11 
whether any insect is the boll weevil is to send it to an entomologist 
for examination. In the field the most conspicuous indication of 
the presence of the boll weevil is the flaring (fig. 4) and falling of 
great numbers of squares. How- 
ever, unfavorable climatic conditions 
and careless cultivation frequently 
cause great shedding. If excessive 
shedding be noticed and the squares 
upon being cut open show a white, 
curved grub (fig. 5) that has fed 
upon the contents, there is little 
Gonberthat “the boll weevil. is the “Yar pasa at meee Abe ae 
insect causing the damage. pe eure aie.) teuthor's alae. 
The boll weevil passes the winter 
in the adult stage. In the spring and throughout the fruiting season 
TF AOA — 
ITE Sa 
Fic. 4.—Cotton square showing egg puncture of boll weevil and “ flaring’ of bracts. 
Natural size. (Author's illustration.) 
of cotton the eggs are deposited by the female weevils in cavities 
formed by eating into the fruit of the plant (see fig. 4). An egg 
344 
