The Great Cercerls 



Phynotomus murhms. A similar provision 

 of small species falls to the share of Cerceris 

 lahiata. Lastly, the smallest Cerceris in my 

 district, Cerceris Julii,^ chases the tiniest 

 Weevils, Apion gravidiim and Bruchus gra- 

 nar'ms, victims proportioned to the diminutive 

 huntress. To finish with this hst of game, 

 let us add that a few Cerceres observe other 

 gastronomic laws and raise their families on 

 Hymenoptera. One of these is Cerceris or- 

 nata. We will dismiss these tastes as for- 

 eign to the subject in hand. 



Of the eight species then of Cerceres whose 

 provisions consist of Beetles, seven adopt a 

 diet of Weevils and one a diet of Buprestes. 

 For what singular reasons are the depreda- 

 tions of these Wasps confined to such narrow 

 limits? What are the motives for this ex- 

 clusive choice? What inward likeness can 

 there be between the Buprestes and the Wee- 

 vils, outwardly so entirely dissimilar, that 

 they should both become the food of kindred 

 carnivorous grubs? Beyond a doubt, there 

 are differences of flavour between this victim 

 and that, nutritive differences which the larvae 

 are well able to appreciate; but some graver 



iPor a description of this species, which is new to 

 entomology, see the Appendix.— ^w^Z/or'i Note. 

 29 



