THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED HYMENOPTERA.
The remarks which have just been made on the libellulæ do not apply to insects of this order, the major part of them being armed with stings; some of which are, however, harmless, though others are venomous. The principal genera are, the tenthredo, saw-fly; ichneumon, ichneumon-fly; sphex, ichneumon-wasp; vespa, wasp, hornet; apis, bee; formica, ant; sirex, and chrysis. The tenthredines are found on trees and flowers in their caterpillar state; they feed on the leaves of plants. The ichneumons are found in the same manner; in their caterpillar state, they live chiefly in the bodies of other insects, particularly in the caterpillars of the moths and butterflies, as has been already mentioned. The sphex resides principally in sand-banks, it is also caught on flowers, shrubs and fruits, and about hedges; this insect catches and kills others, which it buries in the sand, having previously deposited its eggs in them. Wasps, bees, and ants, are found on flowers and fruits, and almost on every sweet substance. The chrysis, of which many species are exceeding beautiful, is found flying about old walls, posts, sand-banks, &c. in which it builds its nest. Wasps and bees are the only winged insects that have any great degree of poison in them, they should therefore be taken with the forceps before described, and handled cautiously on account of their stings, which are dangerous. Some, as the mytilla, naked bee, have stings, but no poison, and are to be found on the flowers of umbelliferous plants, when the sun shines hot in the middle of the day; at which time others, as the chrysis, &c. are also to be met with: when caught, a pin is to be stuck through them whilst in the net. It is very difficult to kill these insects without injuring them in some respect; boiling water hurts their wings, and the fine hairs with which many of them are covered; spirits of wine or turpentine prove immediately fatal to some, whilst others are scarce affected by them; and letting them remain transfixed till they are dead, will probably be thought too cruel; it is said, that the best method hitherto practised, is to stick them through with a needle dipped in aqua fortis; the sphinges, and other large moths, are likewise killed in the same manner with the least injury: the reader will adopt either of these methods, or any other he may deem expedient. When dead, their wings are to be expanded, and kept in as natural a position as possible.