Overwintering Habitats of the Boll Weevil1in the Rolling Plains of Texas23

Abstract

Collections from wing traps baited with male Anthonomus grandis Boheman and from ground trash were used to study overwintering weevil populations in various vegetational habitats in the Rolling Plains of Texas, 1969–71. The primary overwintering habitats were “motts” of sand shinnery oak; communities of woody plants dominated by such species as sand shinnery oak, chinaberry, and poplar; and dense rangeland stands of mesquite. Populations in hibernation varied among specific vegetational sites within the habitats, and hibernating populations were concentrated largely in the proximity (≤½ mile) of cotton fields. Major winter mortality occurred within the hibernating sites during late January or early February.