The probes works slowly, as the wood is almost intact.
The Cigale has time to fill the adjacent chamber.
As soon as she has finished one of these midges, the very same that has been performing its task below her, replaces her and introduces its disastrous egg.

By the time the Cigale departs, her ovaries empty, the majority of the egg-chambers have thus received the alien egg which will work the destruction of their contents.

A small, quick-hatching grub, richly nourished on a dozen eggs, will replace the family of the Cigale.
The experience of centuries has taught the Cigale nothing.

With her excellent eyesight she must be able to perceive these terrible sappers as they hover about her, meditating their crime.

Too peaceable giantess! if you see them why do you not seize them in your talons, crush the pigmies at their work, so that you may proceed with your travail in security?
But no, you will leave them untouched; you cannot modify your instincts, even to alleviate your maternal misfortunes.
The eggs of the common Cigale are of a shining ivory white.