Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1876-05-12
Jumping Seeds.

In the -IRlericaR -Ndturalist for April
appears brief but interesting paper on
" Jumping Seeds and Calls" which pre-
sents the results of Mr.. G. V. Riley's in
vestigations in this field of research. We
condense as follows: The Mexican Jump
ing-secd, but for this Observers dis
closures, might well have been credited
with inherent locomotive powers. These
seeds measure about one third of an inch
in length, and have two fiat sides meeting
at an obtuse angle, and third, broader,
convex side, When in the active state,
these seeds will not only rock from one
side to the other, but at times bound for
ward a quarter of an inch or more. Hav-
ing observed the phenomena, it is not
surprising that the naturalists should have
deemed it well worth attentive study. As
the case stands in its simple recital, this
activity seems little less than miraculous,
and yet, like the trick of the wizard, it
can be all made clear as day provided we
are admitted behind the scenes. An en-
trance to this forbidden ground was ef-
fected by Mr.. Riley, who, on opening one
of these restless seeds, discovered con-
cealed within it a single fat, whitish worm
which had eaten all the contents of the
seed, and lined the shell with a delicate
carpet of silk. The work of investigation
was not, however, completed on the dis
covery OF possible g motive power" 1t
remained yet TO be demonstrated how this
pnyver so applied as to mplish
the result above noticed. The communi.
cation to which we have referred al
ludes TO Mr.. itiley's observations and
conclusions as follows: "The egg of
the moth is doubtless laid on the Young
nod which inc fhn ,Ir,.
seeds, and the worm gnaws into the sue
eulent seed (which in aiter-gro with closes
up the minute hole of entrance, Just as in
the case of the common pCa-weevil.
Toward the month OF February the larva
eats a circular hole through the hard shell
of its habitation, aud then closes it again
with a little plug of silk so admirably adj
justed that the future moth, which will
have no jaws 10 cut with, may escape
from its prison. A slight cocoon is then
spun within the seed, with passage-way
leading to the circular door; and the hith-
erto restless larva assumes the quiescent
pupa state. Shortly afterward the pupa
works to the door, pushes it open, and the
little moth escapes. When ripe, the shell
is very light, and as the worm occupies
but about one-siXth the inclosed space, the
slightest motion will cause the seed to
rock from one of the fiat sides to the 9th.
.er. But the seed is often made to jerk and
jump, and, though this has been denied
by many authors, Mr.. Riley had had
abundant proof of the fact, and had seen
the seed jerked several lines forward at a
bound, and raised line or more from the
surface on which it rested If the seed
be cut, the worm will soon cover up the
hole with transparent membrane of silk
and If two of the opposite angles be cut,
the movements of the worm can then be
seen, If the seed be held against the light.
1t thus becomes evident that the Jerking
motion is conveyed by the worm holding
fast TO the silken lining by its four hind
abdominal prolegs, which have very strong
hooks, and then drawing back the head
and fore body and tapping the wall of its
cell with the head, sometimes thrown from
side to side, but more often brought di-
rectly down, as in the motion of wood.
pecker's head when tapping for Insects
In drawing back the fore body the thoracic
part swells, and the horny thoracic legs
are withdrawn, so as TO assist the Jaws in
receiving the shock of the tap, which is
very vigorous, and often given at the rate
of two second, and for twenty or more
times without interruption. 1t is remark.
able that this, of all the numerous seed
inhabitng lepidopterous larvae, should
possess so curious habit. The seed will
move for several months, because, as with
most tortricidous larve, this one remains
long time in the larva state after coming
to its growth, and before pupating."' -
In thus noticing at more than usua
length the record Of special observation
we take occasion to commend to the reade
not only the results as here rendered, bu
the zeal and wisdom of the observer
Though prompted, in view of clearly
expressed opinions, 10 deprecate the inter
ference in or patronage of scientific or AM
special service by the State, we may ye
congratulate the State of Missouri in hay
ing secured the services of such Jealous
and skilled observer as State entomo
logist. Mr. Riley has certainly added
much to the store Of general knowledge
while the tendency Of all his efforts ap
pears to have been in direction likely d
result in the securing of valuable practica
information. .-AppletOn'S Journal.