The Alleged “Aggressive Mimicry” of Volucellæ

Abstract

MR. POULTON'S letter calls for few words in reply. I invited Mr. Poulton to produce observations in support of his statement that the two varieties of Volucella bombylans lay in the nests of the bees which they respectively resemble. To this invitation Mr. Poulton has not responded. He tells us that his account represented “a very general impression”; that the same impression has been set forth in a showcase at the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons; that even if he were mistaken it was well, if through his mistake the truth shall the more abound. It is thus admitted that in making that statement Mr. Poulton relied not on original authorities, but on the general impressions of others. That these impressions are in any sense correct there is as yet no evidence to show.