THE BOLL WEEVIL PROBLEM. 13 
sundown. Unlike some related insects, it is not attracted to light. 
The fact that somewhat similar species do come to lights in great 
numbers at times has frequently caused unfortunate confusion. 
An interesting habit of the boll weevil is to feign death; that is, to 
“ play possum ” or “ sull,” as it is popularly called. When disturbed, 
the insects generally contract their limbs and drop to the ground. 
This habit is not equally 
strong in all individuals. 
It has been taken into 
consideration in plans of 
control, as will be de- 
scribed beyond. 
The age to which 
weevils live varies un- 
der different conditions. 
During the winter 
the longevity is much 
greater than in the sum- 
mer. During the sum- 
mer season the majority 
of weevils do not live 
longer than 60 days. 
During the cooler part 
of the year many of 
them live as long as 6 
months. The _ longest- 
lived weevil on record 
lived from December 10 Fie. 5. 
to the following Octo- 
ber, a period of about 11 months. Undoubtedly such prolonged life 
is exceptional. 
Cotton square showing larva of boll weevil 
in position. Natural size. (Author’s illustration.) 
HIBERNATION. 
As has been pointed out, the boll weevil passes the winter in the 
adult stage. In the fall when frosts occur, immature stages may be 
found in the squares or bolls. Provided the food supply is sufficient, 
many of these immature stages continue their development at a very 
slow rate and adults finally emerge. Thus there may be a somewhat 
continuous production of adults during the winter. Ordinarily, 
however, this is not conspicuously the case, since the frosts that 
destroy the cotton generally kill practically all of the immature 
stages of the weevil. 
With the advent of cool weather in the fall the adult boll weevils 
in cotton fields begin to seek protection against the winter. They fly 
from the fields in every direction, although their movements are gov- 
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