358 



Insect Architecture. 



of pale-brown substance, almost identical with the paper 

 with which our British wasps make their nests. It is, 

 however, very much stronger and very much thinner, and 

 is very close in texture, so that it effectually excludes rain. 



Netts of Polybia. 



[The right-hand figure shows a nest also brought from 

 Brazil. It has no neck, the opening being a mere hole 

 beneath. The name Polybia is derived from two Greek 

 words signifying that many insects live together, and has 

 been given to the genus on account of the social habits of 

 its members. 



[Our next illustration contains some very remarkable 

 nests. 



[The large central nest is the cocoon of a moth be- 

 longing to the genus Oiketicus, or Housebuilder. There 

 are many species of Housebuilder moths, and all are re- 



