The Life of the Fly 



nest of its dead. For this reason, she is peace- 

 fully received, as an auxiliary, when she enters 

 the burrow to lay her eggs; for this reason, 

 her grub is tolerated, nay more, respected, in 

 the very heart of the dwelling, where none 

 might stray with impunity. I remember the 

 brutal reception given to the Saperda- and Hy- 

 lotoma-grubs when I place them on a comb. 

 Forthwith grabbed, bruised and riddled with 

 stings, the poor wretches perish. It is quite a 

 different matter with the offspring of the Volu- 

 cella. They come and go as they please, poke 

 about in the cells, elbow the inhabitants and 

 remain unmolested. Let us give some in- 

 stances of this clemency, which is very strange 

 in the irascible Wasp. 



For a couple of hours, I fix my attention on 

 a Volucella-grub established in a cell, side by 

 side with the Wasp-grub, the mistress of the 

 house. The hind-quarters emerge, displaying 

 their papillae. Sometimes also the fore-part, 

 the head, shows, bending from side to side 

 with sudden, snake-like motions. The Wasps 

 have just filled their crops at the honey-pot; 

 they are dispensing the rations, are very busily 

 at work; and things are taking place in broad 

 daylight, on the table by the window. 



As they pass from cell to cell, the nurses 

 270 



