76 THE SOLITARY WASPS. 



sometimes difficult to make their conditions quite normal, and 

 for this reason we may have been, indirectly, the cause of their 

 death. 



The way in which our Oxiflelus carries its prey is peculiar to 

 itself. Bemhex and PhUantlius also hold their prey under the 

 body but use the second pair of legs, so that it does not project 

 behind except at the moment of entrance into the nest. Quad- 

 rmotatiis, as we could distinctly see, sinc« she passed close to 

 us several times in quick succesison, clasps the head of her vic- 

 tim in the third pair of legs, and flying thus, with its whole body 

 sticking out behind her, she certainly presents a very remark- 

 able appearance. 



