SOME OTHER BEES 283 



example, would probably often destroy the nests merely by 

 their passage through the earth, and the species which are 

 content to deposit on the bare earth usually select cliff faces, 

 where, as a rule, owing to lack of moisture, worms are rarely 

 found. Some continental species make use of the petals of 

 flowers, such as the poppy or convolvulus, instead of leaves. 



It is notable that, throughout the whole family, it is a well- 

 nigh invariable rule that each egg is segregated from its 

 fellows. At first sight, it seems almost an unnecessary pro- 

 ceeding, entailing much extra labour, but doubtless it ensures 

 a larger percentage of the brood reaching maturity. It is well 

 known to all beekeepers that the larvae of the honey-bee are 

 carefully rationed with their supplies, and many could probably 

 consume more food than is provided. If the eggs were deposited 

 together, the earlier hatched larvae would, in all probability, 

 feed more heavily, at the expense of the later ones, which would 

 receive insufficient, while the excess consumed by the others 

 would not be of sufficiently compensating benefit in the way of 

 producing larger size and vigour in the adult bee. 



The part played by bees in the development of flowers is so 

 tremendous that there can be no question that the family has 

 exercised profound influence on the form, colour, and habits 

 of the vast majority of flowering plants. These, in their turn, 

 effect corresponding changes in form and colour of insects 

 of different orders. The tracing of these changes and the 

 intricate connection between one species and another is 

 certainly a most fascinating aspect of the study of nature. 



