyed, which may be readily and effectually done by climbing the
trees, and with the hand protected by a mitten or glove, seize the
tent and crush it with its entire contents; also swab them down with
strong soapsuds or other substances; or tear them down with a rounded
bottle brush.
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