INSECTS ON THE COTTON-PLANT. 45 
In several instances I noted a small gray coleopter (EHpicauta strigosa 
Schon.) devouring pollen and the base of the stigma of the cotton-flower. 
Some such action, no doubt, as well as that, well known, of the Helio- 
this, destroys the smallest bolls. 
The Anisoscelis albicinctus (Report of Agricultural Department, 1875, 
page 119) has been seen puncturing the cotton-bolls and young shoots, 
and is very destructive to the tender orange twigs. The cotton-stainer 
(Dysdercus suturellus) also aids in the destruction of small cotton-bolls. 
In several instances I observed larvie infested with an exceedingly 
small “mite,” which soon produced death. I have not been able to 
fully make it out, but it appears to be an active, yellowish louse infest- 
ing the larve when full grown. 
As to the question of an alternate food-plant, I have as yet found 
none in Florida, but will investigate further. 
