142 



CRABS AND INSECTS. 



a queen is created by feeding a larva upon "royal food." 

 The eggs are oblong white objects, the larvae first resem- 

 bling maggots. They are fed by the workers, inclosed in 



FlG. 180. Common honey-bee. A, drone; , queen; C, worker; Z>, leg 

 of worker, showing cavity for propolis ; , cells for honey. 



the cell, where they spin a cocoon, become pupae, and 

 finally appear as perfect bees. The leaf-cutters, humble 

 (Fig. 181), and mason bees are other well-known forms. 



FIG. 181. Humble-bee, showing its underground nest and eggs. 



VALUE. In fertilizing flowers. A single honey-bee farm in San 

 Diego, California, produces 150,000 pounds of wax and honey a year, 

 ralued at $30,000. 



