60 



Genus LVIII. CHRYSIS. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antenna filiform, with eleven articulations, the 

 first long in proportion to the others. Mouth 

 armed with jaws, no proboscis. Palpi four, 

 unequal, and filiform. Abdomen arched be- 

 neath with a lateral scale on each side, and 

 dentated at the end. Wings extended, not 

 folded as in the wasp. Body of a shining 

 colour, appearing as if gilt. Sting hid within 

 the abdomen. 



General Observations, 

 What has been said relative to the Ichneu- 

 mon and Sphex, will apply for the most part 

 to the Chrysis ; their habits and metamorphosis 

 being much the same. The Chryses are how- 

 ever far more beautiful insects, and are in ge- 

 neral distinguished by the most brilliant me- 

 tallic colours. They are generally seen in the 

 hottest part of a summer day flying about walls, 

 or near decayed wood, in the crevices of which 



