How to Use Jumping Beans

Mexican jumping beans come from the plant frijoles mexicanos and are native to Mexico. The beans jump because moths known as jumping bean moths burrow into the young seed and implant a larva into the seed. The bean jumps when exposed to heat because the larva snaps its body to move the seed to a cooler place. Eventually the larva dies though watering prolongs the larva's life. Though the seed provides food, the larva does not have the water it needs to survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Un-chlorinated water
  • Towel
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

  1. Make the Bean Jump

    • 1

      Place the bean in the palm of your hand.

    • 2

      Close your hand and hold it for 20 seconds. Do not crush the seed. This warms up the seed and will cause the larva to start jumping.

    • 3

      Place the bean on a flat surface to watch it jump. The larva will jump until the seed cools down.

    Watering the Bean

    • 4

      Fill a spray bottle with un-chlorinated water. Chlorinated water will kill the larva.

    • 5

      Spray the beans until wet and let them sit for a minute. This lets the water soak into the seed which the larva will drink.

    • 6

      Dry any remaining moisture using a towel. Drying the seed keep mold from growing on the seed.