49. nitida, Fourcroy, ♂ ♀. 5-6½ lines. ([Plate II.] fig. 3 ♂ ♀.)
nitida, Kirby.
50. vitrea, Smith, ♀. 6½ lines.
§§§§ The entire body densely pubescent.
51. fulva, Schrank, ♂ ♀. 4-6½ lines. ([Plate II.] fig. 1 ♂ ♀.)
fulva, Kirby.
52. Clarkella, Kirby, ♂ ♀. 4½-6½ lines.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
Fabricius seems to have named this genus from ανθρήνη, a wasp, but why, it is impossible to say. Although one name is as good as another, it being indifferent what the name may be, yet where so evident an attempt to give a name pertinence is conspicuous, it is remarkable that it should be so little relevant, for none of the characteristics of a wasp or hornet are exhibited in these insects.
Possibly it was from the genus being the most numerous in species that Dr. Leach was induced to give this subfamily its collective designation, making the other genera thus converge to it as to a centre. He took its elliptical form as typical. Indeed, it is remarkable how very judiciously this was done, for it is a form not apparent among the normal bees excepting in two exceptional cases, the one upon the frontiers of this subfamily, in almost debatable land, where the last of the Andrenidæ and the first of the Apidæ seem almost to melt into one another; and in the other case, in the parasitical Nomada, whose parasitism is in every instance, but one only, restricted to the first subfamily. A different type of form prevails amongst the Apidæ, upon which I shall have subsequently occasion to speak.