52G Mr. G. A. K. M:ii>,hall on 



Cctoniidiv Tn'inodcra atenima (fig. 22). 



(Ej)icauta pectoialis (fig. 23) ; E. siib- 

 coriacea (fig. 24). 

 E. c.i'lcstina (fig. 25); Lytta mcesta 

 (fig. 27). 

 (Asilklx Laparus sp. (fig. 20) ; L. ? tabidus (fig. 



(ri. XXI) 21). 



Bo/tibi/Iidie Exoprosopa uiabrosa (PI. XX, fig. 22). 

 UiriEKA ^ Tahanidx Tabauus ? biguttatus (PI. XX, fig. 24). 



Tackinidea Orectocera (Para])liaiiia) diabolus (PI. 

 XX, figs. 21, 23). 

 Hemipteka f RcdiuHidiv I R^-*^'iviu.s sp. (fig. 2(3) ; Harpactor tristis 



(Pi. XX) I \ (hg- '^'■)- 



Lepidopteka ZyijeenidcC Tascia lioiiiochroa (PI. XX, fig. 25). 



Among the Mashoualand Hymenoptera the most 

 dominant and conspicuous group is certainly that Avhich 

 comprises the species having a generally black coloration 

 with more or less metallic purple wings ; for not only is 

 the number of component species a large one, but the 

 individuals are likewise very numerous, since the group 

 contains many of our commonest large Aculeates, such as 

 Eiimcncs tindor, Sa/ius vmdex, Scotia cyctnea, etc. All of 

 the species of this large group, which are figured in Plates 

 XX and XXI, commonly visit flowers, and owing to the 

 numbers in which they often occur, and their close inter- 

 resemblance, it is very difficult for one who is not an expert 

 to distinguish the species witiiout examining them in the 

 net. The Scolias are the heaviest ami slowest flying species 

 of the group, though the largest Pompilids run them close 

 in this respect, being very conspicuous both on the wing and 

 when settled, and it seems probable that these two types 

 constitute the nucleus of the mimetic group towards whicli 

 the other genera have converged. Moreover, several of 

 the large species of Salius {Mygnimia) advertise their 

 ofteusive qualities by their loud, rattling flight, which can 

 be heard at a considerable distance. This is specially 

 noticeable in >S^. vindcx, which sounds as though it were 

 going by clockwork, the noise often attracting one's atten- 

 tion Avhen the insect is flying high above the trees. 

 Among the other species the Euiiuncs also fly somewhat 

 leisurely, and are not readily disturbed wlien feeding. 

 But the species of Hphcx and Tachi/ics are very active, 

 restless insects with a swift, dodging flight. Of the Cole- 

 optera coming into this group, Tryinodcra aterrima is the 

 oidy flower-feeding species, occurring chiefly on /Vo/'w, the 

 flowers of which are much frequented by Hymeuuptera. 



