( xxxiv ) 



Ferton (1897) records that this species uses all kinds of 

 shells, big and small (Helix vermiculata, H. Corsica, Bulimus 

 [Stenogyra] decollatus, Cerithium provinciate and Trochochlea 

 articulata). He also states (1901) that it sometimes uses shells 

 lying quite in the open on sand. He has not seen the work 

 to the end, but does not believe that it buries the shells — 

 it is not big enough ! It, and versicolor too, often put many 

 eggs into one shell, each in a separate enclosure. There may 

 be as many as seven in one shell. 



8. Osmia fertoni, Per. Ferton (1891) records that this species 

 chooses a shell of Helix acompsiella, or Helix pisana, lying 

 often quite in the open and mouth upwards, and builds in it 

 two or three mud cells, afterwards plugging up the opening 

 (with or without an empty chamber left below the plug) 

 by a plate about 2 mm. thick, also made of hardened mud, so 

 that in spite of the position of the shell water cannot lie on it 

 to any depth. Then it leaves it to its fate, and the night-dews 

 merely re-moisten the mud and close any cracks, etc., that the 

 sun has made in it by day. 



9. Osmia fossoria, Per. Ferton (1901) records that this 

 species nidificates in shells of Helix pisana var. minor and 

 afterwards digs a hole in the sand and buries the shell in it. 

 It digs slowly and with difficulty, carrying out the sand an 

 armful at a time, held between its chin and its fore-legs. Then 

 it rolls the shell " like a barrel " to the hole, tumbles it in, and 

 covers it up a centimetre to a centimetre and a half deep. 

 It fills the hole nearly to the brim with sand, but takes no 

 trouble to conceal it further. (" Les blocs eboules sont 

 laisses tels quels ; pas de coup de rateau, pas d'apport des 

 materiaux, brins de paille ou autres," etc.) 



It digs unskilfully (Ferton suggests that it has only learnt 

 this work recently. No other Osmias are " Fossors ") ; but 

 it does the rolling-job magnificently, sometimes removing 

 the shell over many obstacles to a suitable place 15 centimetres 

 or more away, where the sand is free from roots, etc. It 

 stands on its head against the shell and pushes it along with 

 its front and middle legs. 



10. Osmia ligulicornis, Friese (Jaffa, E. Mediterranean : 

 Apr, 22, 1909). " Using small shells on the sea-shore at 



