BRITISH INSECTS 



species. The male only has wings, and these are not 

 folded. The Digger Wasp preys upon grasshoppers. 



The Diploptera, or Wasps, includes several unpopular 

 insects, of which the Hornet (Vespa crahroy Fig. 42) 



FifjA-2. Norne.r. 



may fitly be chosen as first representative. This fine 

 insect is our largest British Wasp, and it should be 

 remembered that, in addition to preying upon other 

 insects, it does not damage fruit. Of course it is killed 

 at sight, and whilst it is a formidable creature to en- 

 counter if exasperated, the fact remains that it occupies 

 an important place in the scale of Hfe, and need not 

 be altogether condemned. The body is handsomely 

 banded with black and yellow, and the large size at 

 once distinguishes it. It places its large nest in hollow 

 trees or buildings, and seems to be restricted to the 

 Southern Counties. The nest is made of rotten wood, 

 and is much yellower in colour than the more familiar 

 grey ones of the smaller and commoner species. 



What may be termed the Larger Common Wasp is 

 90 



