v SOCIAL HOMES 159 



masses of dark-coloured wax are perceived, of flattened 

 globular shape and various dimensions. Opening 

 them, a number of eggs or grubs encircled with a paste 

 made up of pollen and honey are found. These are 

 the true breeding cells, formed mostly by the mother, 

 who deposits her eggs here, and stocks the young 



FIG. 27. Home of Vespa Norwegica. 



with the supply of sweet food. The larvae that are 

 hatched from the eggs exhaust the store given them 

 before they are full-grown ; when it is consumed the 

 mother furnishes her little ones with daily provision 

 until the days of their larvahood are accomplished, 

 and they spin cocoons for the coming helplessness of 

 pupse. The number of eggs or grubs contained in one 



