394 SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



the grub or larval stage within (Fig. 172). The mature in- 

 sect can live for a short time on the tender leaves or grow- 



FIG. 172. COTTON SQUARE SHOWING BOLL- WEEVIL LARVA IN POSITION. 

 Natural size. 



ing buds of the cotton plant, a fact which is important to 

 remember in considering means of combating this pest. 



The cotton boll-weevil does not eat any plant that is 

 widely grown except cotton. This fact is utilized by de- 

 priving the insect, late in autumn, of green cotton plants, 

 its only food. 



