013 HYMENOPTERA. 



place of deposit for the eggs. The grub-like larvae burrow in 

 the green solid matter of trees and eat the wood. 



The ICHNEUMON-FLIES, Ichneumonidce, (Gr. ichneumon,) have 

 narrow bodies and rather long antenna); the feet are long and 

 adapted for running, and the ovipositor is straight. These insects 

 fly and move about in a restless manner, keeping their antennae 

 in a constant vibratory motion. They perform a useful part in 

 preventing an undue multiplication of Moths and Butterflies, 

 upon the larvae of which these flies deposit their eggs, but through 

 so small an opening as not to check the growth of the larvae. 

 When the larva passes into the pupa state, the eggs of the ich 

 neumon hatch, and the progeny feed upon it, so that, in the end, 

 instead of a butterfly, there comes forth a brood of ichneumons. 

 This is a very numerous family, including thousands of species. 



The GALL-FLIES, Cynipidce, (genus Cynips.} are a small family 

 of insects, the larvae of which are parasitic in plants, where they 

 cause the excrescences called galls. 



The family Evaniida, (genus Evania,) includes the AMERI 

 CAN HATCHET WASP, Pelecinus (Lat. a hatchet) politruwtor, 

 (Lat. a furbisher or polisher,) (see Chart,) which is seen by the 

 road sides in the fall of the year, flying slowly, as if borne down 

 by its long and slender abdomen. 



The SNAKE WASPS, Ophidian, (from Gr. ophis, a serpent,) (see 

 Chart,) of which there are several species, have the abdomen 

 three times as long as the thorax, and the antennae nearly the 

 length of the insect, which is about one inch. This wasp is seen 

 late in the summer or the beginning of autumn, hovering over 

 brambles, &c., looking after caterpillars as a place of deposit for 

 its eggs. The genus Evania is parasitic in ship Cockroaches. 



ACULEATA-STINGERS. 



The Spider Wasps, Sphecidce, (genus Sphex, Gr. a wasp,) 

 have an elongated body ; the abdomen is attached by a long, 

 slender peduncle, (see fig. on Chart,) and armed with a sting. 

 These wasps are extremely active and difficult to capture. 

 In the perfect state, they suck the fluids of flowers, but the 

 larvae are furnished with animal food by the adult. 



The WASPS, Vespidce, (genus Vespa, Lat. a wasp,) like the bees, 

 include males, females and workers. Like the bees also, they 

 are social and dwell in small communities, though there are 

 some solitary species, among which no neuters are found. The 

 Wasps and Hornets are natural paper makers, societies of them 



