164 HYMENOPTERA. 



The species of Larva are smaller, and differ from those of 

 Stizus in the long, narrow, ver}- prominent labrum, the shorter 

 clypeus, l)roader front and longer aV)domen, the tip of which is 

 without the broad subtriangular area which is present in Stizus 

 and the other genera of this family. Larra unicincta Saj- is black- 

 ish, with a single reddish band on the second abdominal ring. 



Be:\ibecid.e Latreille, "We have but two genera, Bembex 

 and Monedida, which have large heads and flattened bodies, 

 bearing a strong resemblance to Syrphus flies from their similar 

 coloration. The labrum is A^ery large and long, triangular, like 

 a beak. The species are very active, flj'ing rapidly about 

 flowers with a loud hum. "The female Bembex burrows in 

 sand to a considerable depth, burjang various species of Dip- 

 tera (Syrphidifi, Muscidne, etc.), and depositing her eggs at the 

 same time in company Avith them, upon which the larvse, when 

 hatched, subsist. When a sufficient store has been collected, 

 the parent closes the mouth of the cell Avith earth." " Au 

 anonymous correspondent in the Entomological Magazine, states 

 that B. rostrata constructs its nests in the soft light sea-sands 

 in the Ionian Islands, and appears to catch its prey (consisting 

 of such flies as frequent the sand ; amongst others, a bottle- 

 green fl}') whilst on the wing. He describes the mode in 

 which the female, Avith astonishing swiftness, scratches its hole 

 with its forelegs like a dog. Bembex tarsata, according to 

 Latreille, provisions its nests with Bombylii." (Westwood.) 

 Dufour states that two Diptera, Panopea carnea and Toxophora 

 fasciata, the latter allied to Systroplius, are parasites on Bem- 

 bex. Mr. F. G. Sanborn has noticed the exceeding!}' swift 

 flight of our common Bembex fasciata Fabr. on sand}- beaches 

 where it is found most abundantl}-. 



Monedula diflfers from Bembex in its slenderer body, more 

 clavate antennae, and its shorter, very obtuse labrum. The 

 body is smoother, and most generall}' more higlil}' colored and 

 more gaily spotted than in Bembex. 



Monedula Carolina Fabr, and M. i-fasciata Say are common 

 southwards of New England. 



Larrid^ Leach. Mr. F. Smith defines this family as haAdng 

 "mandibles notched exteriorl}- near the base ; the labrum con- 



