256 INSECTA, 
V. media, Lat., intermediate as to size between the two pre- 
ceding ones; constructs a similar nest, but attaches it to the 
branches of trees. 
V.holsatica, Fab. This species constructs a very singularly 
formed nest. It is almost globular, open at top, and inclosed 
inferiorly in a kind of saucer. It is sometimes observed in 
barns, or attached to the timbers in garrets, &c., and even in 
hives*. 
FAMILY IV. 
ANTHOPHILA, Lat. 
The fourth and last family of the Aculeata,in the faculty of col- 
lecting the pollen of flowers}, usually possessed by the two posterior 
legs, presents a peculiar character which distinguishes it from all 
other families of Insects. The first joint of the tarsi of those legs is 
very large, strongly compressed, and forms a square palette or a 
reversed triangle. 
The maxille and lips are most commonly very long, aud compose 
asort of proboscis. The ligula is most frequently shaped like the 
head of a lance, or resembles a very long thread, the extremity of 
which is downy or hairy. The larvie feed exclusively on honey and 
the pollen or fecundating dust of flowers. The perfect Insect feeds 
on the honey of the latter only. 
These Hymenoptera embrace the genus 
Apis, Lin., 
Which J will divide into two sections. 
In the first, or that of the ANDRENET&, Lat., the intermediate di- 
vision of the ligula is cordiform cr lanceolate, shorter than its sheath, 
and bent underneath in some, and almost straight in others. It is 
composed of the genus Pro-aBerties, Reaumur and De Geer, or the 
ANDREN®, Fab., and the Meurres of Kirbyf. 
These Insects live solitarily, and consist of but two kinds of indi- 
viduals, males and females. Their mandibles are simple, or at most 
are terminated by two dentations; the labial palpi resemble the others, 
which always have six joints. The ligulais divided into three pieces, 
the two lateral of which are very short, and in the form of auricles. 
Most of the females collect the pollen of flowers with the hairs of 
their posterior legs, and with the aid of a little honey form it into a 
paste (bee-bread), with which they feed their larve. They excavate 
deep holes, and frequently in hard ground, along the borders of roads, 
* Lat., Ann. du Mus. d’Hist, Nat. 
+ The parasitical species are not possessed of this faculty, but the form of their 
is essentially the same. They are merely destitute of hairs or brushes. 
Monogravhia Apum Angliz, a work that has immortalized its author. 
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