More Hunting Wasps 



herself once more. The wings jerk convul- 

 sively. From time to time the insect places 

 its mandibles and forehead on the ground, 

 then rears high upon its hind-legs as though 

 to turn head over heels. In all this I see a 

 manifestation of delight. We rub our hands 

 when rejoicing at a success; the Ammophila 

 is celebrating her triumph over the monster 

 in her own fashion. During this fit of de- 

 lirious joy, what is the wounded caterpillar 

 doing? It can no longer walk; but all the 

 part behind the thorax struggles violently, 

 curling and uncurling when the Ammophila 

 sets a foot upon it. The mandibles open 

 and shut menacingly. 



Second act. — When the operation is re- 

 sumed, the caterpillar is seized by the back. 

 From front to rear, in order, all the seg- 

 ments are stung on the ventral surface, ex- 

 cept the three operated on. All serious dan- 

 ger is averted by the stabs of the first act; 

 therefore, the Wasp is now able to work upon 

 her patient without the haste displayed at the 

 outset. Deliberately and methodically she 

 drives in her lancet, withdraws it, selects the 

 spot, stabs it and begins again, passing from 

 segment to segment, taking care, each time, 

 to lay hold of the back a little more to the 

 296 



