How to Activate Jumping Beans

Mexican jumping beans are not beans at all but the larvae of the Laspeyresia saltitans moth, which lays its eggs on the Sebastiana pavoniana bush, in the desert regions of Mexico and the American southwest. The moth larvae find their way into the hard shells of the plant's seed pods and rest inside until they mature as moths. While inside, the wriggling larvae can cause the seed pod to shake, roll and even jump. The biological purpose of the jumping process is to remove the seed pods from direct desert sunlight so they do not overheat and so that the larvae inside has a chance to develop before breaking out once mature. Activating your jumping beans is a straight-forward task.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Heat your jumping beans by placing them in your hand and closing your fist. Allow your body heat to build until the seed pod becomes warm and the larvae inside begins to twitch and jump.

   • 2

     Place your jumping beans onto a heating pad until it reaches a warm temperature and watch the beans spring to life as the larvae inside becomes active. Make sure not to overheat the bean and harm the larvae. Place the beans onto the pad for short times only before removing them and allowing them to cool.

   • 3

     Place your jumping beans in direct sunlight and allow time for them to be warmed by the rays. When a suitable temperature is reached the larvae will begin to move and cause the bean to jump.