What is "jumping bean"

Jumping \Jump"ing\, p.

1. & v

2. n. of Jump, to leap.

   Jumping bean, a seed of a Mexican Euphorbia, containing the larva of a moth ( Carpocapsa saltitans). The larva by its sudden movements causes the seed to roll to roll and jump about.

   Jumping deer (Zo["o]l.), a South African rodent ( Pedetes Caffer), allied to the jerboa.

   Jumping louse (Zo["o]l.), any of the numerous species of plant lice belonging to the family Psyllid[ae], several of which are injurious to fruit trees.

   Jumping mouse (Zo["o]l.), North American mouse ( Zapus Hudsonius), having a long tail and large hind legs. It is noted for its jumping powers. Called also kangaroo mouse.

   Jumping mullet (Zo["o]l.), gray mullet.

   Jumping shrew (Zo["o]l.), any African insectivore of the genus Macroscelides. They are allied to the shrews, but have large hind legs adapted for jumping.

   Jumping spider (Zo["o]l.), spider of the genus Salticus and other related genera; one of the Saltigrad[ae]; -- so called because it leaps upon its prey.

n. A Mexican jumping bean.

n. seed of Mexican shrubs of the genus Sebastiana containing the larva of a moth whose movements cause the bean to jerk or tumble [syn: jumping seed, Mexican jumping bean]