INSECTS ON THE COTTON PLANT. 45 
In several instances I noted a small gray coleoptx 
Schon.) devouring pollen and the base of the Btigma of the cotton flower. 
Some such action, do doubt, as well as that, well known, of the Belio- 
this, destroys the smallest bolls. 
Th< :, rt of Agricultural Department, 1 
page 119) has been seen puncturing the cotton bolls and young 
and is very destructive to the tender orang . The cotton-stainer 
[Dysdercus suturellus also aids in the destruction of small cotton bolls. 
In several instances I observed larva- infested with an Dgly 
small ••mite." which soon produced death. I have not been able to 
fully make it out. but it appears to be an active, yellowish louse infest- 
ing the larvae when full grown. 
As to the question of an alternate food plant. I have as yet found 
none in Florida, but will investigate further. 
