102 NYSSONIDA: 
+4 Much doubt has hitherto existed as to the distinction 
of this from the preceding species. Latreille thinks they are 
the same, which either shows the confusion of the descrip- 
tions or else his inability to detect specific differences, for 
they are exceedingly distinct although very like. The 
most prominent difference is the comparative length of the 
antennz. This species also is much more compact than the 
preceding, and the antenne of the ¢ are shorter than those 
of the ¢, exclusive of the minuter differences of colour. 
In habit it links the JV. spinosus with the trimaculatus, and. 
I consequently place it between them. Its name is likewise 
inappropriate, as the bands of the abdomen are more fre- 
quently continuous than interrupted. I have found it very 
common at Highgate; and from not taking it with its prey 
I am induced to consider it may be parasitic, and perhaps 
upon a species of Odynerus. The ¢ I have taken entering 
holes in the sand, and the ¢ flying in hedges. 
Sp. 3. TRImAcULATUS. Rossi. 
ater, abdomine utrinque maculis tribus flavis. 
length 3—4 lines. 
V. d. Lind. pt. 2. 30. 2. 
Crabro trimaculutus. Rossi, 2. 95. 892. 
Nysson maculatus. Illiger, 2. 156. 892. 
nigripes. Spinola, 2. 45. 36. 
interruptus, var. Oliv. Ency. Méth. 8. 408. 2. 
Atrous: head coarsely punctured, pubescent ; antennz black, 
a little longer than the head ;_ the face with a slight silvery down; 
apex of the mandibles red. 
Thorax very coarsely punctured, pubescent; the collar, 
tubercles, a short transverse line at the scutellum, yellow; the 
base of the metathorax longitudinally striate ; the under part of 
the mesothorax, and the superior surface of the lateral spines of 
the metathorax, covered with a dense silvery down; the tegule 
black ; wings hyaline, the exterior margin coloured, the nervures 
