Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
Some wasps make important and prolonged use of the abdomen in the final closure of the tunnel in nesting. This is well illustrated by several species of the spider wasps belonging to the Pompilidae. The use consists of forceful blows or a rapid tapping of the soil with the end or body of the abdomen, resulting in a packing of the nesting material and subsequent greater safety and security to the young. Less well-known and conspicuous examples may sometimes be met with in other wasps.
page 173 note * Hicks, Charles H., 1926. Parasites and Habits of Dianthidium pudicum Cresson. Psyche. Vol. XXXLV, No. 6, pp. 193–198.
page 173 note ** This species and others of this account were kindly determined by Dr. T. D. A. Cockerell.
page 175 note * See Rau, Phil. The Biology and Behaviour of Mining Bees, Anthophora abrupta and Entechnia taurea. Psyche. Vol. XXXVI, No. 3, pp. 155–181. This paper, in addition to mentioning the turret formation, (especially p. 161) gives references to articles by some other students.
page 175 note** Hicks, Chas. H., Nesting Habits and Parasites of Certain Bees of Boulder County, Colorado, Univ. Colo. Studies, 15: 217–252, 1926.