CHAPTER III 



HERMIT HOMES 



Methods of formation of homes constitute remarkable phase of 

 habits and economy of insects A home necessary by reason 

 of nature of life of insects Habitations of solitary insects 

 for their young Solitary bees Solitary wasps Galls 

 Habitations of solitary larvae for own use Homes of solitary 

 architects being perfect insects for own use and also for 

 that of their young Trap-door and other spiders, 



OF all the phases of the habits and economy of the 

 insect world, none present more remarkable pecu- 

 liarities, and are calculated to arouse deeper feelings 

 of interest and appreciation, than the methods that 

 these little beings employ to provide themselves with 

 homes. We regard with admiration the architecture 

 of the nests of various birds, we yield the palm to the 

 villages of the beaver among the structures of quad- 

 rupeds, but for the acme of indefatigable industry, 

 perseverance, and ingenuity, we must look to the 

 habitations of the tiny insects. The very nature of 

 an insect's life renders a home more absolutely neces- 

 sary to it than to almost any other creature. During 

 all its immaturity, to leave its perfect stage entirely 



