126 Beetles [cH. 
In this way whole leaves may be eaten. As the weevils 
are not easily seen the damage is often attributed to 
birds. 
They may be found by carefully examining plants 
that are attacked. On touching the plant they fall to 
the ground and remain motionless. The eggs are laid 
in the soil and the legless larvae feed on the roots of 
peas, beans, and clover, and often bore channels along 
the roots. In winter the weevils hibernate. 
Remedial Measures. 
These pests are difficult to keep in check. A fine 
tilth is unfavourable to them as their hiding places 
are destroyed. For clover and field peas, light rolling 
followed by a good dressing of soot is said to be useful. 
After an attack the land should be ploughed as deeply 
as possible with a skim coulter. 
The Pea and Bean Seed Beetles (Bruchus pisi and 
Bruchus rufimanus). 
These beetles are very closely allied to the weevils. 
They have a short snout, but 
their antennae are not elbowed 
(see Fig. 37). The larvae re- 
semble weevil larvae, being leg- 
less and wrinkled. They feed 
on the seeds of peas and beans, 
eating some of the stored food 
but without injuring the young 
embryo. Fig. 37. Bruchus rufimanus, 
The eggs are laid on the the bean seed beetle. 
young pods in the flowering (Megamed 
stage, and the larvae which hatch out make their way 
