HYMENOPTERA. 



m 



This insect makes its nest in the stalk of a bramble or briar (Fig. 358) 

 with a mortar which it prepares. The larvae (Fig. 356) lines its cell 

 with a silky cocoon. It is the last egg laid which is hatched the 



Fig- 355. — A species of Odynerus. 



Fig. 35(^.. — Larvse of the 

 Odynerus. 



Fig. 357.— Pupa of 

 t.ie Odynerus. 



first ; then come the others, in an inverse order from that in which 

 they were deposited. If it had been in the other order, the insects 



Fig, 358.— Nest of an Odynerus m the stem of a bramble. 



could not have come out of the cells without destroying on their way 

 the less advanced pupa. 



Ants. 



The habits of the Ants are as remarkable as the habits of the 

 bees. In their marvellous republics each one has his fixed duties to 

 perform, of which he acquits himself willingly and without constramt. 

 in consequence of their habits of foresight and frugality, ease reigns 

 n the dwellings of these litde animals, which become attached to 

 heir nest by a feeling of patriotism. Woe betide him Avho disturbs 

 hem in their occupations, or destroys their house ! Like bees, they 

 brm a regular republic, composed— first, of males; secondly, of 

 emales ; thirdly of neuters, or workers. We shall see, further on 

 he labours and the part played by each one of these three orders of 

 he republic. Let us speak first of the species. 



