1 36 INSECT ARTIZANS AND THEIR WORK 



for her upholstery ; in which she appears to come 

 close to the European species, Osmia papaveris 

 (formerly included in this genus), which lines her 

 cells with the petals of the Corn Poppy (Popaver 

 rhceas). 



M. albocincta usually appropriates a burrow of 

 the earthworm, and as this is far too long for her 

 purpose, she stops it at the proper depth by a 

 plug of leaves on which she builds up her cells. 

 Other species are fully alive to the labour saving 

 effected by adapting a previously existing cylindrical 

 hole for their nesting-place. Bamboos used for 

 the support of tall plants in gardens are frequently 

 taken by them ; screw-holes, pipes of small bore, 

 and gun-barrels also come handy. 



Osmia papaveris, to which we have already briefly 

 referred, is usually found in the neighbourhood of 

 corn-fields, and sinks its shafts in the firm earth of 

 roads and well-trodden footpaths. Cutting semi- 

 circular pieces from the bright-red petals of the 

 poppy, it uses them in much the same manner as 

 Megachile does with her leaves ; but instead of 

 cutting small circles for capping the cells, she turns 

 over the upper edges of the lining pieces to effect 

 the closure. 



