SNOUT BEETLES ATTACKING BUD OR FRUIT 



209 



In the early spring the adult beetles appear in the cotton fields 

 from their winter hiding places. Usually there are but few of them at 

 this time. When the squares 

 begin to form, eggs are laid 

 within them, and as the grub 

 develops the square usually 

 falls to the ground. A pupal 

 stage is passed within the 

 square, and soon a second 

 generation of adults is out. 

 Eggs are now laid in the 

 squares as before. There are 

 four or five generations in 

 the course of the season. 



When the squares are no longer available, eggs are laid in the 

 bolls in similar fashion. 



Hibernation of the adult weevils does not begin until late in the 

 season, long after the regular crop of cotton is picked. When the 

 first frosts come, the adults seek shelter in which to spend the winter, 

 while the immature stages die. At this time the adults fly to 

 considerable distances, seeking places to hibernate. 



Fig. 259. 



Work of the Cotton Boll Weevil. 

 Original. 



Fig. 260. — Larva of the Cotton Boll 

 Weevil, enlarged and natural size. 

 Original. 



Fig. 261. — Adult Cotton Boll Weevil. 

 Enlarged and natural size. Original. 



