14 HANDBOOK OF ANTS, BEES, ETC. 



independently of weapons of defence. Many families, however, 

 do not possess stings. 



Many of the Hymenoptera feed on plants, and trees, but probably 

 the greater number are parasitic on other insects. 



This order includes the bees, wasps, ants, saw flies, gall flies, 

 ichneumon flies, and many other familiar insects. 



Fig. 6. — Pimpla Turionellae (Mag. 



The following will show the principal characteristics of each 

 group into which the order has been divided. 



Tribe i, Aculeata. — Generally social insects, consisting of 

 males, females, and neuters. Ovipositor modified into 

 a sting. LarvcB, footless grubs. 



Tribe 2, Entomophaga. — Mostly parasitic on the eggs and 

 larvae of other insects. Ovipositor used as a borer. 

 Larvce^ footless grubs. 



Tribe 3, Fhytophaga. — Principally vegetable feeders. Ovi- 

 positor used as a borer. Larvce having six or more legs. 



TABULAR VIEW 



OF THE 



PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF THE HYMENOPTERA. 



Tribe I. Aculeata. 



Section i. Anthophila. 



Family i. Aphidse or Honey Bees. 



, , 2. Andrenidse or Burrowing Bees. 



