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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