. Elementary lessons in zoölogy : a guide in studying animal life and structure in field and laboratory . '4 Bee Killer, Asilus (natural size). THE BEE KILLER. 85 alone, once heard, is sufficient for recognition of the insect. It is one of the largest and fiercest of our Dip- tera. It is an inch or more in length. It feeds princi- pally on honeybees, pouncing upon them with great swift- ness while on the wing. It frequents dry pastures where bees are feeding. It is often- est seen when startled from its resting place upon a stick or stone beside our path. It may be captured by dexterous use of
. Elementary lessons in zoölogy : a guide in studying animal life and structure in field and laboratory . '4 Bee Killer, Asilus (natural size). THE BEE KILLER. 85 alone, once heard, is sufficient for recognition of the insect. It is one of the largest and fiercest of our Dip- tera. It is an inch or more in length. It feeds princi- pally on honeybees, pouncing upon them with great swift- ness while on the wing. It frequents dry pastures where bees are feeding. It is often- est seen when startled from its resting place upon a stick or stone beside our path. It may be captured by dexterous use of the net. It should be introduced into the cyanide bottle without handling, for its beak is powerful enough to wound the fingers. Study of Live Specimens. — Having flushed a bee killer from its resting place, it may be followed at a proper distance, and something may be seen of its predaceous habits. Take time, while in the field collecting, to ob- serve : — 1. The character of its flight as to speed, directness, etc. 2. The length of time spent on the wing at one flight. 3. The course of its flight. After one of its swift sal- lies, does it usually return to the same resting place from which it started out, or to a new one ? 4. The purpose of its flight. Does it seem to be intent on catching a bee at every flight, or does it sometimes seem to fly for sport? 5. Its feeding habits. Try to see one catch a bee and carry it away to be eaten. Wait quietly by until the bee killer has finished its repast; then go and look for the remains of the bee. What part is left? Search the spots from which other bee killers are flushed, for tlie re-
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1896
