Puke 
HYMENOPTERA SESSILIVENTRES 
OF THE COUNTIES OF 
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AND LINCOLNSHIRE: 
A PRELIMINARY LIST. 
Rev. ALFRED THORNLEY, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S., 
Vicar of South Leverton, Notts. 
Tue following short but interesting list of Saw-flies taken in 
the counties of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire will, it is 
oped, direct the attention of entomologists once more to this 
exceedingly interesting group. ‘The combined lists contain an 
aggregate of about 56 species, some of which may prove new to 
science and some new to Great Britain. Further, this list would 
have been quite impossible but for the great pains and trouble 
taken over the specimens by the Rev. F. D. Morice, of Woking, 
a well-known student of the Order. Not only has Mr. Morice 
seen the bulk of the specimens recorded, but has sent away all 
doubtful examples to Pastor Konow, of Teschendorf, Mecklen- 
urg, an expert of European fame. To these two workers 
entomologists in our counties owe a very great debt of grati-~ 
tude. As Saw-flies are commonly taken in the Sweeping-net, 
I should be glad if our naturalists would let me have any speci- 
mens to look at, thus taken. Nor, because a species occurs 
abundantly in a certain locality, let:them think that therefore it 
is acommon one. There is no need to set out these insects. 
Larger species may be stuck on tall pins, near the top; an 
small species on very fine ones, which may then be inserted on 
a tiny slip of card, through which a larger pin passes. A little 
judicious blowing after the insect is set on the pin will cause the 
wings to separate a little, thus exposing these latter organs an 
the body better. The larve, which are very like caterpillars, 
mostly feed exposed on various plants and shrubs, and can — 
easily be reared. The phenomenon of parthenogenesis is Of 
very common occurrence in this group, and of many species only | 
the females are known. Asa rule, they are very pretty insects, 
and many species occur commonly almost everywhere ; and as 
they do not possess a sting, in spite of their menacing appear- 
ance, they may be freely handled. I need hardly say, that any 
Specimens collected should have a neat and accurate label 
Bresohed, giving on and date of panies 
