The Anthrax 



ent species take part in the carnage, often in 

 the same nest, in adjoining cells. The di- 

 versity of shapes informs us of the presence of 

 more than one enemy; the final stage of the 

 creatures will tell us the names and qualities 

 of the three invaders. 



Forestalling the secrets of the future for 

 the sake of greater clearness, I will anticipate 

 the actual facts and come at once to the results 

 produced. When it is by itself on the body 

 of the Mason-bee's larva, the murderous grub 

 belongs either to Anthrax trifasciata, MEIGEN, 

 or to Leucospis gigas, fab. But, if numerous 

 little worms, often a score and more, swarm 

 around the victim, then it is a Chalcidid's fam- 

 ily which we have before us. Each of these 

 ravagers shall have its biography. Let us be- 

 gin with the Anthrax. 



And first the grub, as it is after consuming 

 its victim, when it remains the sole occupant of 

 the Mason-bee's cocoon. It is a naked worm, 

 smooth, legless and blind, of a creamy dead- 

 white, each segment a perfect ring, very much 

 curved when at rest, but with the tendency to 

 become almost straight when disturbed. 

 Through the diaphanous skin, the lens distin- 

 guishes patches of fat, which are the cause of 

 its characteristic colouring. When younger, 



31 



