INSECTS' 



With the exception of the Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) the 

 Coleoptera (Beetles) and a few of the Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, etc.) 

 the insects of Northamptonshire appear to be almost entirely unknown, 

 and all efforts to obtain lists of the Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, 

 etc.), the Neuroptera (Dragonflies, Caddis flies), the Diptera (Flies) and the 

 Hemiptera (Bugs) have been unsuccessful. Probably the chief reason for 

 the comparative neglect of Northamptonshire by entomologists ^ is that 

 its natural conditions are far less varied than those of some other midland 

 counties, or of many of the southern, eastern, western and northern 

 counties. An inland county without any very important range of hills 

 or mountains, and no extensive tracts of moor or fenland may not 

 produce a great variety of species. Apart from the still remaining 

 fragments of the ancient forests of Salcey, Whittlebury and Rockingham, 

 and its other numerous and extensive woods,' Northamptonshire consists 

 mainly of pasture and arable land, and with the exception of sylvan 

 species — in which the county ought to be rich — its insect-fauna (the 

 butterflies and moths excepted) is probably less interesting than that of 

 counties whose physical conditions are more varied. 



Only a few species of Hymenoptera have been recorded from the 

 county, and the lists of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera* which have been 

 received are very incomplete. 



HYMENOPTERA' 



ACULEATA 



{Bees, Wasps, etc.) 



The following species have been recorded from the county by Mr. 

 George B. Dixon, F.E.S. : — 



Gorytes mystaceus, L. Vespa germanica, Fab. 



Vespa crabro, L. — rufa, L. 



— vulgaris, L. Andrena albicans, Kirb. 



1 The sequence of the orders here followed is that adopted by Dr. D. Sharp, F.R.S., in the 

 Cambridge Natural History, vols, v., vi., 1895-99. 



2 I desire to record my thanks for assistance received, to the Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., F.L.S., 

 Captain J. A. W. Vipan, the Hon. Charles Rothschild, F.Z.S., Messrs. Edward Saunders, F.L.S., Frank 

 Bouskell, F.E.S., W. Edwards, T. H. Briggs, M.A., F.E.S., Eustace Bankes, M.A., F.E.S., G. Claridge 

 Druce, M.A., F.L.S., Eustace F. Wallis, G. B. Dixon, F.E.S., H. N. Dixon, M.A., F.L.S., William 

 Hull, F. Bostock, and W. J. Kaye, F.E.S.— H. G. 



3 There are still upwards of 28,000 acres of forest and other woodlands in Northamptonshire, but 

 about three-fifths of the entire acreage of the county consist of permanent pasture. 



* Except as to the butterflies and larger moths. 



6 Mr. E. Saunders has kindly revised this list and furnished the authors' names. — H. G. 



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