FEOM THE NOETH-WEST PEOVINCES OE IKDIA. 179 



In the excrement of the Grey Hornbill (Meniceros Mcornis) I have found the wings 

 and body-plates of this bee, together with the remains of other species ; so that it is clear 

 that this omnivorous bird eats them, catching them probably when they come to feed on 

 the juices of the broken figs (Ficus religiosa). 



The changes take a long time ; and as the construction of the cells is generally accom- 

 plished in October to November, the perfect insect does not usually come out until the 

 following March, or even later. 



Like all these bees, this species is perfectly fearless when engaged in building, and, 

 from its strength and size, is not often attacked by any bird, although it is probable that 

 the mice cut open the cells for the bee-bread, of which they are very fond. This has a 

 sweet taste, mingled with a slight acridity, as has that of M. lanata^ and would be fine 

 feeding for mice, which abound in the localities generally chosen by the bee for its nest. 



The concluding remarks on M, lanata will doubtless apply to this insect, as regards 

 the precedence of emergence. 



In a series of cells which I sent to England, taken immediately after construction, the 

 insects came out irregularly ; but this was owing to the fact that the occupants of some 

 cells died, so that those below them had to eat their way out of the sides, which they 

 could not have done had the said cells been in situ^ and not packed loosely in a box 

 with cotton wool, 



\Note, — In my catalogue of Hymenopterous Insects, part 1. Andrenidse and Apidse, 

 published by the Trustees of the British Museum, the male of this insect was described 

 as a distinct species from the female ; the former was named M. fasciculata, the latter 

 M, anthradna. — Fkedk. Smith.] 



Megachile disjuncta, Fabr. (Plate XIX. figs. 12 & 12 a.) 

 This insect in its habits agrees with M. lanata. In general appearance it is also very 

 similar as regards form. The colour, however, is quite distinct, the broad band from 

 which it takes its specific name being very marked. It makes clay cells separately, and 

 also fills up the hollows of small bamboos with cells one over the other. In one instance 

 I found four series of cells side by side in one bamboo ; and in this case two of the cells 

 had been appropriated by a P^/qp^ws— remains of spiders and the pupa-case of one of 

 this genus being found in them. Their great enemies are the Chrysidites, or Golden 

 Wasps; these take possession of the ready-made cells, and prey on the larvae of the 

 bee. They work at the same season as M. lanata, but are not so common. 



Xylocopa chloropteka, St. Farg. (Plate XXII. figs. 1, 1 a, & 1 b.) 

 This fine bee may be heard buzzing in the veranda all day long, selecting hollow 

 bamboos in which to store his bee-bread. The weight of this is surprising. That from 

 one cell alone weighed 21 grains ; and this was taken at random. 



When once a suitable hollow has been selected, the insect begins to store food. The 



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