The only specimens I have ever seen of this little insect were 

 all males, which I swept off rushes the middle of August and 

 beginning of September, at the back of the Isle of Wight, 

 where they were flying about ; and having been unsuccessful 

 in searching for the females and neuters, I am induced to 

 publish the materials I possess, hoping that it may lead to the 

 discovery of the sexes. 



Myrmecina is nearly related to Myrmica, of which genus I 

 would willingly have made it a division ; but the short basal 

 joint of the antennae, the different nervation of the wings, and 

 above all, the absence of the mandibles, rendered this desirable 

 object impracticable. The labrum also is remarkable for hav- 

 ing the basal angles thickened and produced ; and these I am 

 almost disposed to think are modifications of mandibles. 



This nondescript insect I have the pleasure of dedicating 

 to my esteemed friend Mons. Latreille, whose investigation of 

 the family to which it belongs, as well as his numerous valu- 

 able works on Entomology, have contributed so effectively to 

 the philosophical advancement of Science. 



The beautiful plant represented is LatJiyrus sylvestris (Wild 

 Lathyrus), it grows luxuriantly on the sloping cliff between 

 Bonchurch and Luccomb Chine, and spontaneously orna- 

 ments the elegant grounds of James Vine, Esq. at Puckaster 

 Cove in the Isle of Wight. 



