SPHEGIM. 
209 
Stizus includes wasp-like insects whose habits are unknown ; 
S. rufescens, Sm. (Plate X, Fig. 12), is common in the plains, and some¬ 
times comes in numbers to dig in the ground in flat places near houses. 
Philanthus pulcherrimus, Smith (Plate X, Fig. 13). This wasp is 
common at Pusa during the months of March and April. It is usually 
found on flowering plants, on the flowers of which bees are also hovering. 
This wasp attacks them, stings them and then flies with them to the 
nest. The bee is held by the wasp below the thorax between the legs. 
Nests of this wasp are in sandy banks, and are in the form of long narrow 
tunnels. Females were observed bringing bees (generally belonging 
to the genera Halictus, Ceratina and Apis) to their nests and the choice 
seems restricted to the family Apidae. 
Bernbex sulphurescens, Dahlb., is another wasp-like insect, robust, 
coloured in yellow and black. Bernbex makes burrows, which it is be¬ 
lieved to keep open, feeding the young 
daily with fresh Diptera ; this is an 
interesting habit, and it may be hoped 
that the habits of the Indian species 
will be observed. This species is 
usually found flying over the soft 
sand by rivers, etc. 
Fig. 116 ,-Bembex sulphurescens. Cerceris is stated to be predaceous 
upon beetles principally Chrysomelidce, 
in India; they are small wasp-like insects; C. pictiventris, Dahlb., 
C. instabilis, Smith, and C. flavopicta, Sm., are the most com¬ 
mon. Oxybelus is smaller with several species, none known to be widely 
spread. 0. squamosus, Sm., has been observed by Purushottam Patel 
to collect the biting fly Stomoxys calcitrans and also the common 
housefly (Musea , sp.), and carry them off to provision its nest which is 
in the form of an oblique tunnel in sandy soil. 
Crabro buddha, Cam., is a small black and yellow species, which 
has been reared from pupae in a tree. C. bellula, Cam., has been seen 
nesting in wet soil in a garden in Western India. C. orientalis , Cam., is 
similar, and has been reared from pupae found in tunnels in a dry mango 
branch. The dry wood was bored through extremely thoroughly and 
IXL 14 
