Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/290

262 ends), also lateral, the first streak being the broadest, the other two gradually decreasing in width; the fifth and sixth segments immaculate.

None of the species of the genus Stelis are abundant insects; in fact some seasons I have not taken a specimen: still they appear scattered over the country. Should the new species prove to be the parasite of Osmia leucomelana, the rarity of the latter will in some degree account for its not having hitherto been discovered; but, in fact, the indifference with which this tribe of insects is regarded, is perhaps a better reason: and truly to me it is a matter of wonder that this most interesting order does not absorb the greater portion of the attention of entomologists generally, for when we consider the variety and beauty of their forms, their varied and wonderful instincts, the mechanism displayed in the construction of their nests, the unwearied love and affection for their young,—these, and a thousand other things, combine to render them, in my opinion, the most interesting and attractive order of insects,

I may say, without being charged with boasting, that I have been an industrious collector for the last ten years, yet never did it fall to my lot, in so short a period as three successive days, to capture such a series of rare insects, as during an excursion of three days in Hampshire. My object was to search for Hymenoptera, and make such observations on their economy as chance might throw in my way. The dates of capture were July 19th, 20th and 21st, and the following is a list of the best insects taken.

Formica sanguinea. What naturalist has not read with delight Huber's wonderful account of this insect, its battles, and the history