Marvels of the Universe 



127 



The wings of a wasp are also worthy of study. It will be observed that when a wasp alights and 

 closes its wings that, though larger, yet they are not nearly so conspicuous as those of a house-fly. 

 The explanation is that the two fore-wings are folded in a crease near the centre ; in this manner 

 their area on the body is reduced. Also, under a lens the lower wings will be seen to bear on their 

 upper edges a row of minute hooks, and these are received into a groove on the lower edge of the 

 fore-N^ngs. By this means the two wings are united to form one strong wing. It is a curious fact 

 that the male alwavs has a less number of hooks, and, as he is the weakest flier, the inference may 

 be made that thev have some relation to the power of flight. 



Other useful tools in the daily work of the wasp are its spiny legs, which serve it not only for 

 locomotion, but to hold and manipulate its prey and to clean its feelers and wings ; indeed, the 

 legs can be used for all its toilet purposes. 



A WASP-S FACE. 



If a Wasp were as big as a Icitten this is the appearance that it would present if we gazed at it face to face. The lower 

 portion of the *' face " consists of a pair of powerful cutting jaws. 



