Ill 



HERMIT HOMES 



lining of leaves, built end to end in long lines, but 

 with very little cohesion. The tenacity with which 

 the clay adheres to the wood, however, is remarkable, 

 and probably it is inspissated with some glutinous 

 substance ejected by the insect. 



Equal in interest to the nests of bees, and con- 

 structed with similar purpose, are the homes of many 

 solitary wasps, and other so-called Fossorial * Hy- 

 menoptera. However well-defined so far as external 

 characteristics are concerned, 

 the families have many mutual 

 resemblances in their habits 

 of life, though each species has 

 its own particular fancies as 

 to site of home, and food, and 

 other details. Like bees, in 

 the adult state they live on 

 honey and such-like vegetable 

 fluids, but the larvae are flesh- 

 feeders, and we see the curious 

 and suggestive sight of non- 

 carnivorous mothers chasing 

 and bringing down insect 

 prey for their carnivorous offspring. One point in 

 connection with this feeding deserves special mention 

 the young must derive their nourishment not 

 merely from animal substances, but from actual living 

 tissues. Inert, unarmed, unable to help themselves, 

 or to move from the spot where they are hatched, 

 how can they ever have living insects in their power ? 

 the difficulties to be paved away seem insur- 

 mountable. Nature holds a fairy wand ; it is 



FIG. 8. Pelopseus Wasp building 

 nest ; from Bates. 



