68 The Scottish Naturalist. 



prevent this, as she has the power of protruding her sting, and 

 turning and twisting it in all directions, almost without moving 

 the abdomen. 



M. imlliighbiella. — I have taken only a few of this species; 

 but the absence of large willow-trees probably accounts for its 

 scarcity. 



Anthophora fiircata. — Near Threave Castle last July I took a 

 ^ at the flowers of dead nettle. 



Bomhis muscorum. — Very common, and extremely variable in 

 size and colouring. All the varieties described in ' British Bees ' 

 occur here, with the exception of the black var. 



B. elegans. — Scarce. In June 1877 the $ s were numerous at 

 the rhododendron flowers ; last year there were very few. 



B. derhamelliis. — Very common. The nests are easily found 

 in the hedge-banks by looking out for the groups of seven or 

 eight workers which, on hot days in August, seem to be continu- 

 ally buzzing above the nests. 



B. pratoi'iim. — Not common in this district, but seems to be 

 more plentiful round Castle-Douglas. 



B. lapidarius. — Very common. The large females are, when 

 in good condition, really beautiful insects, and look most con- 

 spicuous as they visit the rhododendron flowers. 



B. lucorunu — Perhaps the most abundant species of Bombus 

 in the district, and the first met with in spring. I caught one 

 flying briskly last year on 17th February, but then the weather 

 was remarkably mild and in striking contrast to what we have 

 experienced this year. The males are remarkably variable — the 

 var. B. of ' British Bees ' is often met with. 



B, virginalis. — Frequently met with, though not by any means 

 so common as the preceding. 



B. hortoruvi. — The females are abundant at the rhododen- 

 drons, but as yet I have seen very few of the males and workers. 



B. latreillellus. — I have taken numerous females at the flowers 

 of plants of the Brassica tribe, but have not found males or 

 workers yet. 



Apafhiis barhutellus. — Very common. 



A. cavipestris. — Also common. Both species are usually very 

 sluggish and easily caught witli the fingers. Last autumn the 

 numbers of both species frequenting the flowers of Scabiosa 

 succisa were very remarkable. 



CORBERKY IIlI.L, MaXWKLLTOWN, 



Fchniary 1879. 



