376 THE POPPY BEE. 



fleeted tongues, easily examined by raising them 

 with a pin from the sheath in which they are con- 

 cealed. 



These insects are very numerous, and differ con- 

 siderably in their habits. Some are found in ex- 

 tensive communities, constructing, with the utmost 

 art, cells for their young, and repositories for their 

 food ; while others both dwell and work in solitude. 

 The whole tribe live on the nectar of flowers and 

 on ripe fruit. 



Their larva are soft and without feet, and the 

 chrysalis resembles the perfect insect. 



THE POPPY BEE*. 



The Poppy Bee forms her nest in the ground, 

 burrowing to the depth of about three inches. At 

 the bottom she makes a large and somewhat hemi- 

 spherical cavity, which, after being rendered per- 

 fectly smooth on all sides, she carefully lines with 

 a splendid tapestry, selected from the scarlet flowers 

 of the wild poppy. From these, with great dexterity^ 

 she cuts pieces of proper size and form, which she 

 conveys, to her cell; and, beginning at the bottom, 

 covers with it the whole interior of this habitation 

 of her future progeny. The covering is even some- 

 times extended a little way round the orifice. The 

 bottom is rendered warm by three or four coats, 

 and the sides have never less than two. When the 



* Synonyms. — Apis Papaveris. Latreille Kirby, i. 14.2. 214..— 

 Abeilk tapissiere. Reaumur. 



