CHAPTER XII 



THE PEA-WEEVIL: THE LARVA 



A NOTHER condition, that of space, is 

 present as a factor. The Pea-weevil 

 is the largest of our Bruchi. When she 

 attains the adult age she requires a bigger 

 lodging than is demanded by the other seed- 

 destroyers. A pea provides her with a very 

 adequate cell; nevertheless, cohabitation in 

 twos would be impossible: there would be 

 no room, even if the occupants accepted the 

 discomfort. And so the inexorable need 

 returns for reducing the numbers and, in 

 the seed invaded, doing away with all the 

 competitors save one. 



On the other hand, the broad bean, which 

 is almost as great a favourite of the Bruchus 

 as the pea, is able to house a whole commu- 

 nity. The grub that was but now a solitary 

 becomes a cenobite. There is room for five 

 or six more, without encroaching on the 

 neighbours' domain. Moreover, each grub 

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