INSECT OBSER VA TION. \ 59 



upon the living substance of the caterpillar, which 

 survives for a time, until eventually the grub 

 attacks some vital part This kills the caterpillar, 

 but not before the grub has changed into a chry- 

 salis, out of which will emerge in due time an 

 ichneumon fly, ready to victimise other insects 

 in the same way. 



On the broad leaves of a low-growing plant 

 some female wolf-spiders have placed themselves, 

 each carrying her bag of eggs beneath her 

 body. There they will bask for hours ; possibly 

 the warmth of the sun tends to mature the eggs, 

 the treasure for which they seem to live. These 

 spiders will allow themselves to be killed rather 

 than part with that little cream-coloured ball. 

 Truly the spider offers a marvellous instance of 

 maternal love ! After a time the eggs are hatched, 

 and then the mother may be seen with her whole 

 progeny clustered upon her back enjoying their 

 sun-bath. The first time I saw this family event 

 I could not understand why the back of the 

 spider had suddenly become grey and furry, until 

 I brought a magnifying glass, and then I could 

 plainly discern the minute offspring covering the 

 mother's body. 



