Many ask “Why do Mexican jumping beans jump?” Well, here’s why! They are only a few small areas in Mexico, where a jumping bean is known as a “brincadore”, or “hopper”. In spring, female moth lays eggs on the flowers blooming (Sebastiana Pavoniana) trees. Several weeks later the eggs hatch, and the very small worm insect eats the small pod or “bean” in the host flower. The pod or “bean” slowly hardens and moth larva who now lives begin to come to feed on the inside of the capsule. When spring rains come, pod or “bean” will fall to the ground and pods that have a moth larva living inside will begin to “jump and bounce around on the ground. The “jump” as a way to survive. This allows them to bounce to a cooler place to avoid the heat and sun. Eventually, after several months, the larvae go dormant and start to spin a cocoon inside the capsule. After this stage, metamorphosis occurs, and a butterfly will emerge from the tub through a small hole. Amazing!
Storage and care of Mexican jumping beans. When stored in a cool dark environment, they will stay. But they should not be exposed to freezing temperatures, they can not survive freezing temperatures. When the beans are exposed to sunlight and heat (eg heat from your hand) they will begin to jump. Once every 4 to 5 weeks they should be soaked in non-chlorinated (bottled or distilled) water for about 4-6 hours. Chlorinated tap water will kill them. When you do not play with beans or when you want them to be quiet, they can be stored in the butter compartment of your refrigerator. There, they will remain dormant and quiet. However, be careful that they do not freeze. Some refrigerators are set to be colder than others.
Where can you find Mexican jumping beans? Jumping beans are usually sent out in small containers with a few beans in each container. They are sent in clear plastic boxes with a hinged, so you can drop them into your hand and play with them. Sometimes it also includes a racing sheet so you can have competitions against each other. On the back of the game sheet is educational information about Mexican jumping beans, and how to take care of them, keeping them jumping for several months.
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