More Hunting Wasps 



of the line of demarcation between the pro- 

 thorax and the mesothorax, on the ventral 

 surface. Note that the Cerceres, operating 

 on Weevils, whose nervous system is as com- 

 pact as the Cetonia-grub's, drive in the nee- 

 dle at the same spot. Similarity of nervous 

 organization occasions similarity of method. 

 Note also that the Scolia's sting remains in 

 the wound for some time and roots about 

 with marked persistence. Judging by the 

 movements of the tip of the abdomen, one 

 would certainly say that the weapon is ex- 

 ploring and selecting. Free to shift in one 

 direction or the other, within narrow limits, 

 its point is most probably seeking for the 

 little mass of nerve-tissue which must be 

 pricked, or at least sprinkled with poison, 

 to obtain overwhelming paralysis. 



I will not close this report of the duel 

 without relating a few further facts, of 

 minor importance. The Two-banded Scolia 

 is a fierce persecutor of the Cetonia. In one 

 sitting the same mother stabs three larvae, 

 one after the other, in front of my eyes. 

 She refuses the fourth, perhaps owing to 

 fatigue or to exhaustion of the poison-bag. 

 Her refusal is only temporary. Next day, 

 she begins again and paralyses two grubs; 

 the day after that, she does the same, but 



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