The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-11-01
CARPENTER BEES,
This Queer Nests Made by These interesting
Insects.

Insects.
OF the instincts of insects we find
examples to parallel those of the
larger animals; by one important test.
the construction of buildings and habi-
tations, the sagacity of these tribes
OutstripS that of all others, and vies in
its way with the most singular efforts
of humanity. Urged by the necessity
of the preservation of their species,
many, whose term of life does not ad-
init of them nurturing their young
which, moreover, are peculiarly OK
posed to danger-eXhibit a foresight
truly marvellous, and an indomitable
perseverance in anticipating wants
which they cannot supply at the time of
need. In like manner, other insects, in
their architectural skill, while they
have the interests of their offspring at
heart, chiefly or otherwise, as the case
may be, keep also their own conserve
ton in view against changes of tenn
perature and natural enemies.
The art of boring symmetrical tun-
nels in wood eliminates with the car
penter bees, so termed from their
carpenter-like capabilities. Numbers
of the members of this class are enor-
nous, and very beautiful. Nylocopa
violacia-the generic name signifies
odcutter-larger than the largest
humble bee, exhibits choice contrast
of color in its brilliant, velvety black
body, its wings of rich violet. Severa
African species claim more than pass
ing glance from those to whom beauty
affords delight; black body with bronze
green iridescent wings; body black and
orange, with iridescent wings; body
pale yellOWiSh green with transparent
wings-these are lovely combinations
of hues displayed. England is believed
to possess no specimen of these charm
ing creatures. Their tasks are as
interesting as they themselves. They
show partiality for old posts or palings,
or the woodwork of houses which is
soft, because commencing to decay; but
apparently they do not form fresh tun-
nels save when old ones are not to be
had
The bee usually begins boring OBJ
liquely across the grain of the wood,
about two days being taken to make
the worhman's own length; but this
may not be so easily done as the re-
mainder, which runs parallel with the
sides of the wood for from twelve to
eighteen inches. Sometimes an eXca-
walton or two suffice, which generally
take opposite directions from the OPEN
ing; sometimes the bee cuts extra gal
lerieS, one above the other, using the
same opening. Sharp jaws, moved by
powerful muscles, are its only tools;
and as it descends into the heart of the
solid wood, the funnel is swept clean
and regular with stiff brushes of hair
on the legs, and all raSpings made in
eating the burrow out are cast forth
from the entrance. The sawdust ex-
PEELED becomes of subsequent use. One
by one successive partitions of the
clippings, caused to adhere with some
sticky fluid, probably saliva are con-
structed, dividing the entire funnel
into cells somewhat less than an inch
long. Each is supplied with an egg
and a compound of pollen and honey;
the door is closed: but before deserving,
her bevy finally the bee forms a lateral
opening from the outside to the bottom
of the cells and cholleS it with sawdust
paste: and through this the young es-
cape when the time for their emergence
arrives -Chambers' journal.