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VI. 



HYMENOPTERA. 



The Order Hymenoptera comprises those insects which have four 

 naked membranous wings, lying in repose horizontally upon the 

 *body, and intersected by a network of nerves. The name is derived' 

 from two Greek words — y^V? a membrane, and -n-Tepoj/, a wing. The 

 mouth is composed of two horny mandibles, jaws, and lips adapted 

 for suction. 



It is amongst the Hymenoptera that we meet with the most 

 industrious insects, some of which seem to possess real intelligence. 

 These little animals offer the most admirable examples of sociability. 

 Born architects, they construct dwellings marvellously contrived, 

 which serve them, at the same time, as nurseries in which to rear 

 their progeny, and storehouses in which to lay by their provisions. 

 Nothing can equal the solicitude with which they watch over their 

 young larvae, still incapable of motion. They form republics, governed 

 by immutable laws, and make war against their enemies in order of 

 battle. They have predilections or antipathies for those who court 

 their society, on account of the material advantages they derive from 

 them. 



The Bees, the Humble Bees, the Wasps, and the Ants, are the 

 best-known types of this order of insects. Among a great number of 

 the Hymenoptera the females are armed with a sting, or lancet, a 

 wound from which causes great pain. All these insects undergo 

 complete metamorphoses. In the larva state the aculeate species are 

 incapable of motion and of obtaining food ; but Nature has provided 

 in different ways for their preservation. They are often lodged and 

 fed by the workers of the tribe, unfruitful females, which, with a self- 

 denial very rare in Nature, seem to have no other vocation than to 

 sacrifice themselves to the welfare of the larvae. The workers con- 

 struct the nest and bring in the provisions. This is the case with 

 honey bees, wasps, and ants. 



