The Mason-Wasps 



she rids the Wasps'-nest of its dead. For 

 this reason, she is peacefully received, as an 

 assistant, when she enters the burrow to lay 

 her eggs there; 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 bru- 

 tal welcome accorded to the Saperda- and 

 Hylotoma-larvae when I place them upon a 

 comb. Forthwith grabbed, bruised and 

 riddled with stings, the poor wretches perish. 

 It is quite a different matter with the off- 

 spring of the Volucella. They come and go 

 as they please, poke about in the cells, elbow 

 the inhabitants and remain unmolested. Let 

 us give some instances 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, dis- 

 playing their papillae. Sometimes also the 

 pointed fore-part, the head, appears, bend- 

 ing from side to side with sudden, Snake- 

 like motions. The Wasps have just filled 

 their crops at the honey-puddle; they are di- 

 spensing the rations, are very busily at work; 

 and these things are taking place in broad 



daylight, on my table, by the window. 

 306 



