THE, CHAL CLDIDAS. 193 
The species of a most important family of the AWymenopiera 
have small palpi, the antennz consist of twelve or thirteen joints, 
and the nervure of the wing is simple and bifurcate; they are 
numerous, and the members of them are very common. These 
Chalcidide are small creatures, and attack all sorts of insects, 
and do not even spare the other parasites. 
The species of the genus Chalcis are common, and the indivi- 
duals are larger than those of the other kinds. They may be 
known by the peculiar shape of the antenna, by the enlargement 
in the thighs of the hind legs, and by the prominent ovipositor. 
Chalets minuta, which is very common in some localities, lays its 
eges in the bodies of different kinds of caterpillars, and it is 
THE ADULT FEMALE OF THE ADULT FEMALE OF 
Diplolepis bedeguaris. Chalcis minuta. 
especially fond of the Pyrals, which is so troublesome to the 
vine growers. Nine other species attack this pest also. 
The Dzplolepide have the body magnificently coloured with 
golden green tints, and their ovipositor is very long. The females 
usually seek out the larva of the species of Cyzzps which are en- 
closed in galls. The larve of the rose fungus upon the sweet 
briar are frequently attacked by the insect represented above, and 
a genus of beetles (Azobium) has its members killed and preyed 
upon by a Perilampts. 
A small host of Pteromalide may be seen to issue from the 
body of a chrysalis of a Vanessa; and the tiny Lzlophe, which 
are perfect insect gems, glowing with golden green and bronze 
tints, attack caterpillars, maggots, and the eggs of butterflies and 
moths indiscriminately. 
