220 Peach-Growing 



Distribution of curculio. 



The curculio is distributed from southern Canada to 

 Florida and westward as far as the Rocky Mountains, 

 though of much less importance in the semi-arid regions 

 west of the 100th meridian. 



Life history and habits. 



The insect passes the winter in the beetle stage under 

 trash on the ground or in other places where seclusion and 

 protection are afforded. In the spring, with the swelling 

 of the fruit-buds the beetles become active again and begin 

 to feed on the buds, unfolding leaves, and blossoms. 



Egg-laying begins soon after the fruits commence to form 

 and continues for several weeks or even months, but is most 

 active during the first four or five weeks. Crescent-shaped 

 punctures in the fruit mark the places where the eggs have 

 been deposited. A gummy substance commonly exudes 

 from these punctures, adhering to the exterior of the 

 fruit. 



The eggs hatch in three to five days, varying with the 

 temperature. The larva or "worm" bores into the fruit, 

 where it feeds largely about the pit until it completes its 

 growth, which requires from twelve to eighteen days, or 

 longer under some conditions. On completing its growth, 

 the larva leaves the fruit, whether the latter has dropped 

 or still remains on the tree, and enters the soil to the depth 

 of about two inches, where it transforms into the adult 

 beetle, which requires three to four weeks. 



There is but one generation in a season; but after the 

 beetles emerge from their pupal cases, they feed on fruit 

 and leaves until cold weather, when they secrete themselves 

 under rubbish in the orchard or in other protected places. 



