The Mystery of Mexican Jumping Beans Unveiled.

1 min read
Source: IFLScience
The Mystery of Mexican Jumping Beans Unveiled.
Photo: IFLScience
TL;DR

Mexican jumping beans are seed pods inhabited by the larvae of a small moth, which cause the seed to jump around due to their movement inside. This is a natural part of the bugs' life cycle and a survival strategy to find shade in the harsh environment of Mexico. The larva can wait for months inside the seed until conditions are right, then it enters a pupal stage and a silvery moth emerges. The moth only lives for a few days but hopefully reproduces and continues the life cycle.

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