340 REPOET OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



cred to form a species distinct from the European. In size the varia- 

 tion is not great, the smaller individuals having an expanse of wing of 

 an inch and three-eighths, and the larger ones expanding an inch and 

 three-quarters. The general color of the body and upper wings varies 

 from a light gray tinged with olive green to a rich yellow gray, almost 

 tawny. In some specimens the markings of the fore wings are almost 

 obiiterated, anTi in others they appear with great distinctness. On the 

 hind wings there is much variation in the size of the light spot within 

 the dark band ; in some specimens it is not discernible, and in others its 

 length equals half the breadth of the wing. The width of the black 

 band of the posterior wings also varies greatly. The moth is so very 

 diflerent from Aletia that even a hasty glance at the plates will enable 

 the planter to distinguish them. The most prominent ^listinguishing 

 feature, and one that can be recognized at a glance, is the broad black 

 band on the hind wings of the boll- worm moths. When at rest the lat- 

 ter does^ot tightly close its wings roof-shaped over its back, as does 

 the cotton-worm moth, but holds them slightly open, so that the black 

 band is plainly seen. 



The moths begin to fly shortly after sundown. During the day, when 

 disturbed, they fly out with the quick darting motion peculiar to most 

 noctuids under such circumstances — a flight almost precisely like that 

 of the cotton-moth. At night, however, their flight is freer and more 

 sustained. As has been noted of the adult Aletia, these moths feed at 

 night upon the nectar secreted by the glands of the cotton-plant, the 

 cow-pea, the greater coffee-weed, and probably upon others. Their 

 methods of feeding are almost precisely like those of the cotton-moth, 

 the antennae being kept in constant vibration. They also, upon occa- 

 sion, hover before a gland, steadying themselves by their fore legs. 

 When at rest and sucking nectar, they do not fold the wings like Aletia^ 

 but keep them slightly raised and partly open. We have not heard of 

 this moth being found to feed upon fruit as Aletia does, though it is 

 probable that this may occur, as the tip of the proboscis is spined in a 

 somewhat similar manner. 



THE NUMBER OF BROODS. 



The chrysalis of the boll-worm usually gives forth the perfect moth in 

 early May in the more southern portions of the cotton-belt. The eggs 

 of these first moths are for the most part laid on the leaves of corn, 

 though occasionally one is deposited upon the Just-appearing cotton 

 plant, and others are laid upon the other food-plants to be found. By 

 far the majority are laid upon the com leaves ; and it is a rare occur- 

 rence to find a bo]l-wt)rm upon cotton in the months of May and June. 

 The individuals of this first brood of ReliofMs upon com are called, in 

 many parts of the South, "terminal bud worms," the reason for which 

 will shortly be shown. 



The newly hatched l?rvae begin feetUng at once upon the corn leaves 

 upon which they were born, and gnaw many small irregular holes 

 through them, giving them the appearance of having been riddled by a 

 charge of small shot. Upon these external leaves of corn they may be 

 found for some time, specimens upvrards of half of an inch in length 

 having been collected May 21. As they increase in size they progress 

 downward into the closely folded leaf, and sooner or later reach the 

 tender terminal leaves or bud, where they do a very destructive work. 



The xJiants thus infested may be readily recognized by the riddled ap- 

 pearance of the larger leaves. When such a stalk is found, if the leaves, 



