CHARACTERS OF THE MOTH. 
9 
We shall presently see, in discussing the hibernation of the species, 
that it is quite important to distinguish between this chrysalis and 
others that closely resemble it, and to enable the reader to more readily 
do so an enlarged outline is here introduced. # The color varies from 
light mahogany-brown to deep purplish-brown, while the general form 
is that belonging to many other chrysalides. Neither form nor color 
can serve, then, as distinguishing traits, and the same is true of size. 
The peculiar form of the cremaster, or anal tubercle bearing the hook- 
lets (Fig. 4), will prove the best and safest criterion, and any chrysalis 
found in a cotton field that has a different tip may be safely detei mined 
as not that of the Cotton Worm. The duration of the chrysalis state 
also averages about fifteen days. We have known it to last but seven 
days, and Mr. Glover records its lasting thirty days.* 
Tin: moth, or imago. 
The moth measures from l^toU inches from tip to tip of wings when 
is olivaceous, more 
or 
FlO. &— OUTUJII of Aiktia: 
showing ch;ir;i< tci istic mai ks and 
whit" tpeeka(aaa) — twice u;itu- 
these are expanded. Its genera] color, above 
less effectually subdued by iilaceons or purple 
hues, and often having a clay-yellow or faintly 
golden cast. The under side is more gray, with 
nacreous reflections. 
The markings that more particularly charac- 
terize and distinguish it from all other North 
American moths arc certain undulating vinous 
or carmine lines across the front wings, a dark 
oval spot near their disc, containing pale scales 
which usually form a double pupil (the basal or 
inner pupil the Smaller and whiter), and three 
white specks divid- 
ing the space 
beticecn this dark ™> (Ainr Kiiey.) 
spot and the shoulder in about three equal 
parts. (Fig. 5, a a a,) c 
The sexes are not readily distinguish- 
able, as the relative stoutness of the male 
antenna' compared w ith those of the female 
is SO slight as to be no safe guide. An 
examination of the tip of the abdomen, 
especially from the side, will always show 
the difference, however, the last joint in 
the male (Fig. (J, a) being the longer and 
more full, and the pale tufts of hair that 
belong to the withdrawn genitalia ! show- 
ing within or beyond the squarely docked tip; while in the female (Fig. 
6, b) this joint is shorter, more pointed, and obliquely truncate beneath. 
g. C — Cotton Moth: a, male abdo- 
men ; b, female do. — enlarged. (After 
Kiley.) 
♦Report of Commissioner of Patents, for 1855; Agriculture, p. 73. 
