526 Mr. G. A. K. Marsluill 07i 



COLEOPTEKA 

 (PI. XXI) 



CctoiiiiiUv Trymodera atenima (fi;^. 22). 



(Ejiicauta pectoialis (tig. 23) ; E. sub- 

 coriacea (fig. 24). 

 L. ca'lestina (hg. 25) ; Lytta mresta 

 (fig. 27). 



iAsilMee, Laparus sp. (fig. 20) ; L. 1 tabidiis (fig. 



(PI. XXI) 21). 



DiiTPPA -- ■Bombyli.dic E.xoprosopa iimbrosa (PI. XX, fig. 22). 



Tabanidic Tabauus ''biguttatus (PI. XX, fig. 24). 



Tac'ihiidx Orectocera (Paraphania) diabolus (Pi. 

 XX, figs. 21, 23). 



Hemiptera ( Rrduviidx ^ Eeduvius sp. (fig. 26) ; Harpactor tristis 

 (PL XX) I ^ I (fig- 27). 



Lepidopteua Zi/iicenidic Tascia homochroa (Pi. XX, fig. 25). 



Among the Mashonaland Hymenoptera the most 

 dominant and conspicuous group is certainly that which 

 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, sucli as 

 Hmnenes tindor, Satins vindex, Scolia cyanca, etc. All of 

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

 XX and XXI, comuKmly visit tlovvers, 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 without examining them in the 

 net. The Scolias are the heaviest and 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 which 

 the other cfenera have converijed. Moreover, several of 

 the large species of Saliiis {Mygnvmia) advertise their 

 offensive qualities by their loud, rattling flight, which can 

 be heard at a considerable distance. This is specially 

 noticeable in S. vindex, which sounds as though it were 

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

 tion when the insect is flying high above the trees. 

 Among the other species the Etiinenes also fly somewhat 

 leisurely, and are not readily disturbed when feeding. 

 But the species of Sphcx and Taclujtcs are very active, 

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

 optera coming into this group, Trymodcra atcrrima is the 

 only flower-feeding species, occurring chiefly on Protea, ihe 

 flowers of which are much frequented by Hymenoptera. 



