74 



Considering the facts that these experiments have been much more 

 numerous and that they have covered a much broader range of con- 

 ditions than any previously performed, we must conclude that it yet 

 remains to be shown that sweets of any kind have any value in the 

 problem of controlling the boll weevil. 



FEIGNING DEATH. 



This interesting habit of the weevil is its first resort as a means of 

 escape from its larger enemies. It has been the basis of many machines 

 designed to jar them from the plants and to collect them in convenient 

 receptacles. If jarred from the plant, the weevil falls to the ground, 

 vfith its legs drawn up closely against the body and the antennae 

 retracted against the snout, which is brought inward toward the legs. 

 The position is characteristic and can be more easily shown than 

 described. (See PI. XIII, figs. 59 and 60.) In this position it often 

 remains motionless for some time. If further disturbed, so that it finds 

 that its ruse has failed to conceal it, it will start up quickly, run a little 

 way, and again fall over, feigning death. The color of the weevil 

 so closely resembles that of the ground that it is quite difficult to find 

 a fallen individual so long as it remains quiet. The habit is of great 

 value in protection. If left undisturbed until it believes danger to 

 be past, it recovers its footing and returns to the plant. Frequently a 

 disturbed weevil has been observed to fall, but before reaching the 

 ground it would spread its wing covers and wings and sail off obliquely 

 to some distance. In other cases, after falling they would suddenly 

 catch some portion of the plant touched and hide so quickly that it 

 was ver}^ difficult to follow them. 



REPEODTJCTION. 



Under this general heading we present some of the most interesting 

 observations which have been made upon the habits of the boll weevil. 

 The relation of the sexes, the evident selection of clean squares for 

 eg^ deposition, the great destructive power of the weevil, the rapidity 

 of development, and the influence of varying temperatures upon its 

 activity and development ma}^ also be classed as among the most 

 important as well as most interesting observations. 



METHOD OF MAKING FIEI^D OBSERVATIONS UPON WORK OF 



WEEVIL. 



For the purpose of field study large cages (3 by 3 by 4 feet) were 

 made, the covering being of fine wire screening (PI. XIII, fig. 61). 

 Uninfested plants having plenty of squares were found b}^ a careful 

 examination of each square, and inclosed by the cages. The number 

 of weevils placed in each cage was varied according to the number of 



