XVI 



THE BEMBEX 227 



of this method of upbringing — one very singular in a 

 Hymenopteron which feeds its family on prey — I have 

 already mentioned the presence of the egg in a cell 

 where but one little fly is found as provender — always 

 one — never more. Another proof is the following 

 one, which does not require any special moment for 

 its ascertainment. 



Let us examine the burrow of a Hymenopteron, 

 which provides beforehand for its larvae. If we 

 choose the moment when the insect enters with a 

 captive, we shall find in the cell a certain number of 

 victims already stored, but never a larva — not even 

 an egg, for this is only laid when the provisions are 

 complete. The egg deposited, the cell is closed, and 

 the mother returns no more. It is, therefore, only 

 in burrows where the mother's visits are no longer 

 needed that one can find larvae amid the larger or 

 smaller heap of food. Visit, on the other hand, the 

 dwelling of a Bembex as she enters with the produce 

 of her chase, and you are sure to find a larva, larger 

 or smaller, amid the remains of food already de- 

 voured. The ration now brought is to continue a repast 

 which has been going on for several days, and is to 

 be prolonged upon the produce of future expeditions. 

 If we can make this examination towards the end of 

 the larva's upbringing, — an advantage which I have 

 enjoyed at pleasure, — we shall find upon a great 

 heap of fragments a portly larva, to which the mother 

 is still bringing food. The Bembex only ceases to 

 do so and to leave the cell definitely when the larva, 

 distended by a wine-coloured pap, refuses to eat, and 

 reclines, thoroughly stuffed, on the remains of wings 

 and feet of the game which it has devoured. 



