8 Psyche [Voi. 88 
Fig. 4: A Prionyx parkeri wasp succeeded in overturning a “frozen” oedipodine 
grasshopper. This makes the ventral surface of the thorax more accessible to the 
stings of the wasp. One small drop of repellent fluid can be seen on the abdomen of 
the wasp. After stinging is over, the wasp will vigorously rub its abdomen on the 
substrate, in an effort to eliminate this unpleasant, perhaps noxious, fluid. Note (also 
in Fig. 2) the dot of Testor paint on the dorsal surface of the wasp thorax, for 
individual identification. 
whole body was strongly arched downward as in Fig. 3. For the 
observer, it looked as if the “frozen” grasshopper was disabled or 
dying. The wasp left the grasshopper alone and pursued her hunting 
trip. Under the impression that the prey had received a sting or two, 
I picked it up only to see it instantly recover without the slightest 
trace of paralysis. Obviously the grasshopper, later identified as an 
adult Mestobregma plattei rubripenne (Bruner), had not been stung 
and was not disabled at all. This species is an acceptable prey since it 
was also found in two nests dug up the same day, nearby. In 
another, 'Similar, instance the upper wings (tegmina) opened only 
slightly, just enough to uncover the triangular base of the vivid red 
wings that remained folded. Again the wasp failed to paralyze the 
frozen grasshopper which later escaped just as suddenly as the first 
one, unharmed. The latter case might be a less intense version of the 
first case. Presumably all gradations could be observed. 
