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Clover-hay Worm

Plate XLVII — Clover-hay Worm is Fig. 59
Plate XLVII — Clover-hay Worm is Fig. 59
Clover-hay Worm (detail)
Clover-hay Worm (detail)

This troublesome little species is no doubt an importation from Europe, where it is very common. It has spread from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. It has the habit of infesting stacks of clover-hay, and often does a great deal of damage by weaving its webs of fine whitish silk mixed with excrement in the hay and devouring the leaves. Many cases have been reported in which hay had been rendered entirely unfit for use by the presence of these pests. As the larvae feed upon dried clover, it has been recommended to make it a point not to stack new hay in places where the old hay is known to have been infected. Furthermore, as the larvae are known to prefer hay which is somewhat moist, it is recommended to make it a point to stack the hay in such a manner that it cannot be subjected to an excess of moisture. This may be done by building the stacks upon a framework of rails elevated a little distance above the ground, so as to permit of the circulation of air beneath.