BOSTON ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 13 



tion, but the actual number of males is no doubt much 

 greater than that of the females. 



The other genus of StylopidcB (Stylops) is found in 

 bees of the family AndrenidcE^ which are similar in ap- 

 pearance to the Common Honey Bee {Apis mellifica^ 

 but are smaller and make burrows in the sand. They 

 may be found in the spring, but from the middle of April 

 to the first or middle of May is the best time to look for 

 them. The bees, if taken, can be kept for some time alive, 

 thus giving time for the Stylops to develop. 



IS^OTES O^ THE HABITS AND DISTRIBUTION 



OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BO DENT I A. 



By Roland Hay ward. 



In the following article on the Rodentia of Massachu- 

 setts, I have endeavored to give, as fully as my space will 

 permit, the habits of this interesting order of Mammalia. 

 As the name of the article implies, no description of the 

 animals is given, but it is entirely confined to their habits 

 and distribution. 



The Rodentia of this state number eighteen species, and 

 are embraced in five families and eleven genera. 



SGIURIDJEJ. {Squirrels.) 



1. SciUROPTERUS VOLUCELLA Gcoff. Commou Fly- 

 ing Squirrel. A common spiecies, but on account of its 

 nocturnal habits it is seldom seen. It is very generally 

 distributed, being found throughout the greater part of 

 North America. Its nest is a very interesting structure, 

 being usually placed in some hollow stump, and is formed 

 of grasses, hair, pliable bark and other soft materials, the 

 whole rather carelessly and loosely put together. 



2. SciURUS CAROLiNENSTS Auct. Gray Squirrel. Eath- 

 er common, but locally so. It is found in the less culti- 

 vated portions of the state, and inhabits thickly wooded 



