278 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



much waste matter. The larva of the Bruchus, like 

 ourselves, dislikes the skin of the pea. It stops short 

 at the horny covering, simply because it is checked by 

 an uneatable substance. From this aversion a little 

 miracle arises ; but the insect has no sense of logic ; 

 it is passively obedient to the superior logic of facts. 

 It obeys its instinct, as unconscious of its act as is a 

 crystal when it assembles, in exquisite order, its 

 battalions of atoms. 



Sooner or later during the month of August we see 

 a shadowy circle form on each inhabited pea ; but 

 only one on each seed. These circles of shadow mark 

 the doors of exit. Most of them open in September. 

 The lid, as though cut out with a punch, detaches 

 itself cleanly and falls to the ground, leaving the orifice 

 free. The Bruchus emerges, freshly clad, in its final 

 form. 



The weather is delightful. Flowers are abundant, 

 awakened by the summer showers ; and the weevils 

 visit them in the lovely autumn weather. Then, when 

 the cold sets in, they take up their winter quarters in 

 any suitable retreat. Others, still numerous, are less 

 hasty in quitting the native seed. They remain within 

 during the whole winter, sheltered behind the trap-door, 

 which they take care not to touch. The door of the 

 cell will not open on its hinges, or, to be exact, will 

 not yield along the line of least resistance, until the 

 warm days return. Then the late arrivals will leave 

 their shelter and rejoin the more impatient, and both 

 will be ready for work when the pea-vines are in 

 flower. 



To take a general view of the instincts in their 



