3G2 



INSECTS AT HOME. 



extent, as v?e shall presently see. Its name is Jif electa armafa. 

 The genus to wliicli this Bee belongs has the head transverse, 

 and the ocelli set in a line upon the crown. The upper wings 

 have one marginal and three suhraarginal cells. There are 

 only two species of Melecta known to inhabit England, the 

 present species being the more common of the two. 



xxxvi 



1. Coelioxys simplox, male. 2. Do., female, 

 female. 5. Megaehile centnncularis, female. 



3. Melecta armata, female. 4. Osmia rufa, 



The colour of the insect is variable, but is mostly as 

 follows : — The general colour is black, and the greater part of 

 the body is covered with ashen grey down. There is a tuft of 

 white down on either side of the tliorax, and the wings are 

 transparent, but clouded towards their tips. The abdomen is 

 shining black, with tlie exception of a white patch on either 

 side of tlie base, another on the second segment, and a very 

 small white spot on each side of the third and fourth segments. 



