NOTE ON DEILEPHILA GALII, ROTT

Extract

Mr. Percy B. Gregson, of Blackfalds, Alta., sends a painting, made by Mr. F.C. Clare, of Edmonton, of the larva of Deilephila galii, Rottemburg. Mr. Gregson writes that these large larvæ are luscious treat for prairie chickens in early autumn, and are quite often found entire, although, of course, dead, in their crops. These larvæ in the Northwest feed on the Giant Willowherb [Chamœnerion angustifolium (L.), Scop.], and it was from this food-plant that is more generally-known name of Chamœnerii was derived. I have read that these larvæ are also eaten regularly by some tribes of Indians in California. Some years ago I examined the contents of the crops of four prairie chickens from Western Mantioba, and found them stuffed with the hips of the prairie rose, the leaves of the alkali-loving Ranunculs [Oxygraphis cymbalaria (Pursh) Prantl.], and many specimens of Chrysomela lunata, Fab.