Many people ask “Why do Mexican jumping beans jump??” Well, here’s why! They are found only in a few small areas of Mexico, where a jumping bean is known as a “brincadore”; or “hopper.” In the spring, the female moth lays eggs on the blooming flowers from the tree (Sebastiana Pavoniana). Several weeks later, the eggs hatch and the very small worm insect eats the small pod or “bean” of the host flower. The pod or “bean” slowly hardens and the moth larva that now lives inside begins to feed on the inside of the pod. When the spring rains come, the pod or “bean” will fall to the ground and the pods that have a moth larva living inside will begin to “hop and bounce” on the ground. They “hop” as a way of surviving. This allows them to bounce to a cooler location to avoid the heat and sun. Eventually, after several months, the larva will go dormant and begin to spin a cocoon inside the pod. Afterwards From this stage, the metamorphoses will occur is and a moth will emerge from the pod through a small hole.

How to Store and Care for Mexican Jumping Beans. When stored in a cool, dark environment, they will remain dormant. But they should not be exposed to sub-zero temperatures; they cannot survive sub-zero temperatures. When the beans are exposed to sunlight and heat (such as the warmth of your hand), they will begin to pop. Once every 4 to 5 weeks, they should be soaked in dechlorinated water (bottled or distilled) for about 4 to 6 hours. Chlorinated tap water will kill them. When you’re not playing with your beans or whenever you want them to sit still, you can store them in the butter compartment of your refrigerator. There they will remain asleep and calm. However, be careful that they do not freeze. Some refrigerators are set to be cooler than others.

Where can you find Mexican jumping beans? Jumping beans are usually shipped in small containers with a few beans in each container. They are shipped in clear, hinged plastic boxes, so you can drop them in your hand and play with them. Sometimes they also include a racing game token so you can compete against each other. On the back of the game sheet is educational information about Mexican jumping beans and how to care for them; to keep them jumping for many months.