_Oxyptilus periscelidactylus_ (Fitch.)
The caterpillars of this species draw together the young grape leaves,
Fig. 26, a, in the spring, with fine silken threads, and feed on the
inside, thus doing much damage in proportion to their size. These
caterpillars, Fig. 26, a, and e, a segment greatly enlarged, are full
grown in about two weeks, when they are about one-fourth of an inch
long, pale green with whitish hairs arising from a transverse row of
warts on each segment.
Early in June they transform to pupæ, Fig. 26, b, which are pale green
at first and change to dark brown. The surface is rough and the head
is cut off obliquely, while on the upper side near the middle are two
sharp pointed horns, Fig. 26, c. They remain in this stage from a week
to ten days, when the moths emerge.
[Illustration: FIG. 26.]
The moths, Fig. 26, d, belong to the family commonly known as plume
moths or feather wings (Pterophoridæ), from having their wings divided
into feather-like lobes. When the wings are expanded they measure
about seven-tenths of an inch across. They are yellowish brown with a
metallic luster, and have several dull whitish streaks and spots. The
fore wings are split down the middle about half way to their base, the
posterior half having a notch in the outer margin. The body is
somewhat darker than the wings.
It is not known positively in what stage the winter is passed, but it
is supposed to be the perfect, or imago stage. The unnatural grouping
and spinning of the leaves together leads to their detection, and they
can be easily destroyed by hand picking and then crushing or burning
them.
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