The Nut-Weevil 



small hole in the shell and extracts the kernel. 



The hazel-nut is a welcome find, a savoury 

 morsel. If emptied by the Weevil, it is 

 only the more valuable : instead of its usual 

 contents it contains the grub of the Balaninus, 

 a rich saveloy which makes a pleasant change 

 from a farinaceous diet. So, for fear of 

 the Field-mouse, we go underground. 



A still more important motive urges this 

 departure. True, it would be pleasant to 

 sleep in the impregnable castle of the nut- 

 shell; but the delivery of the future insect 

 has also to be thought of. The larva of 

 the Capricorn, throwing caution to the winds, 

 leaves the interior of the oak and comes to 

 the surface, risking the investigations of the 

 Woodpecker; it runs into danger to prepare 

 an exit for the great horned Beetle, who 

 could not make his way out unaided. 



A similar precaution is necessary for the 

 Weevil-larva. While possessing the full 

 strength of its mandibles, without waiting 

 for the torpor during which the accumulated 

 fats will be remoulded into a new organism, 

 it pierces the coffer from which the adult 

 would be incapable of escaping by her own 

 efforts; it comes out and buries itself in the 

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