Here, the Bembeces (A species of Digger-wasps .-- Translator's Note.) were sweeping the threshold of their burrows, flinging a curve of dust behind them; the Languedocian Sphex was dragging her Ephippigera (A species of Green Grasshopper--Translator's Note.) by the antennae; a Stizus (A species of Hunting-wasp .-- Translator's Note.) was storing her preserves of Cicadellae.

(Froghoppers--Translator's Note.) To my sorrow, the masons ended by evicting the sporting tribe; but, should I ever wish to recall it, I have but to renew the mounds of sand: they will soon all be there.
Hunters that have not disappeared, their homes being different, are the Ammophilae, whom I see fluttering, one in spring, the others in autumn, along the garden-walks and over the lawns, in search of a caterpillar; the Pompili (The Pompilus is a species of Hunting-wasp known also as the Ringed Calicurgus--Translator's Note.), who travel alertly, beating their wings and rummaging in every corner in quest of a Spider.

The largest of them waylays the Narbonne Lycosa (Known also as the Black-bellied Tarantula--Translator's Note.), whose burrow is not infrequent in the harmas.

This burrow is a vertical well, with a curb of fescue-grass intertwined with silk.

You can see the eyes of the mighty Spider gleam at the bottom of the den like little diamonds, an object of terror to most.