In the case of Philanthus I made use of the improvised cage already described; and Philanthus it was who furnished me with my first data on the subject.

She responded to my hopes with such energy that I thought myself in possession of an unequalled method of observation, by means of which I could witness again and again, to satiety even, incidents of a kind so difficult to surprise in a state of nature.

Alas! the early days of my acquaintance with Philanthus promised me more than the future had in store for me! Not to anticipate, however, let us place under the bell-glass the hunter and the game.

I recommend the experiment to whomsoever would witness the perfection with which the predatory Hymenoptera use their stings.

The result is not in doubt and the waiting is short; the moment the prey is perceived in an attitude favourable to her designs, the bandit rushes at it, and all is over.