SUBDIVISION OF THE BEKS. l6l 



now proceed to the investigation of the contents of this 

 group of insects. 



(145.) It has been found convenient by systematists 

 to subdivide the bees into two large groups, which are 

 determined by the mode in which the tongue or probos- 

 cis is folded in repose, and the comparative length of 

 that organ. Of course, it was to be expected that a 

 lengthy organ, as this usually is, must be folded, to en- 

 able it to be brought within the protection of the horny 

 parts of the mouth. Thus, in the Andrenid<z } which 

 constitute the first large division, we find the proboscis 

 folding only at its base ; and this, from the comparative 

 shortness of the organ, draws it sufficiently within its 

 protecting cases ; or at most the extreme apex (the 

 lingua) is recurved, and thus the large angle is placed 

 behind, the tongue lying in front of it and forwards. 

 In the ApidfSj however, we find a double flexure, there 

 being still a small basal bend ; but another larger one 

 occurs in front,, at the insertion of the maxillary palpi ; 

 and this throws the tongue backwards beneath, and 

 whither the apical half of the maxilla? follow it, 

 and cover it with their horny protection. The distri- 

 bution into genera, of the insects composing these two 

 divisions., has been effected by studying the compara- 

 tive proportions of the proboscis, and the varying num- 

 bers and forms of the articulations of the palpi, taken 

 either independently^ or in conjunction with other 

 peculiarities of structure,, such as the form of the legs 

 and tarsi, their clothing, the clothing of the venter, and 

 neuration of the wings; and the correctness of this 

 mode of investigation is corroborated by its always as- 

 sociating insects nearly identical in form and habits. 

 To the Rev. Mr. Kirby we are indebted for this in- 

 valuable arrangement, and the work wherein it is re- 

 corded, the Monographia Apum Anglice, will remain 

 the noblest monument of his entomological immortality. 

 It is much to be regretted, that certain fastidious views 

 with respect to nomenclature interfered with his giving 

 names to the sections into which he broke up this 



