THE FOREST SHELL-WASP 59 



which unfold to their full extent under a pressure of liquid which 

 flows into them from the wasp's body. Later the liquid is withdrawn 

 and they dry as thin, brittle appendages. 



When the pupal membrane is cast the wasp requires at least another, 

 day to rest and gain strength for her emergence. She does not issue 

 into the world in the wet, weak condition of the butterfly, to rest and 

 dry in the sunshine before flying to seek her mate. Instead she makes 

 her toilet within the cell and waits for full strength before emerging. 

 Then, everything ready, with knife-like mandibles, she cuts a neat 

 round hole through the mossy wall and casts herself to the lot of 

 fate. - 



We see her as she emerges, all glistening with the youth of a new 

 generation. A scant forty days have passed since the mother wasp 

 fashioned the emerald nursery upon the swinging air root. 



