4 



pattern of the elytra varies, that shown in the illustratiotl 

 being the prevailing form of specimens reared in the Dis- 

 trict of Columbia. The darkest spots at the sides are not 

 round and conspicuous as in the four-spotted bean weevil 

 and the special spots are wanting while often black is the 

 prevailing colour of the doI;^al surfaced" 



The description shows quite clearly the variability of the 

 markings but not either the range or extent it has in Mysore. 

 The progeny reared from common parents show so wide a 

 range that, without the knowledge of their parentage, the 

 individuals are likely to be regarded as not belonging to the 

 same species. The extremes are represented on the one side 

 by the entire absence of markings and hairs on the elytra- and 

 on the other by a blackening which involves more than half 

 their length. Chittenden's description is therefore that of 

 an intermediate form. The variation is not confined to the 

 markings alone. The male antennae are not always pecti- 

 nate but may also be serrate and the serrations may not be 

 conspicuous. 



What these variations are due to, it is impossible to say 

 in the present state of our investigation. They are not, 

 however, the result of a difference in seed as cow-pea {Vigna 

 cMtiang) ; black-gram, green-gram {Phaseolus mungo), etc., 

 made no difference in progeny. A large moisture content 

 appears to produce a darker coloration but not sufficient 

 to alter or obscure the markings. From the results 

 obtained, it does not appear likely that forms now re- 

 garded as distinct species can successfully cross, but it is 

 too early to say whether this possibility can be altogether ■ 

 excluded. It is certain, however, that the limits of the 

 species are much wider than have been hitherto indicated 

 in the description by Fabricius and others. 



Life History. 



The life history of all the forms attacking stored pulses 

 is more or less identical, the differences being confined to % 

 details. There are, however, interesting points which have 

 to be gone into at some considerable length to enable the 

 reader to understand the remedies tried and recommended 

 and to follow the discussion which has to be raised here- 

 after of the habits of some of the species. 



The egg is oval-shaped, but unlike most eggs is drawn 



>. The Year Book of the Department of Agriculture of the United States for 

 1898. Page 243, Footnote No. 1. 



