Observations on the Sarracenia. 
215 
26 
that the flies are deposited in the tubular 
leaves, by a species of Sphex or Ichneu- 
mon, concludes, that "The flies are de- 
posited by this insect, unquestionably 
for the food of itself, or its progeny, 
probably depositing its eggs in their 
carcasses, as others of the same tribe, 
lay their eggs in various caterpillars, 
which they sometimes after bury in the ground."* I 
cannot avoid observing, that this quotation, betrays 
greater inaccuracy in the late venerated President of 
the Linna;an Society, than one would have supposed 
compatible with the known industry of that close 
observer, and ardent lover of Nature. We are not 
acquainted with any species of Sphex or Ichneumon, 
which, in its perfect state, feeds on dead flies ; and to 
place the fly in which the Ichneumon had deposited its 
eggs, in a situation where it must at once cease to exist, 
would be to frustrate the end designed in laying them, 
and is contrary to every thing that is known of the ha- 
bits of these insects; for although the caterpillars often 
fall victims to these parasites, it is not until the latter 
have lived for some time, and have reached that stage 
of existence, when they assume one of their meta- 
morphoses. 
A leaf of the Sarracenia jiava, now before me, and 
from which the sketch was taken, contains no less than 
thirteen flies, principally the Blue-bottle Fly, [Musca 
vomitoria,) with two or three of the Common House 
Fly, {Musca domestica.) I have frequently observed 
the former of these species, after having penetrated 
some distance into the tube, straggling in vain to 
extricate itself, but no sooner had I enabled it tb" 
escape, than it flew off" with its wonted strength and 
activity. 
Now, supposing it possible that any species of the 
Sphex or Ichneumon, which are occasionally observed 
in hot-houses, should possess the strength necessary 
to compel the Common House Fly, to enter the tube, 
* Introduction to Botany, (6th edition,) page l.J8; and Mr. Keith's 
Vegetable Physiology, vol. 1, page 285. Speaking of these insects, the 
authorsof that excellent Worli, the "Introduction to Entomoloo;y,'' ob- 
serve, "The habits of the whole of this tribe, which properly includes 
agreat number of distinct genera, are similar; they all lay their eg^s 
in living insects, cliietly while in a larva state but not, so far as is 
known, in perfect insects." — Kirby and Spence's Introduction lo Enlo 
7nology, vol. 4, page 209, and sequel. 
