The Nut-Weevil 



cation whatever with the outside world. 

 A Weevil of humble size and modest attire 

 takes possession of them in May and June 

 as lodgings for her larvae, which gnaw the 

 placenta of the fruit, laden with unripe seeds. 



In August the plant is withered, scorched 

 by the sun, but still standing and topped with 

 its compact spike of capsules. Open some of 

 these shells, almost as solid as cherry-stones. 

 Inside is the Weevil in the adult state. 

 Open them in winter: the Gymnetron has 

 not gone. Open them for the last time in 

 April : the little Weevil is still at home. 



Meanwhile, fresh mulleins have sprouted 

 hard by; they flower; their shells attain the 

 right degree of ripeness: the time has come 

 to leave, to go and establish one's family. 

 Not till then does the solitary demolish her 

 hermitage, her capsule, which has protected 

 her so faithfully hitherto. 



And how does she do so? It is quite 

 simple. Her rostrum is a short bradawl, 

 easily wielded therefore, even in the con- 

 fined space of a cell. The shell, moreover, 

 is not too strong. It is a very dry vellum 

 wrapper rather than a hard wooden wall. 

 The recluse drives her short-handled pick 

 137 



