ENEMIES OF BEES. 
231 
bees are at rest, and hover around the hive, till, having 
found the door, they go in and lay their eggs ” “ If the 
approach to the Apiary,” says Bevan, “ be observed of 
a moonlight evening, the moths will be found flying or 
running round the hives, watching an opportunity to en¬ 
ter, whilst the bees that have to guard the entrances 
against their intrusion, will be seen acting as vigilant 
sentinels, performing continual rounds near this important 
post, extending their antennas to the utmost, and moving 
them to the right and left alternately. Woe to the un¬ 
fortunate moth that comes within their reach !” “ It is 
curious,” says Huber, “ to observe how artfully the moth 
knows how to profit by the disadvantage of the bees, 
which require much light for seeing objects, and the pre¬ 
cautions taken by the latter in reconnoitering and expel¬ 
ling so dangerous an enemy.” 
“ Those that are prevented from getting within the 
hive, lay their eggs in cracks on the outside; and the little 
worm-like caterpillars hatched therefrom, easily creep into 
the hive through the cracks, or gnaw a passage for them¬ 
selves under the edges of it.”*—D r. Harris. 
“ As soon as hatched, the worm encloses itself in a case 
of white silk, which it spins around its body; at first it is 
like a mere thread, but gradually increases in size, and, 
during its growth, feeds upon the cells around it, for 
which purpose it has only to put forth its head, and find 
its wants supplied. It devours its food with great avidity, 
and, consequently, increases so much in bulk, that its gal¬ 
lery soon becomes too short and narrow, and the creature 
is oblig'-d to thrust itself forward and lengthen the gal¬ 
lery, as well to obtain more room as to procure an addi- 
* If movable bottom-boards are used, It will bo next to impossible to prevent 
♦.he moth from laying her eggs between them and the edges of the hives. The 
smallest opening will enable her to thrust in her ovipositor, and place her egg* 
whero her progeny will find an easy admission to the hive. 
