Order HYMENOPTERA. 



{/nrs, \Vas/>s, Ants, Iili)ituiiioit-flits, &-c.) 



Char. VVin^s four, membranous, with compara- 

 tively few veins; the posterior pair smaller than the 

 anterior. 



Moutit-parts formed both for biting and sucking. 



Metamorphosis complete. 



Abdomen furnished with a sting or piercer, in the 

 females. 



The two wings on each side arc united, during flight, by a row of 

 hooks, which are on the anterior margin of the posterior wings. Some 

 form.s, as the workers among ants, are wingless ; with others the wings 

 are deciduous. 



The mandibles are formed for biting; the labium is sheathed by the 

 long, membranous or leathery maxillx, the three organs forming an .-ip- 

 paratus for sucking or lapping liquid food; the maxillary and labial palpi 

 are present. 



The larva-, excepting the young of Saw-flies, which are caterpillar-like, 

 are short, cylindrical, footless grubs. The pup.-c possess all of the limbs 

 of the perfect insects, enclosed in distinct sheaths, and folded upon the 

 breast. 



In this order we see the greatest development of instinctive powers that 

 exists among insects. 



An.VRi.K (Bees). 



This family, which is the Mcllifcra of Latrcille, in- 

 cludes the families Apidie and Andrenidce of authors. 



