The most singular, however, of all the galls is perhaps the Bedeguar, which is formed on the stems of wild roses by the puncture of a small species, Rhodites rosæ.
Family 19, Chalcididæ.—To this family belong many gall insects, principally found, however, in foreign countries.
The Chalcididæ include a great number of small species, few exceeding half an inch in expanse. Many of these are singular in shape, and others brilliantly metallic; but, owing to their small size, they have hitherto been studied by comparatively few entomologists.
Fig. 31.—Thoracamba Furcata (Mag.)
Family 20, Proctotrypidæ.—The Proctotrypidæ are probably much less numerous than the preceding family, but have been less studied, being generally smaller and more obscure in their habits; in fact, some of them share with several beetles the reputation of being the smallest insects.
Fig. 32.—Proctotrypes Rufipes (Mag.)
Family 21, Braconidæ.—This family is one of very great extent.