CURCllLIO. WEEVIL. 



Generic Character. 



Antenna subclavatae, rostro 



insidentes. 

 Rostrum corneum, promi- 



Antenrue subclavated, situ- 

 ated on the snout. 

 Snout horny, prominent. 



nens. 



JL HIS genus is extremely extensive. Among 

 the largest of the exotic species may be numbered 

 the "Curculio Palmarum or Palm Weevil, which is 

 entirely of a black colour, and measures more than 

 two inches in length from the tip of the snout to 

 the end of the body. Its larva, which is very large, 

 white, and of an oval shape, resides in the tender- 

 est part of the smaller palm-trees, and is con- 

 sidered, when properly fried or broiled, as one of 

 the greatest dainties in the West Indies. " The 

 tree/' says Madam Merian, " grows to the height 

 of a man, and is cut off where it begins to be 

 tender, is cooked like cauliflower, and tastes better 

 than an artichoke. In the middle of these trees 

 live innumerable quantities of worms, which, at 

 first, are as small as a maggot in a nut, but after- 

 wards grow to a very large size, and feed on the 

 marrow of the tree. These worms are laid on the 

 coals to roast, and are considered as a highly 

 agreeable food." 



