4IO COTTON 



abdominal segments are dark reddish-brown, sometimes 

 having a distinct purplish tinge. On the fifth, sixth, and 

 eighth segments this dark colour extends over from each 

 side and meets in the central line of the body. The dorsal 

 area on the seventh and ninth to twelfth is pale yellowish- 

 white, shaded with pale brownish-yellow. The ventral 

 surface is a pale and rather dull bluish-green or dull olive- 

 green. Some larvae are almost entirely of the former 

 colour. Others are more of a pale olive-green, but in 

 all cases the dorsal area on segments seven and nine to 

 twelve is paler. The dorsal line is slightly darker and 

 fairly well marked. 



The thoracic legs are pale, shaded with dark brown and 

 smoky black, armed with strong pale brown claws. 

 Abdominal feet and claspers same colour as venter, 

 furnished with crescent-shaped series of pale brown 

 hooks. The whole surface of the skin is covered with 

 very minute hairs. 



Length of Larval Life. During the summer months 

 the larval stage lasts about a fortnight, but in the autumn 

 and winter months, when the temperatures are lower, 

 growth takes place at a much slower rate, and this period 

 is very considerably prolonged. 



PUPA STAGE. 



Situation and Formation of the Cocoon on Cotton. 

 When mature the boll worm leaves the boll on which 

 it has been feeding and spins a boat-shaped cocoon, either 

 between the side of the capsule and the involucre, or 

 between two of the involucral bracts, or in any convenient 

 fold of the latter. The cocoon is not necessarily made 

 on the boll which the larva has vacated on reaching full 

 growth, as it is not uncommon to find one on a boll which 

 has not been attacked. The boll worm in many cases 

 evidently wanders about the plant before finally settling 

 on a spot in which to pass the pupal stage. Very often, 

 on account of the drying up and contraction of the 

 involucre, the cocoon becomes loosened, and may be 

 finally dislodged altogether and fall to the ground owing 

 to the disturbance of the cotton plants by wind. 



