36 



INSECTS. 



Family Philaxthidju. 



As an example of this family may be taken Philanthus triangulum, the larva 

 of which feeds upon the honey-bee, and other members of the same group. In 

 the illustration on p. 35 a figure of this species is given. Since, at least, five 

 bees are provided for each larva, the havoc caused in hives where these insects 

 abound must be considerable. A separated nest, in some warm sunny slope, is 

 made for each egg. Another form is Oxybelus uniglumis, figured in the illustra- 

 tion on p. 35. In this species the female excavates tunnels in sandy ground, 

 to which the sunshine has free access, and flies are mainly used to provision the 

 nest, as a rule one only to each cell. The fly is attacked from above, knocked 

 down, stung in the neck, and carried off to the nest. A third form (Cerceris 



COMMON leaf-cutter bee. a, b, Female and male (enlarged) , c, Rose-leaves with several pieces clipped out and a bee 

 at work ; d, Nest in a willow stem ; e, A single cell ; /, The lid of same ; g-h, Pieces of leaf ; i-k, Side pieces. 



armaria), shown in the same illustration, is a black insect with yellow bands 

 on the abdomen, as are most of its kindred. 



Wasps and Bees. 



Before taking into consideration the families into which these groups are 

 divided, it is advisable to give an account of some points connected with their 

 habits, as well as a notice of their special senses. As regards sight, the large size 

 of their compound eyes, in addition to the presence of ocelli, indicates their high 

 degree of visual power. In respect of perception of colour, experiments have 

 shown that if honey be placed on cards of different colour, bees show a decided 

 preference for special tints ; orange and yellow being the prime favourites. 



