61 
have reared T, punctata from larvae attacking Ligyrus gibbosus and 
Anomala grubs, and have found Cyclocephala grubs bearing eggs of two 
species (probably T. punctata and T. inornata) in the field, these being 
however, exceptional cases. The female Tiphia stings if given oppor- 
tunity, but the sting causes only a momentary itching, differing in this 
respect from that of the female Elis, which is sometimes quite painful. 
The species of Tiphia under discussion look very much alike, and a 
brief general account of their appearance is sufficient here. Indeed the 
Fic. 1. Tiphia transversa Say, female. 
taxonomy of this group has never been satisfactorily worked out, which 
fact accounts for much of the confusion in literature. They are entirely 
shining black with grayish hairs on the head, thorax, abdomen, and legs; 
the abdomen is very noticeably constricted between the first and second 
segments (Fig. 1) ; and the wings vary from transparent to brown, more 
or less deeply tinged. The males average about one-half inch in length 
and are more slender than the females, which average about three-fourths 
