4 io OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS AND VERMES. 



of Carniola. Their motions are very peculiar, up and down for 

 many yards almost in a perpendicular line. WHITE. 



I once saw a swarm of these insects playing up and down over 

 the surface of a pond in Demi Park, exactly in the manner described 

 by this accurate naturalist. It was late in the evening of a warm 

 summer's day when I observed them. MARKWICK. 



SPHYNX OCELLATA. 



A vast insect appears after it is dusk, flying with a humming 

 noise, and inserting its tongue into the bloom of the honeysuckle ; 

 it scarcely settles upon the plants, but feeds on the wing in the 

 manner of humming birds. WHITE. 



I have frequently seen the large bee moth, Sphinx steUatannn , 

 inserting its long tongue or proboscis into the centre of flowe/s, 

 and feeding on their nectar, without settling on them, but keeping 

 constantly on the wing. MARKWICK; 



WILD BEE. 



There is a sort of wild bee frequenting the garden campion for 

 the sake of its tomentum, which probably it turns to some purpose 

 in the business of nidification. It is very pleasant to see with what 

 address it strips off the pubes, running from the top to the bottom 

 of a branch, and shaving it bare with all the dexterity of a hoop- 

 shaver. When it has got a vast bundle, almost as large as itself, 

 it flies away, holding it secure between its chin and its fore legs. 



