490 



THE SMALL GRAINS 



The female punctures the kernel with her snout, and then inserts 

 an egg, the larva from which devours the mealy interior and trans- 

 forms therein. A single larva inhabits a kernel of the small cereals, 

 but several are found in a corn kernel. The time required for the 

 life cycle varies with the climate and season, and the number of 

 generations depends upon the temperature. In midsummer the 

 period from the egg to the adult is about 6 weeks. Under favor- 

 able conditions there may be 4 or 5 broods in middle latitudes 

 and 6 or even more in the South. 



FIG. 154. The granary weevil: a, beetle; 6, larva; c, pupa; d, the 

 rice weevil. 



This species is injurious in wheat, corn, barley, oats, 

 Kafir corn, and the chickpea. The adult weevils, as well 

 as the larvae, feed on the kernels, and obtain shelter 

 within them. The species is very prolific. Egg laying con- 

 tinues a long time, and it is estimated that one pair, in 

 the course of a year, will produce 6000 descendants 

 (Chittenden, 1896, pp. 4-5). 



