262 Insects. 



ends), also lateral, the first streak being the broadest, the other two 

 gradually decreasing in width; the fifth and sixth segments immaculate. 



None of the species of the genus Stelis are abundant insects ; in 

 fact some seasons I have not taken a specimen : still they appear 

 scattered over the country. Should the new species prove to be the 

 parasite of Osraia leucomelana, the rarity of the latter will in some 

 degree account for its not having hitherto been discovered ; but, in 

 fact, the indifference with which this tribe of insects is regarded, is 

 perhaps a better reason : and truly to me it is a matter of wonder 

 that this most interesting order does not absorb the greater portion of 

 the attention of entomologists generally, for when we consider the va- 

 riety and beauty of their forms, their varied and wonderful instincts, 

 the mechanism displayed in the construction of their nests, the un- 

 wearied love and affection for their young, — these, and a thousand 

 other things, combine to render them, in my opinion, the most inte- 

 resting and attractive order of insects. Fredk. Smith. 



5, High Street, Newington, 

 July 2, 1843. 



Notes on Entomological Captures in Hampshire. 

 By Fredeeick Smith, Esq. 



I BELIEVE I may say, without being charged with boasting, that I 

 have been an industrious collector for the last ten years, yet never did 

 it fall to my lot, in so short a period as three successive days, to cap- 

 lure such a series of rare insects, as during an excursion of three 

 days in Hampshire. My object was to search for Hymenoptera, and 

 make such observations on their economy as chance might throw in 

 my way. The dates of capture were July 19th, 20th and 21st, and 

 the following is a list of the best insects taken. 



Formica sanguinea, all the sexes from Psen equestris, abundant. 



the nest. Elampus Panzeri, sixteen specimens. 



Mynnosa melanocephala, five of each Epipone Isevipes, six ditto, 

 sex. Osmia atricapilla, four ditto. 



Methoca ichneumonides, female. Epeolus variegatus, abundant. 



Pompilus affinis, both sexes. Anomala Frischii, the beautiful green 



Miscus campestris, abundant. variety. 



Miscophus bicolor, both sexes. Rhinobatus planus, twenty-one specimens. 



Formica sanguinea. What naturalist has not read with delight 

 Huber's wonderful account of this insect, its battles, and the history 



