858 Marvels of the Universe 
one bean. In tropical countries allied species attack seeds of various kinds. The larve of some, 
it is said, are found in the cocoa-nut. It is a remarkable fact that many larve of this family are 
content with a very small amount of nourishment. For example, the portion of the pea eaten by 
the pea-beetle grub is only slightly larger than the full-fed grub itself. On the other hand, certain 
species require two seeds to enable them to complete their growth. One such species is said to 
migrate, when half grown, from one seed-pod to another—laboriously dragging itself along the 
ground by means of its mandibles in order to effect its change of residence. 
BOWING’ IDISCUISIES 
Tue theory that animals are capable of imitating for themselves the nature of their surroundings 
in order to conceal their identity is now almost universally accepted, and examples of protective 
coloration, as this characteristic is called, are to be found on every hand. Insects possess this 
faculty in a marked degree, and much careful study has been given to the many methods of 
protective coloration they have adopted. 
Now, to a large extent, the world of an insect is a world of flower and foliage, of blue sky and 
shadowy boskage, and it naturally results that the prevailing forms and colourings of such a world 
are assumed by the insects themselves. 
Mention of protective coloration has already been made in these pages, and reference to the 
article on ‘‘ How Nature protects Insects” (see page 351) will show that this method of concealment 
is, to all appearances, more general among moths than among butterflies. It is well to add the 
proviso “ to all appearances.” The closer observation of the ways of moths in this respect is due 
in a large measure to the greater facilities of watching them. During the day they remain in a 
state of quiescence, with folded wings, and clinging to the bark of trees, old wood fences, or other 
hiding-places, where the dark tones and markings of their upper wings against the uneven and 
Photos by] (Harold Bastin. 
THE WORK OF THE PEA WEEVIL. 
The first pea has been attacked; but the small discoloration is the only sign of the enemy that lurks within. It must be care- 
fully distinguished from the second pea, which is entirely unaffected, for dimples such as are shown here are frequently to be 
found in stored peas and will disappear as soon as the pea begins to germinate 
