56 WASPS AND THEIR WAYS 



The feelers probably aid the wasp in 

 exactly locating, and perhaps in deciding 

 the quality of, its food. The tongue as a 



whole enables it to lick up easily reached 

 liquids, but it is quite unable to reach con- 

 cealed or distant nectar. 



When not in use the tongue is drawn 

 in and back, where it fits in a groove be- 

 hind the head. When in use it appears as 

 a little flat tongue, so like that of a dog in 

 motion and appearance, as one watches it 

 at a distance, that one is surprised and de- 

 lighted with the first view of a 

 wasp dining in captivity. It is very 

 difficult to see it dining excepting 

 in captivity, as the social wasps are 

 usually so wary that one cannot get near 

 enough to watch them on the flowers out- 



