HYMENOPTERA. 239 



the skin of its victim. Imago with the antemicB generally 

 composed of thirteen joints, the second long, forming an 

 elbow, the remaining joints generally incrassated towards 

 the apex ; mandibles obtuse ; maxillcB with the blade ra- 

 ther produced, but obtuse ; maxillary palpi four-jointed ; 

 labium with its ligula always produced, but short and en- 

 tire ; labial palpi three-jointed ; ocelli three ; head very 

 large, square ; fore wings with a single nervure, often cilia- 

 ted ; hind wings nerveless ; body short and depressed in 

 the males, more elongate and pointed in the females; oviduct 

 of the female slender, mostly concealed ; colour mostly 

 brilliant. Perilampus, Smiera, Chalcis, Callimome, Ptero- 

 malus, Encyrtus, Eulophus, Spalangia, Eucharis. 



Oak-gall flies or Cynipites. Larva causes and inhabits 

 the excrescences we observe on the tiiinks, twigs, leaves, 

 &c., of trees, particularly the oak, and commonly known as 

 " galls," feeding on the sap or substance. Pupa changes 

 in the cavity made by the larva. Imago with the antenna 

 composed of thirteen to fifteen joints, increasing in size 

 exteriorly, but never clavated ; mandibles obtuse ; maxillae 

 dilated, obtuse, feelers often five-jointed ; labium, short, 

 with its ligula produced, generally as long as the feelers, 

 entire ; feelers mostly three-jointed ; wings with many ner- 

 vures ; head rather small, somewhat retiring ; mesotliorax 

 large and convex ; podeon short, very slender ; body com- 

 pressed; decaton in the female very large; ovipositor curved 

 or spirally convoluted beneath the body. Beaten out of 

 trees and oflf grass, in the summer. Cynips, Figites, Ibalia, 

 Anacharis. 



Evaniites. Larva inhabits the larvcB of Sphecina, and 

 occasionally of Blattina. Pupa changes within the co- 

 coon spun by the larva of the former of these stirpes. 

 Imago with antennce thirteen -jointed, of uniform thickness 

 and very straight ; mandibles short, stout, acute and bifid ; 



