150 
COLEOPTERA. 
hive-bee, which had a nest in the hollow of an oak tree 
in the field opposite my house. They were evidently en¬ 
joying themselves, feeding on the honey in the cells. 
Whether this parasitic nature of the Coccinellidce has 
been noticed before or not, I do not know. 
I must not conclude this short and imperfect sketch 
of British Insects without saying something of those 
very minute black insects known to gardeners and 
others by the name of Thrips. Everyone must haye 
Thrips c realiI'M magnified). 
been annoyed by these little tickling creatures in warm 
summer weather ; in countless multitudes they fill the 
air, fly into our eyes, and tickle our cheeks and noses. 
They are very common on various flowers, to which 
they sometimes occasion much damage by eating the 
cellular tissue of the petals. Hothouses and vinehouses 
are especially liable to be infested by these little pests- 
Melons and cucumbers often suffer considerably. One 
species, which lias been called Thrips cerealhim , infests 
