99 



Hibernation. 



Even after the cotton has been entirely killed by frost 

 adult weevils may be seen movinii' about in the fields. 

 In southern Texas the weevil may hibernate as either 

 larva, pupa or adult, but they most commonly hibernate 

 in the adult condition. The majority of weevils that 

 successfully hibernate over winter are those developed 

 latest in the fall — whose vitality was consequently not 

 exhausted by oviposition or otherwise before the ap- 

 proach of winter. 



The average hibernation period is from 1 December to 

 1 April, or about 4 months. Given a dry sheltered place 

 and as high as 1-6 of the weevils will live through the 

 winter. 



Dissemination. 



The search for food or new squares is the principal 

 aaencv leadins: to the migration of the weevils from one 

 place to another. Prevailing winds may assist if these 

 occur when the weevils are naturally most active, as does 

 occur in Texas. 



Artificial dissemination will take place most common- 

 ly along railways and water courses. The shipment of 

 cotton baled or for ginning is nearly certain to mean 

 shipment of the boll weevil. And the same is true of 

 shipments of seed for planting and other purposes. Our 

 State law already quoted (page 93) should receive the 

 support of every person living in the State and having 

 the slightest concern for the welfare of the State. In 

 regard to pests of this and all other types legislative en- 

 actment may develop public sentiment, but certainly can 

 never replace it. 



Methods of Control. 



The methods of control may roughly be divided into 

 two classes (a) natural, and (b) artificial. 



