36 
INSECTS. 
Family Phi LA NT HID HI. 
As an example of this family may be taken Philanthus triangulum, the larva 
of which feeds upon the honey-bee, and other members of the same group. In 
the illustration on p. 35 a figure of this species is given. Since, at least, five 
bees are provided for each larva, the havoc caused in hives where these insects 
abound must be considerable. A separated nest, in some warm sunny slope, is 
made for each egg. Another form is Oxybelus uniglumis, figured in the illustra¬ 
tion on p. 35. In this species the female excavates tunnels in sandy ground, 
to which the sunshine has free access, and flies are mainly used to provision the 
nest, as a rule one only to each cell. The fly is attacked from above, knocked 
down, stung in the neck, and carried off to the nest. A third form (Cerceris 
f e g h i Je cl 
common leaf-cutter bee. a, b, Female and male (enlarged), c, Rose-leaves with several pieces clipped out and a bee 
at work ; d, Nest in a willow stem ; e, A single cell; /, The lid of same ; g-h, Pieces of leaf; i-k, Side pieces. 
arcuaria), shown in the same illustration, is a black insect with yellow bands 
on the abdomen, as are most of its kindred. 
Wasps and Bees. 
Before taking into consideration the families into which these groups are 
divided, it is advisable to give an account of some points connected with their 
habits, as well as a notice of their special senses. As regards sight, the large size 
of their compound eyes, in addition to the presence of ocelli, indicates their high 
degiee of visual power. In respect of perception of colour, experiments have 
shown that if honey be placed on cards of different colour, bees show a decided 
preference for special tints; orange and yellow being the prime favourites. 
