246 INSECT LIFE xvm 



wing to feed one larva : what must happen if there 

 are a dozen gluttons to provide for ? The result of 

 this enormous increase of family can only be want, 

 or even famine, not for the larvae of the Dipteron 

 (which develop more rapidly than that of the 

 Bembex, profiting by the days when abundance still 

 reigns, their host being yet in early youth), but for 

 the latter, who reaches the moment of metamorphosis 

 without being able to make up for lost time. 

 Besides, when the first guests become pupae and leave 

 the table free to it, others come, as long as the mother 

 visits the nest, and complete its starvation. 



In burrows invaded by numerous parasites the 

 Bembex larva is undoubtedly much smaller than one 

 would expect from the heap of food consumed, 

 the remains of which encumber the cell. Limp, 

 emaciated, — only half or a third of its proper size, — it 

 vainly tries to spin a cocoon, the silk for which it 

 has not got, and it perishes in a corner of the cell, 

 amid the pupae of guests more fortunate than itself. 

 Or its end may be yet more tragic. Should pro- 

 vender fail, or the mother delay too long in return- 

 ing with food, the Diptera devour it. I ascertained 

 this black deed by bringing up the brood myself 

 All went well as long as food was plentiful, but if 

 through neglect, or on purpose, the daily supply 

 failed, next day or the day after I was sure to find 

 the Diptera larvae greedily rending that of the 

 Bembex. Thus, when the nest is invaded by para- 

 sites, the legitimate larva is fated to perish either 

 by hunger or a violent death, and this it is which 

 makes the sight of Miltogramma prowling round the 

 nest so odious to the Bembex. 



