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Ailanthus Silk-moth
The cut and the representation on our plate obviate all necessity for mere verbal description of the species. The insect which was originally introduced into Europe about the middle of the last century was first introduced into America in the year 1861. It was hoped that it would prove a valuable silk-bearing species, but although a good grade of coarse silk may be made from it by the process of carding, and strong and serviceable fabrics are manufactured from it in China, no method of successfully and economically reeling the cocoons has yet been invented. The caterpillar feeds upon the ailanthus, and these shade trees in some places have been known to be completely defoliated by the worms.