1 68 The Hunting IVasps I 



nape. At this point the sting probes with 

 marked persistency, as if the prick administered 

 here were more effective than elsewhere. One 

 would be inclined to think that the nerve- 

 centre attacked is the lower part of the oeso- 

 phageal chain ; but the continuance of move- 

 ment in the mouth-parts — the mandibles, jaws 

 and palpi — controlled by this seat of innerva- 

 tion shows that such is not the case. Through 

 the neck the Sphex reaches simply the ganglia 

 of the thorax, or at any rate the first of them, 

 which is more easily accessible through the thin 

 skin of the neck than through the integuments 

 of the chest. 



And in a moment it is all over. Without 

 the least shiver denoting pain, the Ephippiger 

 becomes henceforth an inert mass. I remove 

 the Sphex' patient for the second time and 

 replace it by the other female at my disposal. 

 The same proceedings are repeated, followed by 

 the same result. The Sphex has performed her 

 skilful surgery thrice over, almost in immediate 

 succession, first with her own prey and then 

 with my substitutes. Will she do so a fourth 

 time with the male Ephippiger whom I still 

 have left ? I have my doubts, not because 

 the Wasp is tired, but because the game does 

 not suit her. I have never seen her with any 

 prey but females, who, crammed with eggs, are 



