Nouveaux Souvenirs Entomologiques Livre II Trivia Questions

In “Nouveaux souvenirs entomologiques,” Fabre’s meticulous observations of the Ammophile wasp focus on its unique hunting technique. How does the Ammophile ensure its prey, a caterpillar, remains fresh but immobile?

It injects a powerful paralytic venom into the caterpillar’s nervous system.
It traps the caterpillar in a sticky web, incapacitating it.
It bites off the caterpillar’s legs to prevent it from escaping.
It buries the caterpillar in a deep burrow where it suffocates.

Correct Answer: It injects a powerful paralytic venom into the caterpillar’s nervous system.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ammophile wasp uses its stinger to inject venom into specific nerve centers of the caterpillar, ensuring that it remains alive but completely paralyzed. This allows the Ammophile to provide fresh meat for its larva without worrying about the caterpillar damaging its eggs.

Fabre’s observations of the Eumène wasp highlight its remarkable architectural skills. What is the primary material used by the Eumène to build its nest?

Mud
Wood
Wax
Silk

Correct Answer: Mud

Correct Answer Explanation: The Eumène wasp uses mud to construct its distinctive dome-shaped nest, often incorporating small stones and even smooth, translucent quartz for decorative purposes. This ensures a strong and durable shelter for its offspring.

The Odynère wasp, another solitary wasp studied by Fabre, builds its nest in a distinctive way. How does the Odynère wasp create its nest?

By attaching a mud nest to a rock face.
By weaving a silk cocoon within a leaf.
By constructing a tunnel in the ground with a curved tube at the entrance.
By creating a paper-like nest using chewed wood fibers.

Correct Answer: By constructing a tunnel in the ground with a curved tube at the entrance.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Odynère wasp creates its nest by digging a tunnel in the ground, often with a characteristic curved tube at the entrance. This provides a secure and concealed space for the Odynère to lay its eggs and provision the nest with paralyzed larvae.

Chalicodomes are solitary bees known for their meticulous nest-building skills. What materials do Chalicodomes use to construct their nests?

Wax
Silk
Mud and small stones
Wood fibers

Correct Answer: Mud and small stones

Correct Answer Explanation: Chalicodomes are skilled masons, using a mixture of mud and small stones to build their nests. They often choose sheltered locations, such as under roof tiles, to protect their nests from the elements.

Fabre’s observations of Chalicodomes led him to explore their navigation abilities. What unusual experiment did Fabre conduct to test these abilities?

He placed them in a maze with multiple exits to see which path they would choose.
He transported them to a new location and observed whether they could find their way back to their nest.
He disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box and then released them to see if they could still find their way back.
He painted a unique color on their wings and observed whether they could recognize each other.

Correct Answer: He disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box and then released them to see if they could still find their way back.

Correct Answer Explanation: Fabre wanted to determine if the Chalicodome’s navigation skills relied on visual cues or some other, internal sense. He disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box and then released them to observe if they could still find their way back to their nest. His observations suggested that Chalicodomes possess a specialized sense of direction beyond sight or smell.

Fabre’s detailed descriptions of the Amazon ant, or Polyergus rufescens, reveal a fascinating aspect of their social structure. What is unique about Amazon ants?

They build elaborate nests with multiple chambers.
They have a highly organized social hierarchy with a queen and workers.
They are parasitic ants that rely on slave ants to care for their young and forage for food.
They are known for their aggressive defense of their colony.

Correct Answer: They are parasitic ants that rely on slave ants to care for their young and forage for food.

Correct Answer Explanation: Amazon ants are parasitic ants. They are incapable of caring for their own young or foraging for food. Instead, they raid other ant colonies and steal the pupae, which, upon hatching, become slaves, performing all the tasks necessary for the colony’s survival.

Fabre delves into the hunting strategies of the Pompilus wasp. How does the Pompilus avoid becoming prey to the spider it targets?

It uses its venom to paralyze the spider from a distance.
It hides in the spider’s web and waits for it to approach.
It avoids entering the spider’s web, instead waiting for the spider to come out.
It uses its strong mandibles to crush the spider’s fangs.

Correct Answer: It avoids entering the spider’s web, instead waiting for the spider to come out.

Correct Answer Explanation: Pompilus wasps are clever hunters, aware of the danger posed by the spider’s web. They avoid entering the web and instead wait for the spider to come out, often dislodging the spider from its web before stinging it to paralyze it.

Fabre’s observations of the Tarentula spider are known for their detailed descriptions of its hunting and defensive behaviors. What is one of the Tarentula’s primary defense mechanisms?

It spins a large, sticky web to trap predators.
It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.
It has sharp claws that it uses to slash at attackers.
It produces a strong, foul-smelling spray to deter predators.

Correct Answer: It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.

Correct Answer Explanation: Tarentulas are known for their potent venom, which they use to subdue their prey and defend themselves against predators. Although their venom is not generally considered dangerous to humans, it can cause painful reactions.

The Sitaris beetle, a parasitic insect studied by Fabre, has a unique life cycle that involves a dramatic transformation. What is one of the Sitaris larva’s remarkable adaptations?

It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pupa-like stage called a pseudo-chrysalis.
It can survive for months without food by entering a dormant state.
It has the ability to change its color to blend into its surroundings.
It can produce a sticky substance that traps prey.

Correct Answer: It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pupa-like stage called a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris larva undergoes a complex, four-stage metamorphosis, including a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis. This is an inactive stage where the larva remains immobile for a period of time before transitioning to the final larval stage and eventually becoming an adult.

Fabre’s work on the Sitaris and the Meloe beetle highlights a fascinating aspect of their development. What do these two species share in common?

They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.
They both are parasitic on the Anthophora bee.
They both have a short lifespan, dying soon after mating and laying eggs.
They both are known for their striking colors and patterns.

Correct Answer: They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris and the Meloe, both parasitic beetles, share a remarkable developmental strategy. They both undergo a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis, setting them apart from typical insect life cycles. This shared developmental strategy underscores the unique adaptations of these parasitic insects.

The Chalicodome bee’s nest is a marvel of engineering. What is the estimated weight of a single Chalicodome nest?

1 kg
5 kg
16 kg
56 kg

Correct Answer: 16 kg

Correct Answer Explanation: A single Chalicodome nest can weigh up to 16 kg, highlighting the bee’s impressive architectural skills and the scale and complexity of their nests. A colony of Chalicodomes can build a structure weighing up to 56 kg, further emphasizing the remarkable work of these solitary bees.

Fabre’s observations of the Odynère wasp provide insight into its provisioning strategy. How many larvae does the Odynère typically provide as food for its offspring in a single nest?

Correct Answer: 24

Correct Answer Explanation: The Odynère wasp lays down as many as 24 larvae as provisions in a single nest, demonstrating its large-scale hunting and provisioning strategy. This emphasizes the Odynère’s commitment to ensuring a plentiful food source for its developing offspring.

The Sitaris beetle’s parasitic lifestyle is characterized by a high reproductive rate. How many eggs does a female Sitaris typically lay?

200
500
1,000
2,000

Correct Answer: 2,000

Correct Answer Explanation: A female Sitaris can lay around 2,000 eggs, often in a single cluster near the entrance of an Anthophora’s nest. This high fecundity is a strategy to compensate for the risky nature of their parasitic lifestyle, ensuring that some of their offspring will successfully find a host and complete their development.

Fabre’s detailed descriptions of the Anthophora bee highlight its nesting behavior. What is unique about the Anthophora’s nest construction?

It builds its nest in the hollow trunk of a tree.
It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, with each tunnel containing multiple cells.
It uses mud and small stones to construct a dome-shaped nest.
It weaves a silk cocoon inside a leaf to protect its young.

Correct Answer: It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, with each tunnel containing multiple cells.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Anthophora bee is known for its complex nest construction, creating a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, often with multiple cells within each tunnel. This showcases the Anthophora’s sophisticated architectural and provisioning skills, allowing them to provide a secure and efficient environment for their offspring.

Fabre’s meticulous observations of the Sitaris larva’s life cycle reveal a remarkable adaptation. For how long does the Sitaris larva remain immobile after hatching, waiting for its host to emerge?

1 month
3 months
7 months
12 months

Correct Answer: 7 months

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris larva remains immobile for seven months after hatching, waiting patiently for the Anthophora to emerge from its nest. This is a unique and challenging adaptation for the Sitaris larva, showcasing its ability to survive long periods without food and remain inactive while waiting for the perfect opportunity to attach itself to its host.

The Sitaris beetle’s life cycle is characterized by a rapid adult stage. For how long does the Sitaris live as an adult?

7 days
15 days
30 days
60 days

Correct Answer: 15 days

Correct Answer Explanation: Sitaris beetles have a short lifespan as adults, spending only 15 days in this stage. They prioritize reproduction during this time, mating and laying eggs before dying. This rapid life cycle is a key adaptation for their parasitic lifestyle, allowing them to quickly complete their reproductive cycle and ensure the continuation of their species.

Fabre’s observations of the Meloe beetle reveal a remarkable aspect of its reproduction. How many eggs can a single Meloe lay?

1,000
2,000
4,218
10,000

Correct Answer: 4,218

Correct Answer Explanation: A single Meloe beetle can lay up to 4,218 eggs, showcasing their incredible fecundity. This high egg count is a strategy to compensate for the challenges of their parasitic lifestyle, ensuring that some of their offspring will find a host and survive to adulthood.

The Sitaris and the Meloe, both parasitic beetles, share a complex developmental strategy. What is a defining characteristic of this development process?

They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis, including a pseudo-chrysalis.
They have a larval stage that lasts for several years.
They are capable of reproducing without mating.
They have a symbiotic relationship with another species.

Correct Answer: They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis, including a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris and the Meloe both undergo a complex, four-stage metamorphosis, including a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis. This remarkable developmental process highlights the complex adaptations of these parasitic insects and sets them apart from typical insect life cycles.

Fabre’s work on the Ammophile wasp provides a fascinating glimpse into the wasp’s hunting technique. What specific part of the caterpillar does the Ammophile target with its stinger?

The head
The thorax
The abdomen
The legs

Correct Answer: The thorax

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ammophile wasp injects its paralytic venom into the caterpillar’s thorax, specifically targeting the nerve centers that control the caterpillar’s movement. This ensures that the caterpillar is completely paralyzed but remains alive, providing fresh food for the Ammophile larva.

The Eumène wasp’s nest is constructed with meticulous care. What is the purpose of the smooth, translucent quartz pebbles often incorporated into the nest?

To strengthen the structure of the nest.
To provide a source of water for the developing larva.
To attract pollinators to the nest.
To create a decorative element that is aesthetically pleasing.

Correct Answer: To create a decorative element that is aesthetically pleasing.

Correct Answer Explanation: Fabre observed that the Eumène wasp often incorporated smooth, translucent quartz pebbles into its mud nest. While this may offer some structural benefits, Fabre suggested that the quartz serves a primarily aesthetic purpose, demonstrating a potential for a sense of beauty in these tiny creatures.

Fabre’s observations of the Odynère wasp highlight its unique nest-building strategy. What is the purpose of the curved tube at the entrance of the Odynère’s nest?

To provide ventilation for the nest.
To deter predators from entering the nest.
To help the wasp navigate back to its nest.
To serve as a decorative element.

Correct Answer: To deter predators from entering the nest.

Correct Answer Explanation: The curved tube at the entrance of the Odynère wasp’s nest is a unique feature that likely serves a defensive purpose. The curved shape makes it difficult for predators to access the nest, providing a layer of protection for the developing larva.

Chalicodome bees are known for their remarkable navigation abilities. What did Fabre’s experiments with Chalicodomes suggest about their sense of direction?

They rely solely on visual cues to navigate back to their nests.
They possess a specialized sense of direction beyond sight or smell.
They use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate.
They communicate the location of their nest through pheromones.

Correct Answer: They possess a specialized sense of direction beyond sight or smell.

Correct Answer Explanation: Fabre’s experiments with Chalicodomes, where he disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box, showed that they could still navigate back to their nest. This suggested that they possess a specialized sense of direction that goes beyond visual cues or smell, suggesting a more complex internal compass.

Fabre’s descriptions of the Amazon ant’s parasitic lifestyle reveal a fascinating aspect of their social organization. What is the primary reason for the Amazon ant’s reliance on slave ants?

They are unable to care for their own young or forage for food.
They are too small to defend their colony from predators.
They prefer to focus on raiding other colonies instead of working.
They have a specialized role within the colony, focusing on defense.

Correct Answer: They are unable to care for their own young or forage for food.

Correct Answer Explanation: Amazon ants, or Polyergus rufescens, are parasitic ants. They are completely incapable of caring for their own young or foraging for food, relying entirely on slave ants for these essential tasks. They raid other ant colonies and steal the pupae, which, upon hatching, become slaves, ensuring the survival of the Amazon ant colony.

Fabre’s observations of the Pompilus wasp’s hunting behavior emphasize its clever strategy. Why does the Pompilus avoid entering the spider’s web?

It is afraid of the spider’s venom.
It knows that it will be trapped in the web.
It wants to avoid alerting the spider to its presence.
It uses its venom to paralyze the spider from a distance.

Correct Answer: It knows that it will be trapped in the web.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pompilus wasp is a clever hunter, aware of the danger of the spider’s web. It avoids entering the web and instead waits for the spider to come out, dislodging it from its web before stinging it to paralyze it. This strategy prevents the Pompilus from becoming prey itself.

Fabre’s descriptions of the Tarentula spider highlight its defensive mechanisms. What is one of the Tarentula’s key defenses against predators?

It spins a large, sticky web to trap predators.
It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.
It has sharp claws that it uses to slash at attackers.
It produces a strong, foul-smelling spray to deter predators.

Correct Answer: It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.

Correct Answer Explanation: Tarentulas are known for their potent venom, which they use to subdue their prey and defend themselves against predators. While their venom is not generally considered dangerous to humans, it can cause painful reactions.

The Sitaris beetle’s life cycle is a marvel of adaptation. What is one of the most remarkable features of the Sitaris larva’s development?

It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pupa-like stage called a pseudo-chrysalis.
It can survive for months without food by entering a dormant state.
It has the ability to change its color to blend into its surroundings.
It can produce a sticky substance that traps prey.

Correct Answer: It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pupa-like stage called a pseudo-chrysalis.

Fabre’s work on the Sitaris and the Meloe beetle reveals a shared characteristic of their development. What do these two parasitic beetles have in common?

They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.
They both are parasitic on the Anthophora bee.
They both have a short lifespan, dying soon after mating and laying eggs.
They both are known for their striking colors and patterns.

Correct Answer: They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.

Fabre’s observations of the Chalicodome bee’s nest highlight its impressive size and weight. What is the estimated weight of a single Chalicodome nest?

1 kg
5 kg
16 kg
56 kg

Correct Answer: 16 kg

Fabre’s detailed descriptions of the Odynère wasp provide insight into its provisioning strategy. How many larvae does the Odynère typically provide as food for its offspring in a single nest?

Correct Answer: 24

The Sitaris beetle’s parasitic lifestyle is characterized by a high reproductive rate. How many eggs does a female Sitaris typically lay?

200
500
1,000
2,000

Correct Answer: 2,000

Fabre’s detailed descriptions of the Anthophora bee highlight its nesting behavior. What is unique about the Anthophora’s nest construction?

It builds its nest in the hollow trunk of a tree.
It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, with each tunnel containing multiple cells.
It uses mud and small stones to construct a dome-shaped nest.
It weaves a silk cocoon inside a leaf to protect its young.

Correct Answer: It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, with each tunnel containing multiple cells.

1 month
3 months
7 months
12 months

Correct Answer: 7 months

The Sitaris beetle’s life cycle is characterized by a rapid adult stage. For how long does the Sitaris live as an adult?

7 days
15 days
30 days
60 days

Correct Answer: 15 days

Fabre’s observations of the Meloe beetle reveal a remarkable aspect of its reproduction. How many eggs can a single Meloe lay?

1,000
2,000
4,218
10,000

Correct Answer: 4,218

The Sitaris and the Meloe, both parasitic beetles, share a complex developmental strategy. What is a defining characteristic of this development process?

They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis, including a pseudo-chrysalis.
They have a larval stage that lasts for several years.
They are capable of reproducing without mating.
They have a symbiotic relationship with another species.

Correct Answer: They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis, including a pseudo-chrysalis.

What type of insects does the Ammophile wasp hunt for its larvae?

Ants
Flies
Caterpillars
Beetles

Correct Answer: Caterpillars

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ammophile wasp hunts caterpillars, specifically those that live underground. The Ammophile uses its specialized senses to locate the caterpillars and then paralyzes them with its venom.

What is the distinctive shape of the Eumène wasp’s nest?

Circular
Rectangular
Dome-shaped
Spiral

Correct Answer: Dome-shaped

Correct Answer Explanation: The Eumène wasp builds elaborate, dome-shaped nests using mud and small stones. These nests are often found in sunny, exposed locations.

What unique feature does the Odynère wasp incorporate into its nest entrance?

A smooth, rounded opening
A narrow, vertical tube
A curved, decorative tube
A wide, flat platform

Correct Answer: A curved, decorative tube

Correct Answer Explanation: The Odynère wasp builds a tunnel in the ground with a characteristic curved tube at the entrance. This feature is thought to deter predators from entering the nest.

What is the primary material used by Chalicodome bees to build their nests?

Wood
Wax
Mud
Silk

Correct Answer: Mud

Correct Answer Explanation: Chalicodome bees are known for their mud nests. They use a mixture of mud and small stones to build their nests in sheltered locations, often under roof tiles.

What unusual experiment did Fabre conduct to test the Chalicodome bee’s navigation abilities?

He marked them with different colored paint.
He transported them to a new location and observed their return.
He disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box.
He placed them in a maze and observed their choices.

Correct Answer: He disoriented them by spinning them in a circular box.

Correct Answer Explanation: Fabre disoriented the Chalicodome bees by spinning them in a circular box before releasing them. This experiment was designed to test if they relied on visual cues or some other sense to navigate back to their nests.

What is a distinctive characteristic of Amazon ants (Polyergus rufescens)?

They are known for their elaborate nests.
They have a strict social hierarchy with a queen and workers.
They are parasitic ants that rely on slaves for survival.
They are known for their aggressive defense.

Correct Answer: They are parasitic ants that rely on slaves for survival.

Correct Answer Explanation: Amazon ants are parasitic. They are incapable of caring for their young or foraging for food, so they raid other ant colonies and steal their pupae, which, when hatched, become slaves.

What strategy does the Pompilus wasp employ to avoid becoming the prey of the spider it hunts?

It paralyzes the spider from a distance with venom.
It hides in the spider’s web and waits for it to approach.
It avoids entering the spider’s web and waits for the spider to come out.
It uses its mandibles to crush the spider’s fangs.

Correct Answer: It avoids entering the spider’s web and waits for the spider to come out.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pompilus wasp is a clever hunter that avoids entering the spider’s web, which is dangerous. Instead, it waits for the spider to come out and then dislodges it before stinging it with its venom.

What is the Tarentula spider’s primary defense mechanism?

It spins a large, sticky web to trap predators.
It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.
It has sharp claws that it uses to slash at attackers.
It produces a foul-smelling spray to deter predators.

Correct Answer: It uses its venom to subdue prey and defend itself.

Correct Answer Explanation: Tarentula spiders are known for their venomous bites. They use their venom to subdue prey and to defend themselves against predators.

What is a unique feature of the Sitaris beetle larva’s development?

It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.
It can survive for months without food by entering a dormant state.
It has the ability to change its color to blend in with its surroundings.
It can produce a sticky substance that traps prey.

Correct Answer: It undergoes a metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris larva undergoes a complex metamorphosis with four stages, including a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis, which is a pupa-like stage.

What is a characteristic that the Sitaris and Meloe beetles share?

They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.
They are both parasitic on the Anthophora bee.
They both have a short lifespan, dying soon after mating.
They are both known for their striking colors and patterns.

Correct Answer: They both have a complex, four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: Both Sitaris and Meloe beetles undergo a complex metamorphosis that includes a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis. This unusual development is a shared feature of these parasitic beetles.

What is the approximate weight of a single Chalicodome bee’s nest?

1 kg
5 kg
16 kg
56 kg

Correct Answer: 16 kg

Correct Answer Explanation: A single Chalicodome bee’s nest can weigh up to 16 kg. This highlights the bee’s impressive architectural skills and the complexity of their nests.

How many larvae does the Odynère wasp typically provide as food for its offspring in a single nest?

Correct Answer: 24

Correct Answer Explanation: The Odynère wasp lays down as many as 24 larvae as provisions in a single nest. This shows the Odynère’s large-scale hunting and provisioning strategy.

How many eggs does a female Sitaris beetle typically lay?

200
500
1,000
2,000

Correct Answer: 2,000

Correct Answer Explanation: A female Sitaris beetle can lay around 2,000 eggs. This high fecundity is a strategy to compensate for the challenges of their parasitic lifestyle.

What is unique about the Anthophora bee’s nest construction?

It builds its nest in the hollow trunk of a tree.
It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank with multiple cells.
It uses mud and small stones to construct a dome-shaped nest.
It weaves a silk cocoon inside a leaf to protect its young.

Correct Answer: It creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank with multiple cells.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Anthophora bee creates a network of tunnels in a sandy bank, with each tunnel containing multiple cells. This complex nest construction showcases their architectural and provisioning skills.

How long does the Sitaris larva remain immobile after hatching, waiting for its host to emerge?

1 month
3 months
7 months
12 months

Correct Answer: 7 months

Correct Answer Explanation: The Sitaris larva remains immobile for seven months after hatching, waiting for the Anthophora bee to emerge. This is a remarkable adaptation for survival, as it endures a long period without food.

How long does the Sitaris beetle live as an adult?

7 days
15 days
30 days
60 days

Correct Answer: 15 days

Correct Answer Explanation: Sitaris beetles live only 15 days as adults. They focus on reproduction during this short time, mating and laying eggs before dying.

How many eggs can a single Meloe beetle lay?

1,000
2,000
4,218
10,000

Correct Answer: 4,218

Correct Answer Explanation: A single Meloe beetle can lay up to 4,218 eggs. This high fecundity is a strategy to ensure that some of their offspring will find a host and survive.

What is a defining characteristic of the development process of both the Sitaris and Meloe beetles?

They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.
They have a larval stage that lasts for several years.
They are capable of reproducing without mating.
They have a symbiotic relationship with another species.

Correct Answer: They undergo a four-stage metamorphosis that includes a pseudo-chrysalis.

Correct Answer Explanation: Both Sitaris and Meloe beetles undergo a complex metamorphosis with four stages, including a unique stage called a pseudo-chrysalis. This shared developmental strategy highlights their complex adaptations as parasitic beetles.

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