HOW TO KNOW THE INSEOS 



and are larger than workers. The queens look much like the 

 workers but are considerably longer. (From U.S.D.A.) 



The world knows only 3 or 4 species of this family. But this 

 one species Is knovm In the United States. It plays a highly 

 Important part In our economic life. Besides their honey and 

 wax, this Insect Is the m.ost dependable pollinator of many of our 

 plants. A pound of honey has cost Its makers, flight equivalent 

 to t¥Jlce around the -.Torld for one bee. 



20a Front wing with three submarginal cells (a) (a few have 

 only two). Tongue always pointed and either long or short. 

 (The Andrenids) Fig. 248. 



Family 60, ANDRENIDAE 



Fig. 248. Hallctus virescens (Fab.) 



Head and thorax brilliant metallic 

 green; sides covered '.vith ^:7hltlsh 

 hairs; antennae and eyes black. Abdo- 

 men black; basal part of each segment 

 ringed with whitish hairs. Legs cov- 

 ered with light brown hairs; often 

 loaded with pollen. Length 11-13 mm. 



A great number of our bees belong 

 Figure 248. here. Some are medium size or larger; 



many are comparatively small. Their 

 nesting sites are varied. Pollen is 

 used for stored food and in collecting it, the plants profit In 

 pollination. 



20b Front wings with but two submarginal cells (a). Pollen 

 brush on ventral side of abdomen of female. (The Leaf-cutter 

 Bees.) Fig. 249. Family 61, MEGACHILIDAE 



Fig. 249. Qsmia lignarla Say 



Dark bluish green, shining. 

 Covered In parts with long 

 whitish hairs. Legs, eyes, 

 and antennae black. Length 

 8-12 mm. 



Everyone has noticed the 

 round holes cut in leaves of 

 roses and other plants. The 

 petals of flowers show the 

 same mutilations. These cir- 

 Figure 249. cular plecos are used to line 



the nests. It is v/ell worth 

 waiting quite a v/hlle to see how deftly and quickly the bee cuts 

 out her leaf circle, then catches it up and is gone with it. Not 

 all the members of the family build their nests in this way. 



114 



