INSECTS 200 species occur in Kent, although, as in the case of the Ichneumon- ids, it is very difficult to make an accurate estimate. One of the best known examples of this group is Apanteles glomeratus, L., which destroys the larv£ of the common Garden White Butterfly {Pieris brassicce, L.), and its little yellow cocoons may often be seen around the shrivelled skin of its victim. Agathis mahacearum, Lat., an interesting and somewhat rare species, has occurred at Appledore and near Dover ; it is parasitic on Parasia lapella^ L. Blacus armatulus, Ruthe, has recently been intro- duced into the British list from a specimen taken at Appledore. Proctotrypidce. This group includes some of the very smallest insects, and they are either parasitic on small insects or they infest the eggs of larger ones. Several species have been taken in Kent. Chalcididce. A great number of small insects are included in this group. Brachymeria Jiavipes, one of the largest of the common species found in the county, is only a quarter of an inch in length. Several of the species are brilliantly metallic, but their beauties can only be seen under the microscope. Certain species of the genus Ptero?»alus occa- sionally swarm on the window panes of dwelling houses at some seasons of the year, principally in the autumn. 'Evaniida. Although the British representatives of this group number only six, it deserves more than passing notice. These insects may be distinguished from all other Hymenoptera by the fact that the abdomen, which is petiolated, springs from the upper or dorsal surface of the thorax, and this gives them a most striking appearance. Faenus assectator, L., is a common insect at St. Margaret's Bay, where it probably preys on several species of wasps and bees. TUBULIFERA CHRYSIDID^ This little group of brilliantly coloured insects, popularly known as ' Ruby-tailed Flies,' is well represented in Kent. Chrysis ignita, L., is the commonest and at the same time one of the largest and prettiest of the British species, and it may be met with in all parts of the county, hovering in hot sunshine around brick walls and old palings, its metallic blue-green head and thorax contrasting strikingly with the fiery-red abdomen, which shows a greenish-golden tinge in some lights. The other species are not frequently met with. The Chrysididce deposit their eggs in the cells of various Aculeata, and the larvae devour the aculeate larvas. Chrysis ignita, L., attacks several kinds of wasps and bees ; C. viridula, L,, is to be found especially around the burrows of Odynerus spinipes. The following species have been recorded from Kent : — Cleptes pallipes, Lep. Lewhham (Beaumont) Ellampus auratus, L. Common — nitidula, Fab. Kingsdown, St. Margaret's — caeruleus, Dahlb. ( = violaceus, Scop.). Bay (Sladen) Leiulsham (Beaumont), Beamed (Elgar) I 113 15
