ENEMIES OF BEES. 231 



bees are at rest, and hover around the hive, till, having 

 found the door, they go in and lay their eggs." " If the 

 approach to the Apiary," says Bevan, " be observed of 

 a moonlight evening, the moths will be found flying or 

 running round the hives, watching an opportunity to en- 

 ter, 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 moving 

 them to the right and left alternately. Woe to the un- 

 fortunate moth that comes within their reach !" " It is 

 curious," says Huber, " to observe how artfully the moth 

 knows how to profit by the disadvantage of the bees, 

 which require much light for seeing objects, and the pre- 

 cautions taken by the latter in reconnoitering and expel- 

 ling so dangerous an enemy." 



" Those that are prevented from getting within the 

 hive, lay their eggs in cracks on the outside ; and the little 

 worm-like caterpillars hatched therefrom, easily creep into 

 the hive through the cracks, or gnaw a passage for them- 

 selves under the edges, of it."* DR. HARRIS. 



" As soon as hatched, the worm encloses itself in a case 

 of white silk, which it spins around its body ; at first it is 

 like a mere thread, but gradually increases in size, and, 

 dui-ing its growth, feeds upon the cells around it, for 

 which purpose it has only to put forth its head, and find 

 its wants supplied. It devours its food with great avidity, 

 and, consequently, increases so much in bulk, that its gal- 

 lery soon becomes too short and narrow, and the creature 

 is obliged to thrust itself forward and lengthen the gal- 

 lery, as well to obtain more room as to procure an addi- 



* If movable bottom-boards are used, It will be next to Impossible to prevent 

 the moth from laying her eggs between them and the edges of the hives. The 

 smallest opening will enable her to thrust in her ovipositor, and place her eggs 

 where her progeny will find an easy admission to the hive. 



