Mexican Jumping Bean (as a novelty)

When the bean is warmed (by being held in the palm of the hand, for example) the larva twitches and spasms, pulling on the threads and causing the characteristic hop. Leaving the beans in a heated environment (such as direct sunlight) for an extended period of hours can easily kill them. The beans become energetic when a person holds them in the hand for a few minutes. The beans also appear to be a very slight shade of green on the side. When shaken near one's ear a rattle is heard; the larva has either died or entered the pupal stage when its hardened shell makes a softer rattle.