188 ME. BOLD ON TRE ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA 



out the burrow, when it returned and recaptured the prisoner, 

 which it then carried direct home. Another, whose quarry is 

 flies, finds them to become too wary for capture by the usual 

 means, and simulates death to bring them within its reach. A 

 species v/hich feeds its young with the larva which forms those 

 patches of froth so common on plants in summer, has been seen 

 to insert its sting into the secretion, and to catch the maker 

 when it endeavoured to escape by issuing at the other side. 

 More curious still is the fact, that the prey which these insects 

 entomb, as food for their young, is nearly without exception, 

 when the cells are examined, found to be alive, but in a state 

 of stupor. How this comatose state is produced is not exactly 

 known ; most probably they have been stung, but in such a man- 

 ner as not to cause death. There can be no doubt but that it is 

 produced intentionally by some act of the parent insect, whereby 

 two ends are attained : by being so treated they are prevented 

 from injuring the egg, or larva, of the Wasp, and are also kept 

 sweet and fresh until their turn comes to be eaten. 



The economy of the Social or Common Wasps is exceedingly 

 curious and interesting. Their nests are marvels of insect archi- 

 tecture ; wonderfully adapted to circumstances, and to the rear- 

 ing and sheltering of a numerous progeny. The perseverance 

 and industry which they display in searching for food, the care 

 and affection with which they tend and feed their young, and the 

 courage with which they defend them, are all admirable traits in 

 the character of these much persecuted creatures. 



Amongst the Solitary Bees we find the same varied instincts, 

 and the same admirable adaption of means to an end. The diver- 

 sity of habit amongst the species of Osmia alone is of the most 

 extraordinary nature. They burrow in the soil, in the mortar of 

 old walls, or in old trees : some excavate dead bramble sticks, 

 others adapt themselves to ready-made excavations, such as the 

 straws of thatch, or the hollows of reeds ; and what is more ex- 

 traordinary still, one at least utilizes the empty shells of various 

 species of Helix, whilst another simply attaches her cocoons to 

 the underside of a slate or stone. Those circles, long ovals, &c., 

 so often cut in the foliage of roses and other plants, are the 



