This Genus, which approaches nearest to Epeolus, is distin- 

 o-uished from it by the long pubescence with which the head, 

 thorax, and base of the abdomen are clothed ; and upon an 

 examination of the trophi, by the remarkable long and bristly 

 lacinitE or lobes at the base of the tongue, and also by its long 

 and 5-jointed maxillary palpi (described by Latreille and 

 Leach as 6-jointed). 



The pretty species figured is the only one of the genus 

 found in Britain, where it is universally distributed, being- 

 plentiful in South Wales, and at Hampstead in the neighbour- 

 hood of London ; Mr. Kirby has found it near Ipswich, and I 

 have met with it occasionally in Suffolk from March to June. 

 In April I have frequently observed its head of a bright orange 

 colour, from its being covered with the pollen, I suspect, of 

 Ulex Europanis, as I have seen it early in the morning tra- 

 versing sunny banks where the Furze was in flower. 



Our bee is fond of dry banks and sandy situations ; but we 

 know nothing satisfactory respecting its economy. INIr. Kirby 

 more than 20 years back had reason to believe that it depo- 

 sited its eggs in the cells of AntJiopJiora retiisa ,- and Dr. Leach 

 also supposed it to be a parasite ; but we have heard of nothing 

 since either to confirm or disturb these opinions. 



The plant figured is Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy). 



