INSECT LIFE IN INDIA. 



077 



{ b'ig. 74). The eggs are laid in the cells when the latter are only 



Fig. 72.— Ne^t of Vexpa velvtina (Dehra Dun.)** 1 , a-, a 3 , a', layers of the comb ; 

 b, pillars cupporting comb; o, larval cells; d, portion of the papier- 

 mache envelope or covering ; the res>t has been iemo^ed. (Original.) 



partially formed. The subsequent building up of the cell being 

 accomplished as necessitated by the growth of the larva. The changes 

 to pupa and imago take place after the cell bas been entirely closed. 



Perhaps the commonest of 

 Indian Social wasps is the yellow 

 Polistes hebraeus (Fig. 73). 

 Every one knows the beautifully 

 constructed papery nests of this 

 insect. This wasp is particularly 

 addicted to buildings and will 

 •attach its nests to rafters, door 

 frames, in fact woodwork of any 

 19 



FiG. 73. — Polhtes hebraeus. A common 

 Indian Social Wasp. (Dehra 

 Dun.) 



