Insects affecting the orange . orangetrees. Tliese mud cells are almostspherical, about three-fourths inchin diameter; the walls are thinand fragile; they have an openingwhich is provided with a projecting lip or ring and the structure re-sembles a globe-shaped flask, with a very short neck. Within the cellthe female deposits a single white Qgg. She then packs it with smallcaterpillars, each of which is paralyzed and rendered helpless by a stabfrom her sting, and seals the opening with soft mud. Each female constructs a number of cells, but scatters them about,seldom j)lacing more than one or
Insects affecting the orange . orangetrees. Tliese mud cells are almostspherical, about three-fourths inchin diameter; the walls are thinand fragile; they have an openingwhich is provided with a projecting lip or ring and the structure re-sembles a globe-shaped flask, with a very short neck. Within the cellthe female deposits a single white Qgg. She then packs it with smallcaterpillars, each of which is paralyzed and rendered helpless by a stabfrom her sting, and seals the opening with soft mud. Each female constructs a number of cells, but scatters them about,seldom j)lacing more than one or two in the sanu, ])lace. When tilledand sealed up they are abandoned. The grub of the wasp feeds uponthe caterpillars stored for its use; when all are consumed it forms itsl)Upa within the cell, and in due course of time issues as a perfect in-sect, removing with its jaws the earthen stopper of its doorway. Broods.—There are broods in spring and fall. The summer monthsare i)assed as pupaj, and the winter as perfect Fic. 89.—a, the Vaso-Maker Wasp: &, nest; c, nestsliowing interior stored with caterpillars. (AfterKiley.) 188 INSECTS APFECTINO THE ORANGE Paraslies.—This wasp, in comnK)n with many other cell-makin«- Ily-menoptera, has an enemy which destroys the grub and occn])ies itsplace within the cell, issuing in its stead through a round hole made inits side. This parasite is a brassy-green Cuckoo-bee belonging to thegenus Chrysis. It is remarkable for its bright metallic green or bluecolor, hard texture, and coarsely pitted surface, and the peculiar formof the abdomen, which is abruptly truncate behind and hollowed fromthe under side and is capable of folding over u})on the head and breast,protecting the members in its hollow under surface, and making of theinsect almost a compact ball. This position the insect is apt to assumewhen captured or disturbed. The perfect insect is 11™™ in length(-jifo inch) when fully extended. Other parasitic Hymenoi^tera La
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