424 INSECTS ABROAD. 



Next comes a small group of Hymenoptera called Scoliiclie. 

 These insects are cliiefly found in the hottest parts of the world, 

 and the warmer the temperature the more plentiful are the 

 Scoliidse. In some of the genera which belong to this group, 

 the females are without wings, like those of the Mutillas which 

 have just been described. Two examples of the typical genus 

 will be briefly described. 



The first of these insects is called Scolia flavifrons, and in- 

 habits the warmer parts of Europe. Its colour is black, diversified 

 with four bold yellow patches on the abdomen. Tlie front of 

 the head is also yellow — a fact which has gained for the insect 

 the specific name oi flavifrons, i.e. having a yellow forehead. 



As the habits of this species are very well known, thoy will 

 be described as an example of the entire genus. 



Fin 215.— Seolia flavifrons. 

 (Black ami yellow.) 



When the female is about to prepare for a future brood, she 

 begins by seeking some dry, sandy spot, and there digging a hole 

 which is of considerable depth. There is one species, Scolia 

 bicinda, which makes a hole at least eighteen inches deep. The 

 hole being dug, the Scolia goes off in search of prey, and soon 

 returns with a large larva, mostly that of a lamellicorn beetle. 

 This she places at the bottom of tlie hole, and then lays an egg 

 close to it. 



The egg is soon hatched, and the young larva at once begins 

 to devour the beetle-grub which has been placed there as food. 

 The grub is always large enough to last the Scolia larva through- 

 out its first stage of existence. When the larva has eaten the 

 wliole of its food, it prepares f(U' its next change by spinning an 



