generally much wrinkled, and bent into a more or less conspicuous curve; 

 so that the under side is concave. Legs are entirely absent, or are at 

 most, represented by six small tubercles on the three rings succeeding 

 the head, so that the grub can only move in its burrow by the writhing of 

 its body, and in some kinds by the assistance of horny projections with 



If attention is paid to the above features, it is easy to distinguish a 

 weevil grid) from that of any other insect, but the points of diil'erence 

 between the larva- of diil'erent weevils are small, and but little known, 



identity is doubtful. 



When the grub has become mature by continuous feeding, broker), 

 however, by intervals when it changes its skin and emerges from its old 

 garment clad in a new and larger one, it transforms l>y a further change 

 of skin into a j»rp<f. This takes place near the surface of the plant, so that 

 the perfect insect, wh >se burrowing powers are inmost of the true weevils 

 limited, can break without difficulty through the structures which 

 shield it from the air. 



The pupa, sometimes enclosed in a cocoon or covering constructed 

 by the grab, resembles the perfect insect, but is soft and pak with 

 the wings and limbs neatly folded down on its under side. The limbs 

 arc separately enclosed in a thin skin which is not continuous over the 

 surface, as in the pupa of a moth. As a pupa the insect lies dormant for 

 a shorter or longer time, taking no food and beiuu absolutely harmless. 

 At last the perfect beetle. ■:■ -\ in the pupal covet ing, 



throws it oil' ami issues forth. It is at first soft and pale, and remains in 

 shelter till its outer integuments have hardened, when it sets forth on its 



If an American Palm \Vce\il is carefully examined from above, it is 



vlltim) and are 



of the same hornv eonsis- 



\ h v . V ', 



















der. and its base is studded 







titer, so that th 



e surface is wrinkled, and 





