How Animals Work. 



which consists of spiders, flies, the larvae of different 

 insects, and even such large insects as the grasshoppers, 

 used by these Solitary Wasps for victualling the cells 

 in which they deposit their eggs that these insects are 

 remarkable, than in the character of the receptacles 

 formed for the reception of the egg and store of food. 



In Central France, during the summer months, one 

 may frequently watch the labours of a little Solitary 

 Wasp called Pelopceus, which is a very expert mason, 

 and works in a most intelligent and persevering manner, 

 building her nest in walls, in the corners of buildings 

 and similar situations. Pelopaeus is a slender little 

 insect, and does not look at all fitted to carry heavy 

 building materials; yet she is a most ardent little 

 labourer, going to and fro in the hot sunshine between 

 the spot where she collects her materials and the site 

 she has selected for the nest. Very thoroughly the 

 little Pelopaeus will explore every inch of the surface 

 of a likely wall, her slender antennas and body quiver- 

 ing with excitement. Satisfied that the surface is 

 suitable for the attachment of her cells, Pelopaeus may 

 pause for a moment to indulge in toilet operations, 

 washing her face and stroking her antennae and body 

 with her slender legs. Then off she darts swiftly to a 

 spot close at hand where a clayey soil is exposed to 

 view. Here she works up small portions of the clay 

 with her mandibles and carries them back to the wall 

 for the construction of the nest. 



With the clay so obtained she builds a hollow 

 chamber, and this satisfactorily accomplished, she de- 

 parts on a hunting expedition to collect food supplies. 

 This is no peaceful journey to the flowering fields, but 



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