sphecia

[Greek sphex (gen it. sphēkos )=a wasp.] Entom.: A genus of Egeriidse. Abdomen moderately stout, no anal tuft. (HORNET-MOTH.] tsphē-çi-dæ, †sphe-gi-dæ, s . pl . [Mod. Lat. sphex , gen it. sphecid (is), sphegid (is); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff.- ida .] [SPHEX.] Entom.: A family of Fo orial Hymenoptera, often merged in Crabronide (q. v.). Antenne generally slender, with long joints, prothorax forming a distinct neck; base of the abdomen constricted into a long petiole. Genera, Sphex, Pepsis, Pompilus, Ammophila, . sphen-, pref. [SPHENO-.] sphēn-a-căn' thus, s. [Pref. sphen-, and Greek a kantha a spine.] Palæont.: A genus of Plagiostomes, founded on spines from the Coal-measures. sphēne, s. [Gr. sphēn =a wedge.] Min.: The same as TITANITE (q. v.). sphēn-is-çi-dæ, s.pl. [Mod. Lat. sphenisc (us); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. -ida.] Ornith.: A family of Natatorial Birds, equivalent to Huxley's Spheniscomorphe (q. v.). By some authors the genera are subdivided.