ORDER HYiMENOPTERA. 



17 



ages of the world's history have spent their whole lifetime in the 

 elucidation of its economy. 



In southern Europe, notably in Italy, a much brighter-coloured 

 and finer insect is found, distinguished especially by having yellow 



Fig. 9. — Apis Mellifica (Drone). 



transverse bands on the abdomen. This bee was long supposed 

 to be a distinct species, and was described under the name of 

 Apis ligusfica, but it is now regarded as merely a variety. This 

 bee has been introduced into all the northern parts of Europe. 



Fig. 10.— Apis Mellifica (Worker). 



Several species of Humble Bees are very common in this 

 country. One of the best known is the Bombus terrestris, the 

 large females of which may attain a length of nearly an inch. 

 This is a large black insect with the extremity yellow. 



Fig. II. — Melipona Anthidioidcs (Mag.) 



In another rather smaller species, Bombus luconan, the ex- 

 tremity of the abdomen is white. Both these species are sub- 

 terranean bees, forming their nests in banks, etc. 



