XXVIII. MELLINUS. 205 
of the fourth segment, frequently very small, and rarely en- 
tirely wanting, a narrow central transverse abbreviated line on 
the fifth segment, generally wanting, and an abbreviated trans~ 
verse irregular spot at the centre of the base of the sixth seg- 
ment, always present, the margins of the fifth and sixth seg- 
ments and the apex of the terminal one piceous ¢. 
é 9 in most Collections. 
¢4+ I have been induced to give a minute description of 
all the variations of markings in both sexes of this insect, 
in consequence of their having been separated into distinct 
species in many cabinets; but as I possess a long series 
which are so closely linked together as not even to admit 
of a subdivision into varieties, I have considered them as 
but a varying species without constant varieties. It is very 
common in sandy districts, where I have found it to prey 
upon the Diptera, especially the Muscide ; but Panzer 
took it preying upon an Aphis. 
Sp. 2. sapunosus. Fab. 
niger, abdomine maculis quatuor fascidque posticd flavis, pe- 
dibus ferrugineis. 
length 33—6 lines. 
Fab. E. 8. 2. 286. 2; Piez. 297.2; V.d. Lind. pt. 2. 87. 3. 
Crabro sabulosus. Fab. M.1.296.17; Oliv. Ency. Méth.6.515.19. @. 
petiolatus. Panz. F. G. 46. ¥2. 9. 
frontalis. Panz. F. G. 46.11. g. 
Mellinus ruficornis. Fab. E. S. 2. 286.3; Piez. 298.3; Panz. 77. 
17; Latr. H. N.13.519.4; Dumeril, Consid. sur les Ins. pt. 31. 
fig. 4. 9. 
The head black, punctured; the antennz ferruginous; the 
inner orbits of the eyes, and a spot on each side of the clypeus, 
yellow; mandibles rufescent. 
The thorax black, punctured; the metathorax with a horse- 
shoe shaped smooth space at its base, punctured posteriorly ; 
