306 



INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



white, nearly elliptical or slightly enlarged at one end and exceed- 

 ingly minute. 



Life History. — The females puncture the grain with the snout and 

 insert eggs into the holes. The larvas eat out the interior of the 

 kernels and when full-grown pupate within a kernel or construct a 

 pupal case by gluing a number of small kernels or fragments, inside 

 of which the pupal stage is formed. In small grains like wheat and 



Fig. 301. — The granary weevil, Calandra granaria Linn. 

 Adults on grains of wheat. Enlarged four times. (Original) 



barley a single larva inhabits a kernel, while in larger grains, like corn, 

 several may be found in a single kernel. The adults also feed upon 

 the grain. They are exceedingly prolific and produce large broods. 

 The length of the life cycle depends upon the temperature and varies 

 from four weeks in summer to many weeks in winter or in cool sum- 

 mer climates. As many as six broods may be produced in the south- 

 ern part of the State. 



Nature of Work.— The larvae hollow out the kernels, leaving round 

 exit holes, or eat around the outside, as do also the adults. 



Distribution. — This weevil is very generally distributed throughout 

 the State. 



