The Life of the Weevil 



enable the Capricorn's larva to block the 

 doorway of its cell with a marble slab. It 

 would not be at all surprising if they were 

 also gorged with the viscous fluid that 

 becomes the asphalt of the Larinus. 



In this embarrassing instance, the fol- 

 lowing explanation may possibly suffice. 

 The Larinus' larva observes, as we know, 

 a very light diet, consisting of sap instead of 

 solid food. Therefore there is no coarse 

 residue. I have never seen any dirt in the 

 cell; its cleanliness is perfect. 



This does not mean that all the nourish- 

 ment is absorbed. There is certainly refuse 

 of no nutritive value, but it is thin and almost 

 fluid. Can this be the pitch that cements and 

 stops up the chinks? Why not? If so, the 

 grub would be building with its excrement; 

 with its ordure it would be making a pretty 

 home. 



Here we must silence our repugnance. 

 Where would you have the recluse obtain the 

 material for its casket? Its cell is its world. 

 It knows nothing beyond that cell; nothing 

 comes to its assistance. It must perish if it 

 cannot find its store of cement within itself. 

 Various caterpillars, not rich enough to 



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