424 INSECTS ABROAD. 



Next comes a small group of Hymenoptera called Scoliidse. 



These insects are chiefly found in the hottest parts of the world, 

 and the warmer the temperature the more plentiful are the 

 Scoliidas. In some of the genera which belong to this group, 

 the females are without wings, like those of the Mutillas which 

 have just been described. Two examples of the typical genus 

 will be briefly described. 



The first of these insects is called Scolia fiavifrons, and in- 

 habits the warmer parts of Europe. Its colour is black, diversified 

 with four bold yellow patches on the abdomen. The front of 

 the head is also yellow — a fact which has gained for the insect 

 the specific name of fiavifrons, i.e. having a yellow forehead. 



As the habits of this species are very well known, they will 

 be described as an example of the entire genus. 



Fi<; 215.- Scolia fiavifrons. 

 (niack ami yellow.) 



When the female is about to prepare for a future brood, she 

 begins by seeking some dry, sandy spot, and there diguing a hole 

 which is of considerable d^pth. There is one species, ScoUa 

 Mcincta, which makes a hole at least eighteen inches deep. The 

 hole being dug, the Scolia goes off in search of prey, and soon 

 returns with a large larva, mostly that of a lamellicorn beetle. 

 This she places at tic bottom of the hole, and then lays an i 

 close to it. 



The egg is soon hatched, and the young larva at once begins 

 to devour the beetle-grub which has been placed there as find. 

 The grub is always large enough to last the Scolia larva through- 

 out its first stage of existence. When the larva has eaten the 

 whole of its food, it prepares for its oexl change by spinning an 



