WEEVIL. 63 
The CiircuUo nucum or Nut Weevil is well de- 
serving of attention, and is the insect produced 
by the maggot residing in the hazel nut. Though 
every one is well acquainted with the maggot in 
the nut, yet the various changes through which it 
passes, the mode of its introduction into the nut, 
and its appearance in its complete or perfect state' 
are what few that are not conversant in the history 
of insects have the least knowledge of. The in- 
sect makes its appearance early in the month of 
August, and may then be found creeping about 
hazel trees. The female insect, when ready to 
deposit her eggs, singles out a nut, which she 
pierces with her proboscis, and then, turning 
round, deposits an egg in the cavity. She then 
passes on, and singles out another nut, which she 
pierces in the same manner, placing an egg in it, 
and thus proceeds till she has deposited in different 
nuts her whole stock. The nut, not apparently 
injured by this slight perforation, continues to 
grow", and gradually ripens its kernel. When the 
egg is hatched, the young larva or maggot, find- 
ing its food ready prepared, begins to feast on the 
kernel. By the time that it has arrived at its full 
growth, and has nearly consumed the w"hole of the 
kernel, the natural fall of the nut takes place: the 
inclosed larva, not in the least injured by the fall, 
continues in the nut some time longer, and then 
creeps out at the hole in the side, which it has 
previously made, by gnaw ing in a circular direc- 
tion, and immediately begins to burrow or creep 
under the surface of the ground, till, having at- 
