The three Beetles are Lamellicorns, Scarabaeidae.

But which of the Scarabaeidae?

We know that, in the Scarabaeidae, both the larva and the perfect insect are endowed with a concentrated nervous system.

In the same heap of mould is a swarming colony of Scarabaeidae in the form of larvae, nymphs and adult insects.

If I could at least identify the Scarabaeidae whose larvae form the prey of the two Scoliae, the problem would be half solved.

"Our usual scarab wasss modelled after several speciesss in the Family Scarabaeidae," says Drood, "but most were based upon the common dung beetle."