196 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 
and Kirby and Spence state that it selects the smaller flies, including 
the troublesome Stomoxys calcitrans. (Introd. to Ent. vol.i. p. 263.) 
Panzer, however, records its preying upon an Aphis. I regard Réau- 
mur’s figures 13—17. pl. 26. tom. vi. as representing this species; its 
cells being filled with Dipterous ‘‘ mouches,” its fore wings not being 
folded, and its abdomen peduncled. In Jnsect Architecture (p. 53.) 
the cocoon of this insect, copied from Réaumur, is stated to be that 
of “a carpenter wasp, composed of sawdust and wings of insects ;” 
but incorrectly, Réaumur expressly stating that its cells were found 
in the sand (tom. vi. p. 269.). 
Gorytes Zaér. is another genus, comprising species varying consi- 
derably inter se, in respect to the armature of the legs, whence St. 
Fargeau has divided them into numerous genera, as in Crabro. The 
more recent observation, however, in this country, of the habits of 
some of the species, supposed to be parasites, in consequence of the 
absence of cilia, or spines, is sufficient to prove the impropriety of 
such a step. In June, 1837, I observed the female of G. mystaceus 
engaged in protruding her legs and sting into a patch of the frothy 
secretion caused by the larva of Aphrophora spumaria, without, how- 
ever, being able to dislodge the occupant. Subsequently I saw it 
similarly occupied with a drop of water, evidently mistaken for the 
froth: it then tried another patch of the froth, but unsuccessfully ; 
but I shortly afterwards observed it with a larva of this insect, which 
it carried beneath its body by the help of its middle legs. Mr. 
Shuckard has also captured it, as well as his G. Fargeii (G. campestris 
St. Farg.), with a similar prey. 
The species of the genus Psen (P. ater Fab.), according to Mr. 
Shuckard, nidificate in sand ; whereas those of his genus Mimesa (P. 
equestris and bicolor) appear to be wood burrowers, and provision 
their cells with the larve of different species of Homopterous insects. 
Psen atratum has been observed by Mr. Kennedy to make its cells 

spite of its struggling; but I much doubt if the Mellinus had at that time even 
deposited its eggs. M. Du Hamel also was of opinion, that the females of the insect 
figured by Réawmur, tom. vi. pl. 26. fig. 16. (which I regard as a Mellinus) fed their 
young daily with flies (Mém. tom. vi. p. 269.) ; but Réaumur gives no assent to such 
observations. Latreille indeed says ( Hist. Nat. Ins. tom. xiii. p.313.), “ C’est surtout 
des mouches que la femelles donnent a leurs petits,” but the preceding paragraph 
proves that they are deposited with the eggs. 
