330 



INSECTS AT HOME. 



The next group of this enormous array of Hymenoptera is 

 that wliich is called Tubulifera, or Tube-bearers, because the 

 last segments of the abdomen are modified into a telescopic 

 and retractile tube. The antennae are elbowed. Only one 

 family belongs to this group, namely, the Chrysididas, popularly 



ZlZill 



1. Chrysis ipnita. 2. Mntilla Eiiropn?a, female. 8. Mutilla Europaea, male. 4. Formica 

 mfa, winpod female. 5. Do., neuter or worker. 6. Do., winged male. a. Formica 



nifa, labium. 6. Do., antenna, male. c. Do., .antenna, worker. 



called Kubv-tailed flies, and familiarly known on account of 

 their splendid colouring. 



At first sight the abdomen appears to consist of a very few 

 segments, sometimes three, and five at the utmost, but, in fact, 

 the missing segments are modified into the telescopic tube 

 which has just been mentioned, and which is retracted within 

 the body when not required for its legitimate purpose, namely, 

 the deposition of eggs. The abdomen is attached to the thorax 



