THE ENEMIES OF THE GRASSHOPPER 



The grasshoppers taken from the nests, five in num- 

 ber, were in all cases alive, there being a quivering of the 

 mouth parts, and in some cases of the legs also, without 

 any stimulation. This condition lasted for twenty-four 

 hours from the time the poison was injected. After 

 that they became quiet, but remained ahve until they 

 were destroyed by the larvae. 



It is a curious thing that in these wasps is found the 

 perfection of that method of paralyzing the prey which 

 is so much dwelt upon by Fabre, although from their 

 habits this fine workmanship is not of the shghtest use 



NEST OF TACHYTES 



to them. They entomb their victims underground, 

 where the conditions are favorable to their preservation, 

 and the extremely short period that elapses between 



251 



