CARDING BEE. 40I 



vary in number, from three to thirty being to 

 be found in one mass, but not ail in the same 

 cavity. 



The larvae are similar to those of the Hive Bee, 

 but their sides are marked by irregular transverse 

 black spots. These, after they are hatched, sepa- 

 rate from each other, eating the paste that surrounds 

 them. The honey- pots may be intended to supply 

 honey for the occasional moistening of the paste in 

 making repairs, &x. The pupa in each cell is 

 placed with its head downwards, and makes its 

 way out at the bottom of its coccoon. 



The nests seldom contain more than fifty or sixty 

 inhabitants. Of these the females (of which there 

 is more than one in a nest) are the largest. The 

 males are of a middle size, as is also one description 

 of working-bees or neuters : the other neuters are 

 the smallest, and not bigger than the Hive tiee. 

 These two sorts of neuters, it is most probable, are 

 appropriated to different kinds of work ; the largest 

 being the strongest, and the others the most lively, 

 active, and expert. In this community, both the 

 females and males act in concert with the neuters 

 in fitting up or repairing their habitations. — The 

 nests of the Carding-bees are exposed to various 

 depredators ; but field-mice and pole-cais are their 

 most formidable enemies*. 



Kirby, i. p. zoi.— Reaumur, torn. vi. 



vol. in. D d 



