The Sloe-Weevil 



rises the cone of brown pulp, pierced 

 throughout its length by a fine channel, which 

 is sometimes free and sometimes half 

 obstructed. 



The structure of the work tells us how 

 the operation is conducted. In the fleshy 

 layer of the sloe the mother, eating the sub- 

 stance, or discarding it if there be more than 

 her appetite calls for, first makes a pit with 

 perpendicular walls and lays a suitable 

 surface of the stone absolutely bare. Then, 

 in the centre of this area, she chases with 

 her graver a little cup sinking half-way 

 through the thickness of the shell. Here, 

 on a soft bed of raspings, the egg is laid. 

 Lastly, as a defensive device, the mother 

 erects above the cup and its contents a 

 pointed roof, a cone of pulp obtained from 

 the walls of the pit. 



The insect works very well in captivity, if 

 given plenty of space, sunlight and a twig 

 covered with sloes. It is easy to watch the 

 proceedings of the egg-laying mother; but 

 the result of diligent observation amounts 

 to very little. 



Almost the whole day, the mother remains 

 clinging to one spot on the fruit, motionless, 

 2n 



