HYMENOPTERA — VESPIDE. D4.7 
massacre by the neuters of the later brood of Jarva, which are not 
able to undergo their transformations before the setting in of the win- 
ter; the structure of the different kinds of cells and nests*; the 
various kinds, and the numbers of the females, neuters, and males, and 
their several occupations ; their sentinels ; the periodical diminution 
of their numbers, and their instinct in cases where their prey 
happens to be too large for their powers of flight. Mr. Newport has 
made some observations on this last-mentioned instinct (Zrans. Ent. 
Soc. vol. i. p. 228.). 
They are very susceptible of cold. I have observed a wasp, in a 
frosty morning in October, hanging suspended by its jaws to a cur- 
tain, with its wings closely folded up between its legs, and upon its 
breast. 
Notwithstanding the powerful sting of the wasp, it is liable to the 
attacks of other insects. Rhipiphorus paradoxus and the larva of a 
Volucella (according to the Rev. E. Bigge) infest its nests, devouring 
the larva; as does also Anomalon Vesparum Curtis (B. E. p. 198.), 
and another species of Ichneumon, mentioned by Mr. Bigge. Dr. 
Leach also mentions that wasps are much infested by Lebia [Dro- 
mius] linearis. I have also observed a spider, belonging to the genus 
Thomisus, sucking a wasp, which it had killed. 
The eggs of V. vulgaris are of a slender oval form, with a broad 
base. I have observed that these eggs ‘are always attached at one of 
the angles of the cell, and generally in the same angle throughout 
an entire row of cells. 
The larve are fleshy grubs, destitute of feet. Those of V. vulgaris 
(fig. 87. 14. somewhat larger than the natural size) are thickest in 
the middle, with the head small and round ( fig. 87. 15. head seen 
sideways; 87.16. the parts of the mouth in front); the labrum being 
slightly emarginate and transverse ; the mandibles armed with three 
teeth ; and the maxillz and labium represented by fleshy lobes, having 
several minute tubercles upon them, apparently representing the 
palpi. Réaumur (Mém. tom. vi. pl. 17. fig. 12, 13.,e e, p p.) repre- 
sents the larve as furnished with two pairs of toothed jaws, as well as 
with maxilla and Jabium; but I think this must be an error. 
The sides of the body are furnished with lateral fleshy tubercles ; 
* T have observed, that in forming their holes or enlarging their nests, they 
carry out the rubbish in their jaws to a very great distance, instead of leaving it 
at the entrance. 
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