WEEVIL. 03 



The Curculio nucum or Nut Weevil is well de- 

 serving of attention, and is the insect produced 

 by the maggot residing in the hazel nut. Though 

 every one is well acquainted with the maggot in 

 the nut, yet the various changes through which it 

 passes, the mode of its introduction into the nut, 

 and its appearance in its complete or perfect state 

 are what few that are not conversant in the history 

 of insects have the least knowledge of. The in- 

 sect makes its appearance early in the month of 

 August, and may then be found creeping about 

 hazel trees. The female insect, when ready to 

 deposit her eggs, singles out a nut, which she 

 pierces with her proboscis, and then, turning 

 round, deposits an egg in the cavity. She then. 

 es on, and singles out another nut, which she 

 pierces in the same manner, placing an egg in it, 

 and thus proceeds till she has deposited in different 

 nuts her whole stock. The nut, not apparently 

 injured by this slight perforation, continues to 

 grow, and gradually ripens its kernel. When the 

 egg is hatched, the young larva or maggot, find- 

 ing its food ready prepared, begins to feast on the 

 kernel. By the time that it has arrived at its full 

 growth, and has nearly consumed the \\ hole of the 

 kernel, the natural fall of the nut takes place: the 

 inclosed larva, not in the least injured by the fall, 

 continues in the nut some time longer, and then 

 creeps out at the hole in the side, which it has 

 previously made, by gnawing in a circular direc- 

 tion, and immediately begins to burrow or creep 

 under the surface of the ground, till, having at- 



