89 
THE ADULT. 
EMERGENCE. 
The method of emergence of the moth has been already referred to 
under the discussion of the pupa. Under normal conditions the pupa, 
resting at the lower end of its subterranean burrow, splits the pupa 
case along the median dorsal line of the thorax, and the moth, escap- 
ing, with still unexpanded wings crawls up to the top of the burrow. 
Here it must break through the thin wall of earth before reaching the 
surface of the soil. The moths are very strong and have no trouble 
in loosening a piece of the thin crust, making an aperture through 
which the}^ accomplish their exit. The openings through which two 
moths have emerged are shown on Plate XIV, figure 1. Once out, the 
moth is perfect, with the exception that the wings are unexpanded (see 
PI. XIV, tig. 2). After a few minutes the wings have become extended 
to their full size, and several hours later the moth is able to fly (PI. 
XIV, figs, tt and 5). If disturbed before the wings are strong enough 
for flight, the moths are very active and can run about with surprising 
agility. 
There is a well-marked tendency among moths toward emerging 
daring the night and very early morning. About twent\" appear dur- 
ing these parts of the day, compared to six which come out later. 
DESCRIPTION OF MOTH. 
As has been already mentioned in the earlier pages of this bulletin, 
the boUworm moth is extremely variable in color and markings (see 
PI. XV). Of the five varieties there enumerated, but two, or possi- 
bly thre'e, have been met with in Texas. The commonest variety is 
ochracea Ckll., thirt3^-five in a lot of sixty-five being referable to it, 
some of them very dark in color and apparently approaching the 
European fusca kll. The remaining thirty are variety umhrosa 
Grote. 
Individuals belonging to these difierent forms have been reared from 
eggs deposited b}^ the same female, and there can be no doubt that 
they interbreed with perfect freedom. 
In ochracea the wings have an ochraceous or reddish tinge which is 
often quite coppery in very dark moths. The hind wings are always 
rather strongly marked, the apical band very distinct, and the wing 
veins usually lined with black. The front wings have in the darker 
specimens a very distinct transverse dark band, but in lighter indi- 
viduals this is often scarcely at all evident. The stigmal spot is often 
absent and never strongly marked. Beneath, the wings have a subapical 
cross-band, less distinct on the hind wings, and a very distinct sub- 
lunate spot. 
