286 MODERN SYSIEM. 



C. Lahrum a little broader than long, subscinicircular or iCinlovaL 

 Mandibles slender, pointed, unidcntute on their internal edge. Abdo- 

 men not pollinigeroas. 



* Lip zviih the lateral divisions shorter than the palpi. Bodj/ sini- 

 plj/ pubescent. 



Genus 481. NOMADA. Scop., Fubr., Illig., Klug, Spinola, Ju- 

 rine, Panz., Jxach. Ai'is. Linnc, I'iUers, Kirbj/ (j^ h). 



Superior zvings with three submarginal cells complete: maxillai-^ palpi 

 six-jointed. 



The history, economy, and mode of nidification of the insects o f 

 this genus (all oi" which are remarkable for the gaiety of their co- 

 lours) as yet remain a secret. Dr. Leach has strong reasons for su- 

 specting them to be parasitical ; and this seems the more probable 

 from their having no instrument for carrying pollen. Their flight 

 is silent, unattended by any hum ; they frequent dry banks. Their 

 eyes, whilst living, exliibit through the external reticulated coverirjg 

 a surface of hexagons, which keeps shifting with the light. 



Sp. 1. Nom. ruftcornis. 



Apis ruficornis. Linn., Kirbi/. Nomada ruficornis. Fabr., Latr., Leach. 



Inhabits dry banks and sandy situations. 



Genus 482. EPEOLUS. Latr., Fabr., Illig., Jurine, Fanz., Spi- 

 nola, Klug, Leach. Apis. Linnc, Kirbi/ (** b). 

 Superior wings with three complete submarginal cells: inaxillary palpi 



one-jointed. 

 Sp. 1. Epeo. variegatus. 



Epeolus variegatus. Fabr., Fanz., Latr. Apis variegata. Linnc. 

 Inhabits Europe, but is very local in Britain. I once met with this 

 species in abundance in a sand-pit near Bexley, Kent. 



** Lateral divisions of the lip almost as long as the palpi. Body 

 very villose in parts. Scutellani spinose. Superior icings with 

 three submarginal cells. 



Genus 483. MELECTyV. Latr., Fanz., Illig., Spinola, Leach. 

 Apis. Linnc, Kirbi/ (** a). 

 Marillan/ palpi six-jointed, with Ave very distinct. 



The insects of this genus are supposed to be parasitical. 

 Sp. 1. Mel. punctata. Latr. 

 Crocisa atra. Jurine. A\n^ jjimctata. Kirbi/. 

 Inhabits Europe. Is common near Swansea in South Wales. 



