SPIIEGID.E. IGii 



consist of two layers, the outer \Qvy tliin. tlie inner tough, 

 parchment-like. The larvie hybernate and turn to pupa3 in 

 the spring, appearing" in the sunnner and also in the autumn. 



The larva is cylindrical, Avith the pleural ridge prominent, 

 and with no traces of feet ; the head, -which is small and not 

 prominent, and rather narrow compared with that of Pelopscus, 

 is bent inwards on the breast so that the mouth reaches to the 

 sternum of the fourth abdominal ring. The posterior half of 

 each ring is much thickened, giAing a, crenulated outline to the 

 tergum. The abdominal tip is obtuse. 



S]:>hex Lanierii Guerin, according to Smith (Proceedings 

 of the Entomological Society of London, Feb. 7, 1859), con- 

 structs its nest of a cottony substance, filling a tunnel formed 

 by a large curved leaf. The species of the genus are sup- 

 ])osed to burro w^ in the ground, and the two cases aboAC 

 cited show an interesting divergence from this habit. IMr. 

 Smith adds, that in "the Sphex which constructs the nest in 

 the rolled leaf, the anterior tarsi are found to be very slightly 

 ciliated, and the tibiae almost destitute of spines, thus aflbrding 

 another instance proving that difference of structure is indica- 

 tive of difference of habit." 



The genus Pelopoixis is of a slighter form than in Sphex, the 

 body being longer and slenderer ; the clypeus is as broad as 

 long, triangular above, in front convex, or produced and end- 

 ing in two teeth. The outer costal cell is lanceolate oval, the 

 second subcostal cell subtrapezoidal, being Avidest above ; it is 

 also somewhat longer than broad. The first median cell is very 

 long and narrow, much more so than usual. The pedicel of 

 the abdomen is long, the first joint in the male being often as 

 long as the remainder of the abdomen. 



The larva of P. cmriileus Linn, is much like that of Sphex, 

 having a cylindrical body with the rings thickened posteriorly. 

 It differs from that of Pompilus in its longer and narrower head, 

 the short broadly trapezoidal clypeus, and the distinctl}' marked 

 exserted labrum. The mandibles are long and tridentate. 



The pupa (of P. flavipes) differs from that of the Vesx>ario' 

 in having the head more raised from the breast ; the palpi are 

 not partially concealed, as they may be easil}^ seen for their 

 whole length. The long curved mandibles cover the base of the 



