NEST OF THE SCOLIA. 151 



teaches her to dig, as does the other in following the instinct 

 which teaches him to fly about. 



At the right-hand side of the illustration on page 148 may be 

 seen a figure of a remarkable burrowing bee, called Scolia flavi- 

 frons, a native of Europe, but not as yet proved to be British. 

 In common with other fossorial bees, this insect is carnivorous in 

 its larval state, and is supplied by its mother with the creatures 

 on which it feeds. 



Some insects feed upon larvae, others upon full-grown insects. 

 Some eat beetles, some devour bees, some prefer spiders, and 

 others flies, while a very great number of species are caterpillar- 

 eaters, and are in consequence extremely useful to the gardener 

 and farmer. This particular insect has a curious predilection, 

 and stocks its nest with the grub or larva of a beetle, belonging 

 to the genus Oryctes. At the bottom of the cell may be seen 

 certain grubs, the smaller of which is the larva of the Scolia, and 

 the larger that of the beetle. As may be seen from the illustra- 

 tion, the grub of the beetle is very much larger than that of the 

 creature which feeds upon it. The species which is here repre- 

 sented is a large and remarkably striking one, the four conspicu- 

 ous spots at once distinguishing it from any other insect. In the 

 middle of the illustration another example of a bee-burrower is 

 given, in order to show the manner in which the insect takes its 

 prey into the nest. The technical name of this species is Ampu- 

 lex compressa, and its nest is stocked with cockroaches, one of 

 which is being dragged into the hole, wherein it will be shortly 

 eaten by the inhabitant. 



As space is valuable, I will merely give the names of our most 

 conspicuous burrowing bees, together with brief notice of their 

 habits. 



All the species belonging to the genus Pompilus are burrow- 

 ers, and stock their nests with spiders. Sandy soils are favored 

 spots with these bees, some species preferring the dry, hard sand- 

 banks, while others choose soft and loamy sand for the site of 

 their habitation. The Sand "Wasps, belonging to the genus Am- 

 mophila, are always mighty burrowers, and set about their task 

 with a fiery zeal that never fails to excite the admiration of the 

 spectator, their antennas quivering and their wings- flirting with 

 excitement. When the burrow is completed, the mother insect 

 flies off in search of a caterpillar or spider, according to the spe- 



