THE JUMPING BEAN.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12398, 13 November 1908, Page 3

THE JUMPING BEAN.

Amongst the xnany wonders, at the Franco-British Exhibition is the famous jumping bean, which , has been imported to the Exhibition from its native land in Mexico. The beans jump up and down day and night, apparently on their own account.^ Any unusual heat sets them jumping at a great rate. If they are placed on a warm plate, for instance, or left out in the hot sun, their activity increases to a marked degree. It has been found that their activity is, owing to tho presence of a small grub which lives inside the bean. The bean is quite sound, and contains no hole by which the insect could enter. It is believed that the perfect insect may lay its eggs in the flower of the bean, and : that the- flower, , when .it ripens into the fruit* encloses the grub. The mystery', is' how the grub fives in its : prison, v - Several of the beans were imported to Christchurch some time ago. they had come a long wayi the insects were quite alive, and readily responded to heat caused by use of a lens and the

sun's rays.

If the beans are- kept

in a light and warm place, the in- / sects have a longer life than if they J are subjected to damp : and -darkness. The trees that bear the beans, however, are usually found in morasses. A writer in the latest number of the "Zoologist" urges that/ the" " life history of the extraordinary little insects should be studied. In the meantime he sets fort}/ a theory that it is a case of "symbiosis"; that is, r that the plant awl the insect 'live together in order that they may be of mutual use. "/The supposed. advantage to the plant/fs that 1 the insect,:'by its activities, spreads the seed.' - The in-' sect's advantages are not apparent. ■It is believed .that. there is an advantage, as, if a hole is" made in the bean, <the imprisoned^ insect,- instead ■•" of trying; to escape, immediately closes up the tiny window with a . web.': ■■- ''■'■...'■'■.'■ '.'-■ ' - >■■■"'