27 



ever been under observation by the writer. Its color is rather pale yellowish-brown, 

 with exception of the first thoracic segment, which is chitinous, and the head, which 

 is dark brown. The latter is illustrated at c (fig. lj. It will be noticed that ih<- 

 eyes compose a large proportion of the head, and are divided into irregular areas. 

 As will be seen in the illustration, the segments are quite distinct, and there are 

 9 spiracles, including 8 abdominal ones. The length, when in somewhat retracted 

 position, is about \\ inches. In many respects this species resembles that of 

 R. pcdmarum; hence a detailed description is scarcely necessary, as nearly two pages 

 have been devoted to the description of that species in Blandford's article pre- 

 viously quoted. It should be stated, however, that Horn, quoting LeConte as 

 authority, says that these stigmata are completely absent, because neither of these 

 specialists had an opportunity of observing fresh alcoholic specimens, and drew 

 their deductions from "a carefully prepared skin." 



Thepupa (fig. 1,/), in specimens which the writer has had under observation, is of 

 a similar color to the larva, and is noticeably larger than the beetle, a rather unusual 

 matter with pupse, but readily accounted for because the pupa is necessarily rather 

 delicate, while the beetle is decidedly hard like all of its kind and quite compact. 

 The length of four pupae before the writer afford an average of If inches. This 

 species appears to be most abundant in Florida, but is recorded as occurring from 

 South Carolina to Louisiana. 



REMEDIAL TREATMENT. 



Owing to the somewhat peculiar habits of these weevils and their 

 resistance to poison, we can not treat them by any single method, but 

 must employ several, both cultural and mechanical. Perhaps one of 

 the best preventives that has been suggested consists in cutting- 

 down or wounding several 3 T oung trees or wild species of palm or 

 palmetto which may be found growing in the vicinity of the date or 

 cocoanut trees to be protected. The sap which exudes from the dead 

 or wounded trees ferments and acts as a strong attraction to the 

 beetles. Frequently a multitude are thus attracted and can be cap- 

 tured without trouble and killed before they have had time to oviposit. 

 The trunks of felled trees soon become rilled with larvae, and infested 

 portions should be sawed off and burned before the insects mature, 

 leaving the remainder of these trunks to act as traps for other insects. 

 It is also recommended that care be taken in the choice? of sites for 

 new plantations, undue proximity to what is known as a "cohoon" ridge 

 being avoided, and that all stumps and felled trees not used as traps 

 be promptly destined. Thorough drainage and wide planting are 

 also advised. The trees should be left as far as possible in a natural 

 state and unnecessary trimming should be avoided. Wounds might 

 be dressed with any mixture that would deter the beetle from attack- 

 ing 1 them and prevent fermentation, such as tar or grafting wax. 



The beetles can easily be killed by dropping fchem into hot water. 



Some of the remedies above described were first suggested by Mr. 

 Blandford (loe. cit.) and others by this Division. 



Mr. Seay is most successful in the treatment of the palm weevil by 

 the use of traps, which have been in use for many years by himself 



