PRH FACE. 
Damage by the boll weevil has brought into prominence many other 
insects which attack the cotton plant, the work of which has been 
largely overlooked. Among the most important of these minor 
insects are various species of plant-bugs. Many of these have been 
known as enemies of the cotton plant for some years, but they have 
received only slight attention from economic entomologists. When 
their damage is added to the injury done by the cotton boll weevil, 
still further reducing the crop, they become of such importance that 
full knowledge of their habits and life history is demanded. The 
studies upon which this bulletin is based were conducted to add to 
our knowledge of the biology of an important group of insect pests 
and of the most practical and efficient methods by which they may 
be controlled. 
The plant-bugs with which this bulletin deals, in addition to destroy- 
ing many cotton bolls and squares, cause more or less staining of the 
fiber, thus reducing the quality. A large portion of the so-called 
" spotted cotton," which everywhere suffers a considerable reduction in 
price below unspotted cotton, is due to the work of plant-bugs. The 
damage is not confined to any restricted areas, though different species 
of bugs occur in different parts of the cotton belt. Therefore the 
damage that is done by these insect pests every year is by no means 
inconsiderable. 
The work accomplished by Doctor Morrill ami reported on in this 
bulletin grew out of an investigation of the Mexican conchuela 
(Pentatoma ligata Say) in northern Mexico. An opportunity was 
there afforded for a rather careful study of the life history and habits 
of a representative of the large family of plant-bugs. This was 
followed by investigations of the same species in western Texas and 
of other species in other localities. As a result Doctor Morrill's work 
gives rather complete knowledge o( insects the work o( which 
will assume new importance as the area of boll-weevil infestation 
continues to increase in the United States. 
For valuable notes and data on various subjects concerning the 
conchuela, and especially on its seasonal history, for hearty coopera- 
tion in experimental work, ami for the facilities which aided in 
