THE MUD WASP. q3 
The combs are not flat, like those of an ordinary wasp- 
nest, but are very much curved, so that when the nest is 
laid open they almost follow the curve of the walls. This 
peculiar form of the comb is shown in the illustration. 
The cells are not very large, scarcely equalling the worker 
cells of the common burrowing wasp of England. 
One of the most remarkable points in the construction 
of this nest is the entrance. In pensile nests, the insect 
usually forms the opening below, so that it may be sheltered 
from the wind and rain. Moreover, it is usually of small 
dimensions, evidently in order to prevent the inroads of 
parasitic insects and other foes, and to give the sentinels 
a small gateway to defend. But the particular Wasp 
which built this remarkable nest seems to have set every 
rule at defiance, and to have shown an entire contempt 
of foes and indifference to rain. 
As may be seen by reference to the illustration, the 
entrance is extremely long, though not wide, and extends 
through nearly the length of the nest, so that the edges 
of the combs can be seen by looking into the aperture. 
The edges of the entrance are rounded, so that the outer 
edge is wider than the inner; but it is still sufficiently 
wide to allow the little finger of a man’s hand to be passed 
into the interior ; while its length is so great, that forty 
or fifty insects might enter or leave the nest together. 
The remarkable fact has already been mentioned, that 
two species of Wasp will inhabit the same nest, and 
amicably work at the same edifice. Entomologists have 
long been aware that two species of Ant will dwell in the 
same nest. and live upon friendly terms, although the 
association of the working part of the community is not 
voluntary, but compulsory. 
The Ant which employs enforced labour is called the 
K 
