285 
MODERN SYSTEM. 
C. Labrum a little broader than long, subsemicircular or semioval. 
Mandibles slender, pointed, unidentate on their internal edge. Abdo- 
men not pol/inigeivus. 
* Lip with the lateral divisions shorter than the palpi. Body sim- 
ply pubescent - 
i Genus 481. NO MAO A. Scop., Fabr., Illig., King, Spinola, Ju- 
rtne, Panz., Leach. Apis. Lime, Villen, Kirby (* b). 
Superior wings with three submarginal cells complete: maxillary palpi 
six-jointed. 
The history, economy, and mode of nidification of the insects of 
this genus (all of which are remarkable 1’or the gaiety of their co- 
lours) as yet remain a secret. Dr. Leach has strong reasons for su- 
specting them to he parasitical ; and this seems the more probable 
from their having no instrument for carrying pollen. Their flight 
is silent, unattended by any hum; they frequent dry banks. Their 
eyes, whilst living, exhibit through the external reticulated covering 
a surface of hexagons, which keeps shifting with the light. 
■Sp. 1. Nom. rujiconiis. 
Apis rnficornis. Linn., Kirby. Nomadu rtlficornis. Fabr., Latr., Leach. 
Inhabits dry banks and sandy situations. 
Genus 482. EPEOLUS. Lair., Fabr., Illig., Jurinc, Panz., Spi- 
nola, King, Leach. Apis. Linne, Kirby (®* b). 
Superior wings with three complete submarginal cells: maxillary palpi 
one-jointed. 
Sp. 1. Fpeo. vuriegatus. 
Epeolus variegatus. Fabr., Panz., latr. Apis variegata. Linn'e. 
Inhabits .Europe, hut is very local in Britain. I once met with this 
species in abundance in a sand-pit near Bexley, Kent. 
*■* Lateral divisions of the lip almost as long as the palpi. Body 
very villose in parts. Sailcttum spinose. Superior wings with 
three submarginal cells. 
Genus 483. MELECTA. Latr., Panz., Illig., Spinola, Leach- 
Apis. Linne, Kirby (** a). 
Maxillary palpi six-jointed, with live very distinct. 
The insects of this genus arc supposed to be parasitical. 
Sp. 1. Mel. punctata. Latr. 
Crocisa atra. Jurinc. Apis punctata. Kirby. 
Inhabits Europe. Is common near Swansea in South Wales. 
