IX. AMMOPHILA. VE 
+4} This is a very common species, and found, I believe, 
in all sandy districts. I have observed the 9 dragging a 
very large inflated spider up the nearly perpendicular side of 
a sand bank, at least twenty feet high; it met with similar 
mischances to those mentioned in the observations upon 
the genus, but it dragged its prey backwards and solely by 
the mandibles, and its object in quitting it seemed to be to 
ascertain if it was still in the right tract, for it invariably 
flew forward to the burrow formed for its deposit. It was 
so intent upon its labour, that it allowed me to watch it 
very closely, and I respected its perseverance ; for, although 
a magnificent specimen, I sacrificed my Entomological 
cupidity to my admiration of its wonderful instinct and 
industry. The 9, whilst forming her burrow, makes a 
loud whirring buzz: this circumstance I was first led to 
observe by the Rev. G. T. Rudd, who pointed the insect 
out to me in the act; and I have since found that it con- 
tinues this sound in its flight if disturbed, whereas it wings 
its way noiselessly at other times. It is extremely elegant 
in its motions, giving them a very graceful undulation and 
lightness. 
(b) The petiole of the abdomen being merely an abrupt 
contraction of the base of the first segment. 
Sp. 2. uirsuta. Scop. 
hirsuta, nigra, metathorace rugoso, abdomine antice rufo. 
length 62—10 lines. 
Kirby, Lin. Trans. 4.195. 4; Samonelle, Comp. Pl. 8. f.5; V.d. Lind. 
pt. 1. 89. 
Sphex hirsuta. Scopoli, Ent. Carn. 772; Villers, 3. 223. 70. 
arenaria. Fab. Mant. 1.273.2; E.S.2.199.2; Villers, 3.225. 
16; Rossi, 2.92. 809; Panz.65. 13. 
viatica. De Geer, 2. 152. Pl. 28. f. 16; Lat. Hist. 13. 293. 2. 
Pepsis arenaria. Illig. F. KE. 2. 92. 809. 
