98 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
of certain Arachnida; a few are hyperparasitic, that is, are them- 
selves parasitic on other hymenopterous parasites. In the case 
of hexapod larve the parasites feed on the fatty tissues of the 
victim, and continue so to do till its eventual exhaustion, which 
in many instances is not until the penultimate or pupa state has 
been assumed, though some parasites have been reared without 
the host’s destruction. Many species are solitary, others 
eregarious; that is, several examples prey on the same host. 
The larvee of many genera spin cocoons, mostly within the puparia 
of their victims. Giraud, Perris, Walsh, Walker, &c., have held 
that the larve of certain Chalcidide, belonging to the family 
Eurytomide, were partially or wholly herbivorous; but this is 
very doubtful, and contrary to analogy; so Dr. Giraud’s assertion, 
that the larva of Pimpla graninellé is only carnivorous in early 
life and herbivorous for the rest of its existence, greatly needs 
further confirmation; but see Mr. Cameron’s note in Ent. Mo. 
Mag. xii. 200. The economy of the Ichneumonide is very 
varied, and will be referred to in more detail later on; however, 
where practicable, it is recommended that the vast amount of 
information and the excellent plates, especially the life-history 
plate ix., of Ratzeburg’s ‘ Die Ichneumonen,’ be consulted, more 
especially his twelve Krankengeschichten in the third volume. 
Ichneumon imagos are to be found almost everywhere ; they 
are mostly lethargic in their habits, and are easily captured when 
running and skipping amongst low herbage or on the leaves of 
trees. A few species are attracted by flowers, especially the 
Umbellifere ; and another fruitful source is the sifting and 
examination of moss and débris; this means of collecting is 
especially productive of the wingless Pezomachi, and other small 
Cryptide. Most species are diurnal in their habits, but a few, 
such as some of the Ophionide, are frequent visitors both to light 
and sugar. Many species hybernate as imagos. Bred species are 
known to the student of every order, and we can only express a 
hope that their preservation was more general. 
Our British list contains some of the most beautiful species. 
The arrangements in black, red, and yellow, amongst the 
Ichneumonide and Cryptide, are most varied. The testaceous 
Tryphonide and Ophionide are often very beautiful and delicate. 
While the black Pimplide, although generally with a very sombre 
dark look, comprise some of our largest and most beautiful 
