306 REPOET UPON COTTON INSECTS. 



like impression ; the posterior margin is covered quite regularly with slightly elevated, 

 darker brown granules of different forms ; some are square, others five, and others 

 six-sided ; the other rings, except the last, have nothing peculiar in their structure ; 

 the last segment is Lluntly rounded, and furnished at the ends with two quite long, 

 black, slender spines, which at their apical third are whitish, faintly bent upwards, 

 with their tips sometimes slightly twisted and directed downward ; ventrally, this 

 ring and the one before it have each a short, longitudinal impressed line ; the cir- 

 cumference of the stigmata is elevated, dark brown, with the center of a sandy color 

 and spongy texture ; the cases of the wings, legs, and antennae are covered with 

 shallow facets. 



THE MOTH. 



After the figure of the moth on Plate II, an additional extended descrip- 

 tion will be unnecessary. It is a very variable species, and it is owing to 

 this fact that American specimens were so long considered to form a 

 species distinct from the European. In size the variation is not great, 

 the smaller individuals having an expanse of wing of an inch and three 

 eighths, and the larger ones expanding an inch and three quarters. 

 The general color of the body and upper wings varies from a light gray 

 tinged with olive green to a rich yellow gray, almost tawny. In some 

 specimens the markings of the fore wings are almost obliterated, and 

 in others they appear with great distinctness. On the hind wings there 

 is much variation in the size of the light spot within the dark band ; 

 in some specimens it is not discernible, and in others its length equals 

 half the breadth of the wing. The width of the black band of the pos- 

 terior wings also varies greatly. The moth is so very different from 

 Aletia that even a hasty glance at the plates will enable the planter to 

 distinguish them. The most prominent distinguishing feature, and one 

 that can be recognized at a glance, is the broad black band on the hind 

 wings of the boll- worm moth. When at rest the latter does not tightly 

 close its wings roof-shaped over its back, as does the cotton- worm moth, 

 but holds them slightly open, so that the black band is plainly seen. 



The moths begin to fly shortly after sundown. During the day, when 

 disturbed, they fly out with the quick darting motion peculiar to most 

 noctuids under such circumstances a flight almost precisely like that 

 of the cotton-moth. At night, however their flight is freer and more 

 sustained. As has been noted of the adult Aletia, these moths feed at 

 night upon the nectar secreted by the glands of the cotton-plant, the 

 cow pea, the greater coffee-weed, and probably upon others. Their 

 methods of feeding are almost precisely like those of the cotton- 

 moth, the antennae being kept in constant vibration. They also, upon 

 occasion, hover before a gland, steadying themselves by their fore legs- 

 When at rest and sucking nectar, they do not, as before stated, fold the 

 wings like Aletia, but keep them slightly raised and partly open. We 

 have not heard of this moth being found to feed upon fruit as Aletia 

 does, though it is probable that this may occur, as the tip of proboscis 

 is spined in a somewhat similar manner. 



