116 INSECTA. 
The second section of the Hymenoptera, that of the Acu- 
LEATA, differs from the first in the absence of the ovipositor. 
A concealed and retractile sting composed of three pieces 
usually supplies the place of it inthe females, and in the neu- 
ters of species which form communities. Sometimes, as in 
certain Ants, this sting is wanting, and the Insect defends 
itself by the ejaculation of an acid liquid contained in special 
glandular reservoirs(1). 
The Hymenoptera of this section always have their antenne 
simple, and composed of a constant number of joints, namely, 
of thirteen in the males, and twelve in the females. The 
palpi are generally filiform, those of the maxille, frequently 
the longest, having six joints, and those of the labium four. 
The mandibles are smaller, and frequently less dentated in 
the males than in the opposite sex. ‘The abdomen, united to 
the thorax by a thread or pedicle, is composed of seven rings 
in the males, and of six in the females. The four wings are 
always veined, and present the various sorts of ordinary cells. 
The larve are always destitute of feet, and feed on aliments 
presented to them by the females or neuters, consisting either 
of the bodies of Insects, the juices of fruits, or a mixture of 
pollen, stamina and honey. 
This section is divided into four families. 
Améd., Lepeletier, Ann. du Mus. d’Hist. Nat.; Max., Spinola, Insect. Ligur; 
Jurine and Panzer on the Hymenoptera. 
(1) For details relative to the organs which produce this yenomous fluid, see 
the Mémoire sur les Abeilles of Reaumur, and that of M. ‘Leon Dufour, quoted 
in our general observations upon the Insects of this order. 
