250 
TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 
sack ; this being done, the opening in the earth is filled up, and no 
trace of it is left. 
These bees are represented in the engraving, some flying, 
some cutting pieces of red poppy, and others are either upon the 
ground or entering a nest. 
The Carpenter Bee ( Xylocopa violacea ), which is not uncommon, 
Xylocopa violacea. 
is larger than the largest humble bee, and may be known by its 
velvety black body and violet-coloured wings. This large bee, 
when about to construct its nest, searches for pieces of wood which 
it can pierce without much difficulty ; then it sets to work and 
gnaws away with its mandibles and makes a hole, working indus- 
