DISEASES AND ENEMIES OF BEES. 839 



THE BEE-KILLEK. 



In the Western and Southern States bees snfEer greatly 

 from a two-winged, very voracious insect known as the 

 "Bee-killer." It is the 

 Asilus Missouriensis of Ri- 

 ley, and is given in fig. 94, 

 of the natural size, from 

 Eiley's "First Eeport on 

 the Insects of Missouri." 

 Its general color is yellow- 

 ish brown or yellowish grey, 

 and but little is known of 

 its history and habits. It 



pounces upon the bee while j-jg 94 _7^j ^^^^^ 



on the wing, and takes its 

 victim to some plant, or even to the ground where, with 

 its stout proboscis, it sucks out the inside of the bee and 

 leaves but an empty shell. Though occasionally found 

 in the Eastern States, this insect has fortunately not be- 

 come common. But little is known as to the best methods 

 of destroying it ; bee-keepers should be on the watch for 

 this enemy, and destroy it wherever it is found. 



BATS AND MICE. 



Rats and mice are never troublesome, except in cold 

 weather. The entrances of all hives standing out, are 

 much too small to admit a rat. No damage need be ap- 

 prehended from them except when the hives are in the 

 house. They appear to be fond of honey, and when it is 

 accessible, will eat several pounds in a short time. 



Mice will often enter the hive on the out-door stand, 

 when not excluded, and make extensive depredations. 

 Sometimes, after cutting a space in the combs, they will 

 make their nests there. The animal heat created by the 



