390 
COLEOPTERA. 
CalandrincB.—Rhynchophorus includes the common Palm Weevil of 
India R. ferrugineus, F. (R. signaticollis, Chevr.), which breeds in the 
toddy palm ( Phoenix sylvestris) and in the cocoanut palm ( Cocos nucifera). 
The eggs are laid in the soft tissues at the base of the leaf sheath, at a 
wound or at the cut made by the toddy drawer ; the larvae tunnel 
through the tissues in all directions and, when mature, make a cocoon 
of twisted fibres. This insect is one of the more important pests of 
India and much has been written of it in Ceylon where it is of still 
greater importance. (Figs. 268, 269.) 
Fig. 267.— Calandra oryz.e. x 10. 
Calandra (Sitophilus) is a genus of 
two species of world-wide occurrence. 
C. granaria, L., is of a uniform deep 
redbrown colour, the prothorax with 
oblong punctures; the metathoracic 
episternum is very narrow with a 
single row of punctures. It is wingless. 
G. oryzce , Linn., has two fulvous 
patches on each elytron, the punctures 
on the prothorax are rounded and 
closer together, the metathoracic episternum is wider and has two 
rows of punctures. It is winged, the weevils flying readily. The 
latter is the common Indian species, of which much has been written, 
but little is known. 
Fig. 266.— Calandra ORYZiE. 
x 10 . 
Odoiporus glabricollis, Gy 11., is the common weevil whose larva 
breeds in the stems of the plantain ( Musa sapientum). The black 
weevil is to be found on or in the plant and is quite common. (Fig. 260.) 
Polytus mellerborgii, Bh., is a tiny dark coloured weevil found breed¬ 
ing in decaying plantain stems. 
