The Larva and the Nymph 105 



full of juices and of a very pale straw-colour. 

 If the rush of the fluids takes place irregularly, 

 we then see the end of the wing weighed down 

 by a little yellow drop contained between the 

 two scales. 



After stripping herself of the abdominal 

 sheath, which carries the wing-cases with it, 

 the Sphex relapses into immobility for about 

 three days. During this time the wings assume 

 their normal hue, the tarsi become coloured, 

 and the mouth-parts, at first extended, adopt 

 their proper position. After twenty-four days 

 spent in the nymphal stage, the insect has 

 achieved the perfect state. It tears the cocoon 

 that holds it captive, opens itself a passage 

 through the sand and comes out one fine morn- 

 ing into the light of day, undazzled by that 

 hitherto unknown radiance. Bathed in sun- 

 shine, the Sphex brushes her antennae and her 

 wings, passes and repasses her legs over her 

 abdomen, washes her eyes with her front tarsi 

 wetted with saliva, like a cat ; and, her toilet 

 finished, flies away joyfully : she has two 

 months to live. 



You pretty Sphex-wasps hatched before my 

 eyes, brought up by my hand, ration by ration, 

 on a bed of sand in an old quill-box ; you whose 

 transformations I have followed step by step, 

 starting up from my sleep in alarm lest I should 



