Social- Wasps. 89 



cells is begun, while the first tier is occupied in the centre 

 by the pupae, sheltered by their little silk doors, and on the 

 circumference by the larvre. whose cells are still open in 

 order to allow themselves to be fed by the nurse-wasps. 



Section of the same Nest, showing the first tier of Cells. 



In these nests, the difference between the homes of Vespa 

 vulgar is and those of F. germanica is very strongly marked, 

 the former being yellowish brown, and the latter grey. 

 One nest of F. germanica, is remarkable for being thickly 

 studded with the long, white eggs of some insect, probably o 

 parasite, which has gained admittance to the burrow, in spite 

 of the care of its guardians. It may be here mentioned, that 

 F. germanica is by far the most common species of wasp in 

 England. 



The illustration at p. 90 represents a completed nest of 

 F. germanica. The rough, thick covering is seen outside, and 

 within are the tiers of cells, each layer being supported by 

 pillars from the layer immediately above. These pillars are 

 always formed at the angle where these cells touch each 

 other, so as to obtain as strong a foundation as possi- 

 ble. Only a very small space is left between the combs, 

 just enough room, in fact, for the nurse-wasps to pass as 

 they feed the young. The reader will remember that 

 the young wasps all hang with their heads downwards, 

 being held in their places by a sort of clasper at the end of 

 the tail.] 



When the foundress-wasp has completed a certain number 

 of cells, and deposited eggs in them, she. soon intermits her 



