VESPIDX, a family of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. It comprises the species of the genus Vefspa of Linnmus, of which the common wasp and the hornet are farniliar examples. They were formed into a family by Latreille, under tho name of Diploytera, afterwards changed into Diplopteryga by Kirby. They form the third and last division of the first sub-section (Prxdones) of the second section (Actileata) of Hymenoptera in Westwood's revision of Latroille's arrangement_ When at rest they fold their wing,s throughout their entire leng,th, whence their distinctive appellation. The wings of all the insects of the family have a similar neuration, their eyes are innate, and there are glands at the extremity of tho labrum. The four wings havo one marginal and threo perfect submarginal cells, with an incomplete terminal submarginal cell. Among tho wasps are insects of the most dissimilar habits ; some solitary, others living in societies, some phytophagous, others carnivorous. Such as are social rival the bees in tho cotnplicatecl instincts which regulate their societies_ Among the wasps, structure, and not econotny, is the real source of essential character. Each species of the solitary wasps comprisea males and females only, awl constitutes the family Eumenidre. Tho genera
Eumenes and Odynerus belong to it. Tho habits of the solitary wasps are interesting. Odynerus murarius (Yelps 11111110.118.) Of LiODZIMIA 11:1AkCS a holo several inches deep itt the sand, or in tho sides of walls, constructing a tube of earthy paste, at first straight, and then curved at its entrance. In this burrow it constructs its cell, and deposits in the cavity of the interior cell from eight tc twelve little green caterpillars, arranging them spirally in layers above each other. In the rnidst of these it deposits its eggs, then closes the mouth of the hole with the materials of the tube, which it had used as a sort of scaffold. The larvm when hatched feed upon the caterpillars. The social wasPs constitute the restricted family of Vespidx of Westwood, the Polistides of Saint Fargeau. They live in numerous societies, consisting of males, females, and neuters, which are temporary, being dissolved at the approach of winter. The mandibles of the Vespidm proper aro not longer than broad, and broadly and obliquely truncated at their extremities.—Eng. Cyc.