CHARACTERS OF THE MOTH. 



We shall presently see, in discussing the hibernation of the si^ecies, 

 that it is quite important to distinguish between this chrysalis and 

 others that closely resemble it, and to enable the reader to more readily 

 do so an enlarged outline is here introduced. The color varies from 

 light mahogany-brown to deep purplish-brown, while the general form 

 is that belonging to many other chrysalides. Keither form nor color 

 can serve, then, as distinguishing traits, and the same is true of size. 

 The i)eculiar form of the cremaster, or anal tubercle bearing the hook- 

 lets (Fig. 4), will prove the best and safest criterion, and any chrysalis 

 found in a cotton field that has a different tip may be safely determined 

 as not that of the Cotton Worm. The duration of the chrysalis state 

 also averages about fifteen days. We have known it to last but seven 

 days, and Mr. Glover records its lasting thirty days.* 



THE MOTH, OK IMAGO. 



The moth measures from 1 J to 1^- inches from tip to tip of wings when 

 these are expanded. Its general color, above, is olivaceous, more or 

 less effectually subdued by lilaceous or purple 

 hues, and often having a clay-j'ellow or faintly 

 golden cast. The under side is more gray, with 

 nacreous reflections. 



The markings that more particularly charac- 

 terize and distinguish it from all other North 

 American moths are certain undulating vinous 

 or carmine lines across the front wings, a dark 

 oval spot near their disc, containing pale scales 

 which usually form a double pupil (the basal or 

 inner pupil the smaller and whiter), and three 



white specks divid- 

 ing the space 



between this darlc ^^isize: (After Kiiey.) 

 spot and the shoulder in about three equal 

 parts. (Fig. 5, a a a.) 



The sexes are not readily distinguish- 

 able, as the relative stoutness of the male 

 antennae compared with those of the female 

 is so slight as to be no safe guide. An 

 examination of the tix) of the abdomen, 

 especially from the side, will always show 

 the difference, however, the last joint in 

 the male (Fig. G, a) being the longer and 

 fS™ oSar'"ged.''^St ^ore fall, and the pale tufts of hair that 

 belong to the withdrawn genitalia^ show- 

 ing within or beyond the squarely docked tip; while in the female (Fig. 

 6, b) this joint is shorter, more pointed, and obliquely truncate beneath. 



Fig. 5.— Outline of Aletia: 

 showing characteristic marks and 

 white species (a a a) — twice natu- 



G, 6 

 men; b, 

 Kiley.) 



*Report of Commissioner of Patents, for 1855; Agriculture, p.' 73. 



