55 



Not only did these tests show that molasses in solution has no attrac- 

 tion for the weevils, but also that the sticky coating left after the 

 liquid has dried acts more as a positive repellant to them. 



FIELD TESTS FOR HIBERNATED WEEVILS, USING PURE MOLASSES. 



As a final experiment to settle the possible usefulness of molasses 

 in the weevil fight, a large series of tests was undertaken in the field 

 to see if the pure, undiluted molasses would not prove attractive to 

 weevils as they came from hibernation. To insure a continuous sup- 

 ply of fresh molasses a test tube was nearly filled and then rather 

 tightly plugged with a small stopper wound with cotton. The tube 

 was then fastened in an inverted position to the top of a stake about 

 2 feet long, and as tlie molasses gradually oozed through the cotton 

 it ran slowly down the stake, forming a streak of continuously fresh 

 molasses a foot or more in length. The supply would thus last for 

 several days and was then easily replenished. This apparatus, as 

 shown in PI. XII, fig. -45, was then placed beside a vigorous sejipa cot- 

 ton plant in the field at the season when the weevils were beginning 

 to leave their winter quarters and seek food to break their long fast. 

 Both high and low grades of molasses were employed in these tests, 

 three tubes of each being used. Altogether 84 observations were made 

 between April 24 and May 15, 1903, during which period most of the 

 weevils emerged from hibernation. 



The results again proved disappointing, for only a single weevil 

 was ever found at the molasses. This individual sipped occasionally 

 at the sweet, wandering up and down the tube in the intervals. It 

 did not appear to be satisfied and did not remain long at or near the 

 molasses, but fiew away and was not found there again. 



The failure of the molasses to attract was not due to the scarcity of 

 weevils in the field. During the period of observation 23 weevils 

 were found working upon seppa cotton verj^ near the molasses tubes, 

 and certainly within reach of its attractive infiuence, provided it had 

 any. More weevils were also found in the same field, but at some- 

 what greater distances froDi the tubes. 



During the warm days toward the close of the experiment many 

 butterflies, mostly Vanessa atalanta and some Anosia plexippus, came 

 to the tubes. A few specimens representing several species of beetles 

 and many ants were also found. 



None of the experiments made, either in the laboratory or in the 

 field at Victoria, Tex., has shown that weevils are attracted in even 

 the slightest degree to any grade of molasses, either in its undiluted 

 or diluted form. No sugar solution has been found to possess any 

 more attraction than does molasses. Honey appears to be an espe- 

 cially attractive sweet, but is too expensive for use in this manner. 



Considering the facts that these experiments have been much more 

 numerous and that thej' have covered a much broader range of con- 



