FEOM THE KOETH-WEST PEOVINCES OF INDIA. 163 



of the larva; and the earthen one of the cell (moistened at its edges by some fluid 

 ejected by the insect) giving way, the Pelopceus comes forth fully prepared to mate, and 

 build more cells. Of some of these cells I have observed the cap to be convex on 

 the lower side, so that the least moisture or effort internally applied would loosen it, 

 whilst external pressure would only fix it more securely. 



I have never seen a sparrow or other bird attack one of these insects. Its sting and 

 an odour it emits would appear sufficiently to protect it. 



I forgot to mention that when the number of cells intended to be constructed in one 

 place (generally two or three) is finished, the whole is covered with a smooth coating of 

 mud, making it look like a dab of mud on the wall, and quite disarming the suspicions 

 of the ordinary passer by. On one occasion I observed rays of mud round the nest, 

 even more exactly imitating a lump of mud thrown with some force. This I hold to 

 evince a most wonderful instinct, as they could not be required for strength. 



Pelopceus bilineatus, Smith. (Plate XXI. figs. 14 & 14«.) 

 This insect, which Mr. Smith has noted as a variety of P, madraspatanus, generally 

 resembles it in its habits. It stores spiders, but it aff'ects hedges and trees rather than 

 buildings. A fork in the bough of a "Meendee " (Lawsonia spinosa\ commonly used 

 for hedges in the North-west Provinces, is often the favoured spot. Its structures are 

 more solid than those of other species, which is the more necessary, as it has to resist 

 greater stress of rain and weather. 



Pelopceus bengalensis, Dahlb. (Plate XXI. figs. 2 & 2 «;.) 



This insect rather afiects the exterior than the interior of houses. In its general 

 habits it very much resembles the last species, and it seldom, if ever, builds its cell 

 separate. A rough wall or corner is its favourite place. It has even more than most 

 Pelopoei the quivering motion of the abdomen, also common amongst Ichneumonidse, 

 and works very fast. Its work is rough, but is most carefully made to assume the form 

 of the object on which it is built ; for example, sometimes amongst grass the mud is 

 continued up the stem for some distance, and the eye does not in consequence so readily 

 determine the nature of the structure. The cells are well filled with small spiders. 



My former remark, as regards the shape of the cell-doors of P. madraspatanus^ 

 applies equally to this species. 



As there is an account of this insect and its works, in the ' Intellectual Observer,' by 

 Mr, Beavan, I shall not offer any further remarks upon it. I, however, think that a 

 note from my natural-history note-book, with a slight sketch, may prove of interest, 

 and therefore subjoin it: — 



"July 12, 1864. — This morning I broke open three cells neatly constructed on my 

 door. I found the contents to be as separately represented, viz. one fed grub, one 

 smaller one sucking a spider (which seemed to be his second, as a dry skin lay before 



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