Their paralysis is incomplete, as is proved by their contortions when I irritate them and shown, on the other hand, by a very important fact.

I have sometimes taken from Eumenes Amedei's cell a few heads of game half transformed into chrysalids.

It is evident that the transformation was effected in the cell itself and, therefore, after the operation which the Wasp had performed upon them.

Whereof does this operation consist?
I cannot say precisely, never having seen the huntress at work.

The sting most certainly has played its part; but where?
And how often?
This is what we do not know.