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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