WASPS, SOCIAL AND SOLITARY 



allayed; and after a further study of the situation she 

 dropped, not into her own nest, but into a large cricket 

 hole near by. Taken aback by this manoeuvre, and 

 thinking that perhaps we had a second individual to 

 deal with, we stealthily approached, and peering in, 

 could see the cricket inside, the wasp having slipped 

 beyond. It did not seem possible that the little creature 

 could be endeavoring to deceive us, and yet what other 

 explanation could be offered for her conduct ? We again 

 took up our distant position, and after ten minutes more 

 had the satisfaction of seeing the wasp slip out of the 

 false nest and drop instantly into the true one. After a 

 little she became quite accustomed to us, and entered 

 her nest without the least delay. 



The prey of deserta is held in the mandibles, and 

 while we were watching her she did not support it with 

 the second legs, even when flying. 



Philanthus punctatus is a pretty little yellow-banded 

 species much resembling Cerceris in appearance. The 

 nest consists of a main gallery with pockets leading from 

 it, each pocket being stored with one egg and enough 

 bees to nourish a single larva. When the wasps emerge 

 from the cocoon they find themselves in the company of 

 their nearest relatives and in possession of a dwelling- 

 place, and they all live together for a time before starting 



154 



