i8 



HANDBOOK OF ANTS, BEES, ETC. 



Of the moss-builders, the best known, perhaps, is the Bovibus 

 miiscorum, the largest specimens of which measure about two- 

 thirds of an inch long. 



Another species, Bonibus lapidarins, is so called from a pre- 

 ference it shows for making its nests under stones. The end of 

 the abdomen of this bee is bright orange-red. 



Of the solitary bees a very common black species is Anthophora 



"\^.:/ 



12. — Bombus Pratorum. 



acervoruni, w^hich is usually found in abundance in the spring in the 

 neighbourhood of banks and cliffs. 



The violet Carpenter Bee {Xylocopa violacea), which chiefly 

 inhabits the south of Europe, is a very pretty insect with violet- 

 coloured wings. 



The Mason Bee (Chancodo7na jniiraria) builds its nest, com- 

 posed of fine grains of sand, very firmly united by a salivary 



This 



13-— -Xylocopa Violacea. 



secretion, upon the surface of walls and similar situations, 

 species has hitherto not been met with in this country. 



The Horned Bee {Osmia biconiis) is remarkable for the female 

 having two little horns projecting from the front of her head. 

 This insect usually burrows in sandy banks and cUffs. Another 

 allied species {Osmia hirta) burrows in wood, whilst two others 

 {Osmia bicolor and atiriilenta) select ready-made nests in the 

 shells of the common snails {Helix Jwrknsis and H, nemoralis), 



