96 



lu the bolls the larval stage last probably much 

 longer and here 6 to 7 weeks is near the length of the 

 larval period. 



As the boll reaches maturity the mature larva, now 1-4 

 to 1-3 of an inch long, ceases feeding and be- 

 comes surrounded by a sort of cell composed of 

 larval excrement mixed with the lint, etc. With- 

 in this cell the pupation and formation of the adult 

 occurs. The cells are shorter and thicker than cotton 

 seeds, with which thev are at times confused. 



Pupa. 



When the insects enters this stage it has much 

 the form of the adult, but its color is pure 

 white or cream. (See Fig. 3.) The pupa stage 

 lasts in. squares on the average three to four 

 days in warm weather, but may reach a maximum of 15 

 days in cold weather. The pupal stage is certainly long- 

 er in bolls than in squares^ but no definite data are at 

 hand on this point. 



Fig. 3. Larva, to the left, and pupa, to the right. xQ. (Farmers' 

 Bull. 189, U.S. Dept. Agr.) 



The final molt of the pupa requires about a half hour. 



Adult. 



About 2 or 3 days are required for the adult to assume 

 the cobu' typical of the species and to acquire sufficient 

 strength to enable it to walk. The weevils may vary 

 much in size dependent largely upon the question of 



