The stripes on the sides are not continuous,
and the shading of the body varies, being darker on the anterior than
on the posterior portion. When fully grown, Fig. 20, the color is
lighter and the stripes are broader. At this stage of life it burrows
into the ground just beneath the surface, and changes into the pupa
state. The pupa is three-fourths of an inch long, and of a mahogany
brown color. The perfect moth appears about the first of September,
and there is only one brood in a season.
[Illustration: FIG. 20.]
The caterpillars feed in the stalks of corn, tomatoes, potatoes,
dahlias, asters, and also in young currant bushes, besides feeding on
many species of weeds. By a close inspection of the plants about the
beginning of July, the spot where the borer entered, which is
generally quite a distance from the ground, may be detected, and the
caterpillar cut out without injury to the plant. This plan is
impracticable for an extensive crop, but by destroying the borers
found in the vines that wilt suddenly, one can lessen the number
another year.
THE PYRAMIDAL GRAPEVINE CATERPILLAR.
_Pyrophila pyramidoides_ (Guen.)
This caterpillar, Fig. 21, is generally found on grapevines early in
June, but also feeds on apple, plum, raspberry, maple, poplar, etc. It
is about an inch and a half in length, with the body tapering toward
the head; of a whitish green color, darker on the sides; with a
longitudinal white stripe on the back, broader on the last segments.
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