HYMENOPTERA 



CHAP. 



spiders. The species is said to be protected by a peculiar odour 

 as well as by its sting ; it is also stated that it disguises its 

 edifice when completed by making it look like a dab of mud, 

 and on one occasion " rays of mud were observed round the nest, 

 even more exactly imitating a lump of mud thrown with some 

 force." P. (Sceliphroti) bilineatus, formerly thought to be a variety 

 of P. madraspatanus, builds its nests in hedges and trees. 



Sub-Fam. 2. Ampulicides. Prothorax long and narrow, forming 

 a neck in front ; cli/peus beak-like ; four submarginal cells, 

 the outer one being complete; metathorax elongate, the pos- 

 terior part of the metasternum deeply divided to allow a, 

 perfect inflection of t/ie abdomen. 



This is one of the smallest of the divisions of the Sphegidae, 

 but has a very wide distribution, being represented in both 

 the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. It is allied to the 

 Sphegides, but differs by the prolongation of the neck and of the 

 head, and by the articulation between the petiole and thorax 

 being placed on the under surface of the body ; the wing- 

 nervures are said to be of inferior importance owing to their 



frequently differing in indi- 

 viduals of the same species. 

 These Insects appear to be 

 rare in individuals, as well as 

 few in species, and but little 

 has been recorded as to their 

 habits ; but it is known that 

 they live on cockroaches. Per- 

 kins has given a brief sketch 

 of the habits of Ampidex sibi- 

 rica that is of great interest, 

 but requires confirmation. He 

 says that this Insect, in West 

 Africa, enters apartments where 

 cockroaches abound, and attack- 

 ing one, that may probably be 

 Male. four times its own size, suc- 

 ceeds, after a struggle, in sting- 

 ing it ; the cockroach instantly becomes quiet and submissive, and 

 suffers itself to be led away and placed in confinement in some 



FIG. 44. Ampulex compressa. 

 East India. 



