Zi 



was usually dryer than the surrounding soiJ. At different times 

 the femaks were seen filliug tlie burroM^s as well as excavating- 

 theni; the quantity of sand removed and the rapidity with which 

 its removal is accomplished can not help but attract admiration 

 for these wasps, especially when it is known that the larval 

 chamber is usually located six or more inclK^s below the surface 

 of the ground. 



THE SMALL UOKSE GUARD. 



{Bemhex belfrayei Cresson). 



This is a member of the same family as the last, but is a 

 much smaller insect. So far as observed, its habits and life his- 

 tory are similar; its burrows are made in similar locations and 

 the food of its larva? is composed of different species of Diptera, 

 a large proportion being horseflies. A ditt'erence is noted, how- 

 e\er, in the places where it procures these horseflies, for, in- 

 stead of catching them almost entirely around stock, it picks: 

 them up in the marshes and fields, not hesitating to fly out over 

 the water to procure specimens that it finds clinging to grasses, 

 and sedges. Therefore the male horsi>flies are taken much oftener 

 than by the horse guard. In 1903 this species appeared to be 

 raueh more common than in 1905. It is one that should be widely 

 kiiown and given as much i)i'otection as possible. 



say's spotted wasp. 



(Crabro H)-tnaculatus Say.) 



This is another of the solitary wasps which has been ob- 

 served catching horseflies. Its nest was not located, but it is- 

 known that various species of its genus make their nests in 

 woody plants, especially raspberry and blackberry. Peckhani 

 found that another wasj) of this genus (Crabro slirpkola) pro- 

 visioned its nest with various species of flies. 



THE - HORSEFLY EGG-PARAS[TE. 



( I'hanurus tabaniuonis A.shmead.) 

 S(mie years ago Hart rear(Hl this parasite from the eggs of 

 our large black horseHy.* There is probably more than one- 



*Tabanus atratus. 



