240 hVMENOPt^RA. 
size to catch such a large, strong creature 
as a cock-roach. 
Mother. They are large, and so coa- 
rageous, that they will attack insects three 
times their own size. This kind of sphex 
changes its hue from blue to green, ac- 
cording to the light in which it is seen* 
When it spies an unfortunate cock-roach, 
it halts in front of the enemy : the two 
insects seem to pause a few moments, as 
if examining each other ; the sphex then 
darts upon his victim, skilfully seizes it 
by the head, and, bending his tail under 
its body, stings it in the abdomen. The 
sphex then quits his hold, and walks 
about for a time, certain that his prey 
cannot escape ; when it returns to the 
motionless cock-roach, he takes it by the 
head, and, dragging it backward to his 
den, eats it at leisure. 
Lucy, I wonder the inhabitants are 
not afraid of flies, that have such terrible 
stings* 
Mother, Very probably they may be 
somewhat afraid of them, but^ aware of 
