416 INSF.CTA. 



branous, either widened at its extremity, or long and filiform, having the 

 pharynx at its anterior base, and being frequently covered by a sort of sub- 

 labrum or epipharynx. They have four palpi ; two maxillary and two labial. 

 The thorax consists of three united segments, of which the anterior is very 

 short and the two last are confounded in one. The wings are laid horizontally 

 on the body. The abdomen is most commonly suspended by a little thread 

 or pedicle to the posterior extremity of the thorax. The tarsi consist of five 

 entire joints, none of them being divided. The ovipositor and sting are 

 generally composed of three long and slender pieces, two of which serve as a 

 sheath to the third in those which are provided with an ovipositor, and one 

 alone, the superior, has a groove underneath for lodging the two others. In 

 those where this ovipositor is transformed into a sting, this offensive weapon 

 and the oviduct are serrated at the extremity. 



The Hymenoptera undergo a complete metamorphosis. Most of their larva? 

 resemble worms and are destitute of feet ; such, for instance, are those of our 

 second and following families. Those of the first have six hooked feet, and 

 frequently from twelve to sixteen others that are simply membranous. These 

 latter have been named pseudo-caterpillars. Both kinds have a squamous head 

 provided wi;h mandibles, maxilla?, and a lip ; at the extremity of the latter is 

 a fusus for the transmission of the silky material that is to be employed in 

 constructing the cocoon of the nymph. 



Some feed on vegetable substances, while others, always destitute of feet, 

 devour the carcasses of insects, together with their larva?, nymphs, and even 

 eggs. 



To remedy their want of locomotive powers, the mother furnishes them 

 with provisions, sometimes by transporting aliment into the nests she has 

 prepared for them, which are frequently constructed with so much art as to 

 excite our wonder and surprise, and sometimes by depositing her eggs in the 

 body of the larvte and nymphs of insects, on which her progeny are to feed. 



Other larva: of Hymenoptera, also destitute of feet, require more elaborated 

 and frequently renewed supplies of aliment, both vegetable and animal. These 

 are reared in common by neuters forming communities, of which they have 

 the sole care ; their labours and mode of life will always continue to excite our 

 admiration and astonishment. 



Almost all Hymenopterous insects, in their perfect state, live on flowers, and 

 are usually most abundant in southern climates. Their period of life, from 

 their birth to their ultimate metamorphosis, is limited to a year. 



I will divide this order into two sections. 



The first, or that of the TEREBHANTIA, is characterised by the presence of 

 an ovipositor in the females. 



I divide this section into two great families. 



