CHAPTER XII 
THE PEA-WEEVIL: THE LARVA 
a NOTES condition, that of space, is 
present as a factor. The Pea-weevil 
is the largest of our Bruchi. When she 
attains the adult age she requires a bigger 
lodging than is demanded by the other seed- 
destroyers. A pea provides her with a very 
adequate cell; nevertheless, cohabitation in 
twos would be impossible: there would be 
no room, even if the occupants accepted the 
discomfort. And so the inexorable need 
returns for reducing the numbers and, in 
the seed invaded, doing away with all the 
competitors save one. 
On the other hand, the broad bean, which 
is almost as great a favourite of the Bruchus 
as the pea, is able to house a whole commu- 
nity. The grub that was but now a solitary 
becomes a cenobite. There is room for five 
or six more, without encroaching on the 
neighbours’ domain. Moreover, each grub 
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