39 



It should be noted in connection with Table VI that the observations 

 in November, 1902, were made during a period of rather warm weather 

 and that the temperature records for that time are incomplete. It is 

 likely that the average effective temperature given for that period 

 might be different were the records complete. 



The average duration of this period during hot weather is from 

 three to four da} T s, and as the cool fall weather approaches the period 

 increases to a maximum of about fifteen days. 



A comparison of Tables III, IV, and V shows that the decrease in 

 temperature affects each stage in very nearly the same proportion. 

 In each case the maximum recorded duration of any stage is about four 

 times its minimum, and the great retardation in each case occurs 

 somewhere between 60° and 70° F. of mean average temperature, or 

 17° to 27° F. of effective temperature. Even greater retardation 

 occurs during the winter season without killing the weevil after the 

 larva has become half grown. 



The duration of the pupal stage in large bolls has not been deter- 

 mined. It appears to be longer than in squares, but it certainly can 

 not occupy the same proportional part of the entire developmental 

 period that it does in squares. 



THE ADULT. 



BEFORE EMERGENCE. 



Immediately after its transformation from the pupa the adult is very 

 light in color and comparatively soft and helpless. The proboscis is 

 darkest in color, being of a yellowish brown; the pronotum, tibia?, 

 and tips of the elytra come next in depth of coloring. The elytra are 

 pale yellowish, as are also the femora. The mouth parts, claws, and 

 the teeth upon the inner side of the fore femora are nearly black. 

 The body is soft, and the young adult is unable to travel (PI. Ill, 

 fig. 12), consequently this period is passed where pupation occurs. 

 Usually two or more da}^s are required to attain the normal coloring 

 and the necessary degree of hardness to enable the adult to make its 

 escape from the square or cell. 



EMERGENCE. 



The normal method of escape from squares and small bolls is by 

 cutting with its mandibles a hole just the size of the weevil's body 

 (PI. V, fig. 20). In large bolls the escape of the weevil is greatly 

 facilitated by the natural opening of the boll (PI. V, fig. 19). Often 

 the pupal cell is broken open by the spreading of the carpels, and 

 when this is the case the pupa, if it has not already transformed, 

 becomes exposed to the attack of enemies or, what is probably a more 

 serious menace, the danger of drying so as to seriously interfere with 



