But to
accept this as the explanation of the variance upsets all their
colour values, so it must not be considered. This proves that
there must be a Regalis that at times has olive-green stripes where
mine are grey; but I never have seen one.
I think people need not fear planting trees on their premises that
will be favourites with caterpillars, in the hope of luring
exquisite te moths to become common with them. I have put out eggs,
and released caterpillars near the Cabin, literally by the thousand,
and never have been able to see the results by a single defoliated
branch. Wrens, warblers, flycatchers, every small bird of the trees
are exploring bark and scanning upper and under leaf surfaces for
eggs and tiny caterpillars, and if they escape these, dozens of
larger birds are waiting for the half-grown caterpillars, for in
almost all instances these lack enough of the hairy coat of moss
butterfly larvae to form any protection. Every season I watch my
walnut trees to free them from the abominable 'tent' caterpillars;
with the single exception of Halesidota Caryae, I never have had
enough caterpillars of any species attack my foliage to be
noticeable; and these in only one instance.
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