Pompilus

(For the Wasp known as the Pompilus, or Ringed Calicurgus, cf.

The Mason-Bees Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

"We need something more sustainable," says Pompilus, who sold secondhand goods before the quake.

A year after quake, so much undone in Haiti 2011

Pompilus is one of the fortunate few who have been given a wooden shelter, rather than a tent or a tarp.

A year after quake, so much undone in Haiti 2011

Pompilus says she sometimes catches sight of people smoking cocaine in the camp and worries for her teenage daughter.

A year after quake, so much undone in Haiti 2011

Pompilus is among the hundreds of thousands of Haitians still living in refugee camps after the devastating earthquake that struck here one year ago today, killing 230,000 by the Haitian government's estimate and injuring many more.

A year after quake, so much undone in Haiti 2011

The Segestria, from time to time, catches hold of the Pompilus, who gathers herself up as best she can, without attempting to use her sting; the Spider rolls the insect between her legs and even between her mandibles, but appears to dislike doing it.

More Hunting Wasps Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

Here then, already, we have two Spider-huntresses, the Ringed Pompilus and P. apicalis, who, unversed in the miner's craft, establish their offspring inexpensively in accidental chinks in the walls, or even in the lair of the Spider on whom the larva feeds.

More Hunting Wasps Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

Spider-huntress is the Ringed Pompilus (Calicurgus annulatus, FAB.), clad in black and yellow.

More Hunting Wasps Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

In this terrible attitude, presenting her powerful thorax and the black velvet of her belly to the enemy, the Spider overawes the Pompilus, who suddenly turns tail and moves away.

More Hunting Wasps Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

The Pompilus is on top of her, belly to belly, head to head; with her legs she masters the Spider's legs; with her mandibles she grips the cephalothorax.

More Hunting Wasps Jean-Henri Fabre 1869