Then there is _Pompilus rufipes_, which is a black insect, but distinguished by the conspicuous red colour of the hind legs. This is very fond of our coasts, and may be found wherever the soil is suitable for its excavations. Many species of this genus carry off spiders for the purpose of provisioning their nests. Several species, which live far inland, prefer light and dry earth to sand, and make therein their burrows, preferring our little white spider as the provision for their young. Although the same insect may be often observed to carry the same kind of prey to its home, it does not at all follow that no change is ever made. But the most remarkable example of this fact may be found in a very common swift-winged insect, black in colour, with a reddish patch on the end of the abdomen. Its name is _Trachytes pompiliformis_, and it generally stocks its nest with small caterpillars. Mr. F. Smith, however, has taken it when in the act of carrying off a small species of grasshopper--certainly the very last insect that would be thought of as likely to be immured by a captor which must be scarcely larger than itself. This insect is to be found in most warm and sandy situations, and may be looked for at the end of summer and beginning of autumn. It may be easily known by its red spot on the abdomen, and the large, transverse head; it is wider than the thorax. One species of mining-bee, not often found in England, chooses some very singular insects wherewith to feed its young. Its name is _Philanthus triangulum_, and it is a very fierce, waspish-looking creature, with a large wide head, wider even than the thorax, sharp and powerful jaws, and with broad wings. The head and thighs are black, with a few spots of a yellowish white, and the abdomen is yellow, with a black spot in the middle of each segment. Its length rather exceeds half an inch. The actions of this insect do not belie its looks, for it is a fierce and active creature, seizing upon various bees and dragging them into its tunnel.