264 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



most characteristic structure by which it may be distinguished. 

 The boll weevil feeds only upon cotton, and weevils found feeding 

 on other plants are certainly of other species. 



FIG. 193. Cotton square with bracts opened to show weevil at work on the 

 bud, which shows a feeding puncture. 



FIG. 194. The cotton boll weevil; eggs among the anthers -at points indi- 

 cated by arrows, the cross-section at the right showing opening through 

 which egg was deposited greatly enlarged. 



The weevils commence to emerge from hibernation soon after 

 cotton is up and continue to emerge until the cotton commences 

 to square freely. During the spring the beetles feed on the foliage, 



