1 86 The Hunting Wasps 



and not a provisional defence, as is proved by 

 the care with which it is constructed. Besides, 

 as I think I have shown pretty clearly, it is very 

 doubtful, considering the way in which she acts, 

 whether the Sphex will ever return to make use 

 of the home which she has prepared. The 

 next Ephippiger will be caught elsewhere ; 

 and the warehouse destined to receive her will 

 be dug elsewhere too. But these, after all, are 

 only arguments : let us rather have recourse 

 to experiment, which is more conclusive here 

 than logic. 



I allowed nearly a week to elapse, in order 

 to give the Sphex time to return to the burrow 

 which she had so methodically closed and to 

 make use of it for her next laying if such were 

 her intention. Events corresponded with the 

 logical inferences : the burrow was in the 

 condition wherein I left it, still firmly closed, 

 but without provisions, egg or larva. The 

 proof was decisive : the Wasp had not been back. 



So the plundered Sphex enters her house, 

 makes a leisurely inspection of the empty 

 chamber, and, a moment afterwards, behaves 

 as though she had not perceived the disappear- 

 ance of the bulky prey which but now filled the 

 cell. Did she, in fact, fail to notice the absence 

 of the provisions and the ^^;^ ? Is she, who is 

 so clear-sighted in her murderous proceedings, 



