46 THE BEES WITH BIFID TONGUES 



may be the work of Prosopis, but there are 

 other bees and fossors which also burrow in 

 this way. So the stems should be brought home 

 and opened. Then the Prosopis cells may be 

 known by the fine membranous pellicle which 

 surrounds them, but possibly even then a little 

 jewel-bee cuckoo may be found in possession 

 of the cell, instead of the rightful owner. When 

 these little bees emerge they are generally to be 

 found oh wild mignonette, bramble flowers or 

 those of the wild parsley tribe. Some are very 

 common, others of great rarity. The males 

 of this genus seem to have a peculiar tendency 

 to develop eccentricities in the shape of the 

 first joint of the antennae, or feelers, some having 

 it expanded and concave, others rounded but 

 thickened towards the apex ; in only one British 

 species, P. cornuta, does the female show any 

 special peculiarity of form, but in this the face 

 is produced on each side between the eyes into 

 a distinct horn-shaped process. In the females 

 there is scarcely any indication of pollen brush, 

 and for this reason they used to be considered 

 as possessors of cuckoo instincts, but there is 

 now no doubt of their industrious habits ; but 



