INSECTA, CONTINUED 

 ORDER: HYMENOPTERA 



211 



The hymenoptera (membrane winged), which include the bees, 

 ants, and wasps, represent the most highly specialized type of 

 insect. In structure, instinct, and manner of life they far excel 

 all their relatives. A complete account of the doings of some of 

 the higher forms makes a common fairy tale seem credible by 

 comparison. Huxley said that an ant's " brain " was the most 



/tONr BEE. 



yuva -tmucruitr. 



FIG. 70. Honey Bee Mouth Parts, etc. 



Figs. 1 and 2. Mouth parts. The mouth parts as a whole are fitted for 

 biting, cutting and lapping liquids. 



The labrum is reduced to a small triangular organ, of slight importance except 

 as a guide for the other parts. 



The mandibles (Md.), are powerful, sharp-edged jaws with which wax or 

 leaf material can be cut and worked. 



The maxillse (Mx.), are slender, pointed organs which can also be used for 

 cutting and working in wax. 



The labium is the most highly modified of the mouth parts (La.), and is 



