THE HUMBLE BEES 



thimble-cells all fitting into one another, and when 

 seen for the first time the observer may well be puzzled 

 as to the identity of the maker. This is a solitary species 

 of Wild Bee. 



Of Humble Bees there are many and various. 

 They are a characteristic feature of the English country- 

 side, and although often discovered in a semi-stupified 

 condition (due to a super-abundance of nectar), there 

 is something about this gay and fussy insect-reveller 

 which is particularly attractive. 



The Yellow-Banded Humble Bee {Bomhiis terrestrts, 

 see Coloured Plate H.), may be chosen to represent its 

 useful race, as the Genus Bomhus is of prime necessity 

 in the fertilisation of flowers which require visits from 

 long-tongued insects such as these. Clover depends 

 entirely upon fertilisation by these indispensable agents, 

 of which there are at least eighteen British species. 

 The droning flight, fussy mannerisms, great industry, 

 love of gardens (especially in Autumn when the Michael- 

 mas daisies are in blossom), and variety of dress, are 

 obvious features of interest. The present species usually 

 makes its nest below ground, and the cone-shaped cells 

 are massed together in a very diff'erent manner to those 

 of the insects recently described. The male Humble 

 Bee does not possess a sting. 



Disused birds' nests are sometimes resorted to as a 

 nesting site by some kinds of Humble Bees, and I have 

 known of one (and also that of a Wasp) which was placed 

 in a bird-nesting box. The last of the stinging insects 



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