How is it that the experience of centuries, which is said to teach so much to the lower creatures, has not taught the bee even the beginning of apine wisdom: a deep-rooted horror of the Philanthus?
Does the bee count upon its sting?
But the unhappy creature is no fencer; it thrusts without method, at random.

Nevertheless, let us watch it at the final and fatal moment.
When the ravisher brings her sting into play the bee also uses its sting, and with fury.

I see the point thrusting now in this direction, now in that; but in empty air, or grazing and slipping over the convexity of the murderer's back, which is violently flexed.

These blows have no serious results.

In the position assumed by the two as they struggle the abdomen of the Philanthus is inside and that of the bee outside; thus the sting of the latter has under its point only the dorsal face of the enemy, which is convex and slippery, and almost invulnerable, so well is it armoured.