BRITISH INSECTS 



together on the flat surface of the material. The mud 

 had hardened like cement, and each cell was well cal- 

 culated to stand considerable pressure. 



The Anthophila, or Flower-Lovers (Bees), next claim 

 attention, and the first of these is the Leaf-Cutter Bee 

 {Megachile centiincularis , Fig. 43). There are a very 



rLJ-V3 Le<if-cu.lT(irE)C£/. 



large number of species, and all of them burrow in 

 earth, or soft wood, and line same with the leaves, or 

 petals, of flowers. The Leaf- Cutter Bee is a small 

 black insect relieved with white down, and the circular 

 pieces of leaves cut from rose and other trees will pro- 

 bably have been noticed. This is the work of this 

 species. The pieces are neatly cut off" by the aid of 

 the Bee's long, four-toothed mandibles, and are col- 

 lected as soon as a burrow has been excavated ready to 

 receive them. Piece after piece is carried to the burrow 

 or tunnel, and a series of thimble-like cells are eventually 

 formed, each cell fitting into another until there is a 

 row of them. In each cell an egg is laid, with a small 

 cake of honey and pollen for the larva to feed upon 

 when hatched. There may be eight or ten of these 

 94 



