27 



NOTES ON A SOLITARY WASP 



(Odynerus parietum Linnj. 



C. F. GEORGE, M.R.C.S., 



Kirton Lindsey. 



This active little creature is, perhaps, our commonest species 

 of this Genus of Solitary Wasps. It is not often observed, 

 except by Naturalists, in consequence of its timid and suspicious 

 nature. Occasionally it strays into houses by accident, and is 

 then seen in the window, and promptly destroyed, as a nasty 

 little black wasp. It oug'ht really to be protected and set at 

 liberty, for it is very useful in the garden, as it provisions its 



Nest of Solitary Wasp. 



nest with the g-reen caterpillars, so destructive to the rose leaf. 

 It is sometimes so intensely interested in its work that it may 

 be closely approached. Many years ago I saw the little creature 

 rush from one edge of a rose leaf to the other, backwards and 

 forwards m quick succession, following the motion of something 

 on the other side of the leaf, at last it caught hold of the cater- 

 pillar and dragged it forth ; the weight was so great that both 

 wasp and caterpillar fell to the ground ; the wasp then stood 



1906 January i. 



