Page 153 - For Men of Understanding

THE DRILLER WASP

This wasp species feeds its offspring with the
larvae of another wasp species called the
sirex. It faces a problem though: sirex spends
its larval period about 4 centimetres beneath
a tree bark. For this reason, the mother driller
wasp has first to locate the sirex larvae,
which it cannot see.
To locate the sirex larvae, the bee uses the
very sensitive sensors placed in its body and
thus the first problem, namely, finding the
location of the larvae, is solved. What about
the second?... It overcomes this by drilling shortest, most direct way
the tree bark. possible. The two appendages
The organ, which the wasp uses to drill the drill the bark by moving back
tree bark, is called the "Ovipositor". This and forth like a saw. As soon
special organ is longer than the entire body as the wasp reaches the sirex,
of the wasp. It is formed by the combination it places its own egg through
of two appendages coming out of the tail, its funnel in the larva.
and it has a sharp end like that of a knife. The young wasp starts its life
The end of the ‘knife’ has a nicked structure by growing up in the larva
in accordance with its purpose. found by its mother and left to it both as a
As soon as the drilling wasp locates the sirex source of food and shelter. Is it still necessary
under the bark, it directs its drilling to further accentuate that such perfect
appendages towards the target in the design can never be the result of random
chance, but on the contrary, is the work of a
Creator, of Allah, the Owner of eternal
wisdom and might?

POTTER WASP

The wasp in the picture feeds its larvae in its nest, which
it has made of mud with great adeptness.
First, it finds a fleshy caterpillar and stings it at nine key
points pertaining to its movement centre. Because of this
operation, the caterpillar does not die but is paralysed and
can no longer move.
The wasp then very carefully carries the caterpillar, which
is as motionless as if it was dead, into its nest.
The paralysed caterpillar meets the wasp larvae’s needs
for meat until they grow old enough to leave the nest.

It is He Who dispersed you about the earth and you will be gathered
to Him. (Surat al-Muminun: 79)
In the following pages, we will review some reproductive systems, which
Allah granted some living beings. These living things face great difficulties in
guaranteeing the continuation of their species. They unquestionably do what
they do, not because they employ logic such as "we have to guarantee the con-
tinuity of our species", but from the affection and mercy Allah granted to them.
These animals, that have some striking systems, are only a few examples.
In fact, the reproduction of each living thing is a miracle on its own.

The Signs in Living Things 151