73 



Not only did these tests show that molasses in solution has no attrac- 

 tion for the weevils, but also that the sticky coating left after the 

 liquid has dried acts more as a positive repellant to them. 



FIELD TESTS FOB HIBEBHATED WEEVILS, USING PTJUE 



MOLASSES. 



As a final experiment to settle the possible usefulness of molasses 

 in the weevil fight, a large series of tests was undertaken in the field 

 to see if the pure, undiluted molasses would not prove attractive to 

 weevils as they came from hibernation. To insure a continuous sup- 

 ply of fresh molasses a test tube was nearly filled and then rather 

 tightly plugged with a small stopper wound with cotton. The tube 

 was then fastened in an inverted position to the top of a stake about 

 2 feet long, and as the molasses gradually oozed through the cotton 

 it ran slowly down the stake, forming a streak of continuously fresh 

 molasses a foot or more in length. The supply would thus last for 

 several da}^s and was then easily replenished. This apparatus, as shown 

 in Plate XIII, figure 58, was then placed beside a vigorous seppa cotton 

 plant in the field at the season when the weevils were beginning to leave 

 their winter quarters and seek food to break their long fast. Both 

 high and low grades of molasses were emplo}^ed in these tests, three 

 tubes of each being used. Altogether 81 observations were made 

 between April 24 and May 15, 1903, during which period most of the 

 weevils emerged from hibernation. 



The results again proved disappointing, for only a single weevil was 

 ever found at the molasses. This individual sipped occasionally at the 

 sweet, wandering up and down the tube in the intervals. It did not 

 appear to be satisfied and did not remain long at or near the molasses, 

 but flew away and was not found -there again. 



The failure of the molasses to attract was not due to the scarcity of 

 weevils in the field. During the period of observation 23 weevils were 

 found working upon seppa cotton very near the molasses tubes, and 

 certainly within reach of its attractive influence, provided it had smy. 

 More weevils were also found in the same field, but at somewhat greater 

 distances from the tubes. 



During the warm days toward the close of the experiment nrnny 

 butterflies, mostly Vanessa atalanta and some Anosia 2^exippas^ came 

 to the tubes. A few specimens representing several species of beetles 

 and many ants were also found. 



None of the experiments made, either in the laboratory or in the 

 field at Victoria, Tex., has shown that weevils are attracted in even the 

 slightest degree" to any grade of molasses, either in its undiluted or 

 diluted form. No sugar solution has been found to possess any more 

 attraction than does molasses. Honey appears to be an especially 

 attractive sweet, but is too expensive for use in this manner. 



