26 
often lacking, even in fresh specimens. They also become almost 
entirely obliterated in old individuals. What appears to be the com- 
monest form of coloration is illustrated (fig. 8). This represents a fresh 
female, the abdomen being large and protruding beyond the elytra. 
It is not probable that these two species differ in any striking manner 
as regards their life habits and economy, but a careful comparison will 
undoubtedly bring out certain points of difference. 
THE COWPEA WEEVIL. 
The above name, which is proposed for Bruchus chinensis, will suffi- 
ciently distinguish it froin B. 4-maculatus, since the latter is already 
known as the four- spotted bean weevil. 
Divisional records of damage, etc. — In the columns of Insect Life refer- 
ence has been made to this species, particularly with regard to the heat 
evolved by its action in cowpeas. Its occurrence was noticed in injuri- 
ous abundance in cowpeas at Holly Springs, Miss.; in Chile, S. A.; 
in "peas" at Fredericksburg, Ya. ; in beans at the New Orleans Expo- 
sition, July, 1895; in Chinese beans at this Department, and at the 
World's Fair in 1893. In the last instance it was seen by the writer 
in the greatest numbers in cowpeas and "adsuki" beans, a variety of 
Phaseolus radiatus, exhibited respectively by Puerto Eico and Japan. 
In the Japanese exhibit it had ruined many large bags of seed. It 
was present also in cultivated legumes from Ceylon, known by the 
native names of " kolu" and "muneta." 
September 10, 1896, Mr. A. M. Bead brought to this office a lot of 
cowpeas of a black variety infested by this species. The seed had been 
purchased a year previously and was traced to a Baltimore wholesale 
house. 
Toward the close of the same month this weevil was observed in the 
experimental plats of cowpeas on the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture, and further search showed the exit holes of the beetles in 
the pods. These were most numerous upon the " Unknown " variety. 
Distribution. — Previous to finding this insect breeding in the District 
of Columbia the writer had not thought it possible that it had accommo- 
dated itself to our climate, but had conceived the more conservative 
idea that all the northern occurrences were directly due to recent 
introductions of seed from the South. It would now appear that it is 
not a question as to whether the species is a permanent inhabitant of 
the District of Columbia and vicinity, but rather of how far northward 
of here it has gained foothold. The species has been known for some- 
time to be thoroughly acclimated throughout the Gulf States, and from 
present knowledge it is fairly certain that it is capable of establishing 
itself wherever its food plant will grow. 
From foreign countries there are records of the occurrence of the 
species in Panama, Chile, the East Indies, Sierra Leone, Algeria, and 
Cape of Good Hope; and, of course, China. 
