Looks Good To Me

By Pilipo

Jumping Beans!

I'd heard of Mexican Jumping Beans, but I'd never seen any until this evening. The couple sitting across the table from me at Elizabeth Station was playing a game with them. They each chose two beans and tried to guess which numbered segment they would end up on. I was surprised how quickly the beans moved. 

Wikipedia:
Mexican jumping beans (also known as frijoles saltarines in Spanish) are seed pods that have been inhabited by the larva of a small moth (Cydia deshaisiana) and are native to Mexico. The "bean" is usually tan to brown in color. It "jumps" when heated because the larva spasms in an attempt to roll the seed to a cooler environment to avoid dehydration and consequent death. They are from the shrub Sebastiania pavoniana, often also referred to as "jumping bean". However, they are not related to actual beans (legume plants), but rather to spurges. The beans are considered non-toxic but are not generally eaten.[1]

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.