256 



V. media, Lat., intermediate as to size between the two pre- 

 ceding' ones ; constructs a similar nest, but attaches it to the 

 branches of trees. 



V. holicitica. Fab. This species constructs a very singularly 

 formed nest. It is almost globular, open at top, and inclosed 

 inferiorly in a kind of saucer. It is sometimes observed in 

 barns, or attached to the timbers in garrets, &c., and even in 

 hives*. 



FAMILY IV. 



ANTHOPHILA, Lat. 



The fourth and last family of the Aculeata, in the faculty of col- 

 lecting the pollen of flowersf, usually possessed by the two posterior 

 legs, presents a peculiar character which distinguishes it from all 

 other families of Insects. The first joint of the tarsi of those legs is 

 very large, strongly compressed, and forms a square palette or a 

 reversed triangle. 



The maxillae and lips are must connnonly very long, and compose 

 a sort of proboscis. The ligula is most frequently shaped like the 

 head of a lance, or resembles a very long thread, the extremity of 

 which is downy or hairy. The larvue feed exclusively on honey and 

 the pollen or fecundating dust of flowers. The perfect Insect feeds 

 on the honey of the latter only. 



These Hymenoptera embrace the genus 



Apis, Lin., 



Which I will divide into two sections. 



In the first, or that of the Andrenet^, Lat., the intermediate di- 

 vision of the ligula is cordiform or lanceolate, shorter than its sheath, 

 and bent underneath in some, and almost straight in others. It is 

 composed of the genus Pro-abeilles, Reaumur and De Geer, or the 

 Andren.e, Fab., and the Melitks of Kirby.]:. 



These Insects live solitarily, and consist of but two kinds of indi- 

 viduals, males and females. Their mandibles are simple, or at most 

 are terminated by two dentations ; the labial palpi resemble the others, 

 which always have six joints. The ligula is divided into three pieces, 

 the two lateral of which are very short, and in the form of auricles. 

 Most of tlie females collect the pollen of flowers with the hairs of 

 their posterior legs, and with the aid of a little honey form it into a 

 paste (bee-bread), -with which they feed their larvse. They excavate 

 deep holes, and frequently in hard ground, along the borders of roads, 



* Lat., Ann. du Mus. d'Hist, Nat. 



■y The parasitical species are not possessed of this faculty, but the form of their 

 legs is essentially the same. They are merely destitute of hairs or brushes. 

 X Monographia Apum Anglise, a work that has immortalized its author. 



