INT0MOLOG1CAL CAR1NP.1, 



PELTASTES NECATORIUS. Fabr. Curtis. 

 Ichneumon Vespoides. Panz. 



Black : body with the extremity of the first, third, 

 fourth and fifth segments yellow : antennae longer 

 than the thorax, and black ; legs also black, but the 

 tibia and tarsi yellow : the superior wings fuliginous 

 or of a smoky colour, the upper and lower wings on 

 the upper surface are slightly irredescent. 



Length of body 7 lines, expansion of wings 1 inch. 



This rare and interesting insect we found, many 

 years since, on an umbelliferous plant in Plaistow 

 Marshes, in the month of August. We quote from 

 the valuable work of Mr. Curtis the following ob- 

 servations on the family of the Ichneumonidae. 



" The insects of this genus, like those of the whole 

 family, are parasitic, depositing their eggs in the 

 larvae of Lepidoptera, which as soon as they hatch 

 begin to feed upon the muscles of their victim, until 

 the whole internal substance of the caterpillar with 

 the exception of the alimentary canal, is consumed. 

 In this diseased state it changes to a chrysalis, fre- 

 quently assuming the natural form, although the 

 colour is sometimes altered ; and the lepidopterist is 

 often disappointed in his hopes, when instead of a 

 valuable moth or butterfly, one of these singular in- 

 jects is the reward of all his care and attention. 



" The Ichneumonidae, however, are eminently use- 

 ful, employed as they arc to keep within bounds a 

 16-5 36 



