CHAPTEE III. 



HABITS AND NATURAL HISTORY. 



Much has been written respecting the habits and natural history of the 

 cotton-worm, but the greater part of these writings have appeared in 

 agricultural journals of limited circulation. In many instances this can 

 hardly be deemed a misfortune, for the germs of truth contained in the 

 accounts of this insect are, in most cases, accompanied by a great amount 

 of error. It is very strange that so few writers should have made and 

 recorded careful observations on a pest whose ravages have been so 

 great and long continued. 



A few observers, however, have carefully studied the insect and pub- 

 lished accounts which, in the main, are accurate. The most important 

 of these writings are those of Professor Glover, Mr. Affleck, and Doctor 

 Phares. A complete list of the writings consulted in the preparation 

 of this report is given elsewhere.* 



Although the published accounts have been carefully studied prepar- 

 atory to writing this chapter, the facts herein recorded are, unless oth- 

 erwise stated, the result of observations made during the seasons of 

 1878 and 1879. Care has been taken to verify even those facts which 

 have already been generally received. To the general reader some of 

 the points which are discussed in detail will doubtless seem trivial j but 

 in deciding what is the best mode of combating this pest these very 

 points are often among those which become most important. 



THE EGO. 



In this stage of its existence the cotton-worm is known to but few 

 people, both its color and size shielding it from the observation of un- 

 trained eyes. Every cotton planter should, however, not only become 

 familiar with the appearance of the egg but know just where to look 

 for it. With this knowledge time may be gained, the loss of which in 

 the application of remedies may result disastrously. As it is now, the 

 worms are rarely observed until nearly full grown, and then but little 

 time remains for the protection of the crop. 



The egg is circular, much flattened, and ribbed ; its greatest diameter 

 is a little more than one fortieth of an inch (.685 mm ); its form is shown 

 in Fig. 1. When first laid the egg is of a beautiful bluish-green color; 

 this changes to a dirty white before it hatches. 



Owing to the fact that the tender foliage at the top of the plant is 



* See chapter IX Bibliography. 



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