ENEMIES OF BEES. 199 



CHAPTER XXV. 



ENEMIES OF BEES. 



AMONG the enemies of bees are enumerated va- 

 rious kinds of birds, poultry, mice, wax-moths, 

 slugs, hornets, wasps, woodlice, ants, and spiders. 



The most destructive enemies of the bee, in this 

 country, are ivasps, whose superior strength, bold- 

 ness and number, enable them to commit great 

 ravages in a hive. One wasp is supposed to be 

 a match for three bees, and, to filch a belly-full 

 of honey, will oppose a host of bees in a very 

 daring manner. 



The wax-moth (Tinea mellonella) is also a dan- 

 gerous enemy. MR. ESPINASSE says that this is 

 the smallest of the genus, and it is of a whitish 

 brown colour. The butterfly usually appears about 

 weak hives in April, and may be seen till the end 

 of October. This insect is remarkably active in 

 its movements ; and if the approach to the hives 

 be observed of a moonlight evening, the moths 

 will be found flying, or running round the hives, 

 watching an opportunity to enter ; whilst the bees 

 that have to guard the entrances against their 

 intrusion, will be seen acting as vigilant sentinels, 

 performing continual rounds near this important 

 post, extending their antennae to the utmost, and 



