[Illustration: _Pl. 2._: (Four species of Ants)]
_Pubd. by Longman & Co. Pater Noster Row, May 2nd. 1820._
THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF
ANTS;
BY
M. P. HUBER,
MEMBER OF THE PHYSICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF
GENEVA, AND CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE NATURAL
HISTORY SOCIETIES OF TARNE AND GARONNE, &c.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH,
_WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES_,
+By+ J. R. JOHNSON, M.D., F.R.S., &c.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN,
PATERNOSTER-ROW.
1820.
Printed by A. and R. Spottiswoode,
Printers-Street, London.
TO
HIS FATHER,
JAMES JOHNSON, +Esq.+ F.S.A.
_THIS VOLUME_
OF INTERESTING FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS,
IS,
IN TOKEN OF FILIAL RESPECT,
INSCRIBED,
BY
THE TRANSLATOR.
ADVERTISEMENT.
Since the following pages were put to the press, the Translator has
been favoured with a letter from the Author, of which the following is
an extract:--
“Since the publication of my ‘Researches into the Natural History of
Indigenous Ants,’ I have frequently re-witnessed what I there describe;
so that I can truly affirm, I have neither been led aside by a fertile
imagination, nor by a love of the marvellous.
“Some of these facts appear to many of so romantic a nature, that I am
happy in not being the only person who has noticed them; not only are
there several enlightened observers in this country (Switzerland), but
a number of other Naturalists, who, since the publication of my work,
have also observed the same occurrences. What has afforded me peculiar
satisfaction, is, that of having learned, _vivâ voce_, from M. De
Latreille, one of the most distinguished Naturalists of Paris, Member
of the Institute or Academy of Sciences, that he had witnessed, on an
extensive scale, and had shown to several of his colleagues, the wars
and pillages of my Amazon Ants.
“You will find another proof in a work of this great Naturalist,
entitled, ‘_Mémoires sur divers sujets de l’Histoire Naturelle
des Insectes, &c._’ and particularly in that memoir, entitled,
‘_Considerations nouvelles et generales sur les Insectes vivans en
Societé. Discours lu a la Séance publique de l’Academie des Sciences,
le 17 Mars, 1817._’
“The Author of these Memoirs, after having mentioned in a summary way,
the facts I published upon the manners, &c. of the Rufescent Amazon
Ant, says, ‘I observed, in 1802, an army of these Ants in one of their
military excursions. They were traversing one of our great roads,
covering the whole of its breadth, and advancing in a column of about
two feet in width. I attributed this movement to a forced emigration.
I suspected, however, from the form of this species, before M. Huber
had published any account of it, that it had particular habits. I found
this Ant in the woods, in the neighbourhood of Paris. _The whole of the
facts related by this Naturalist_ (Huber) _have been fully confirmed._’
“M. De Latreille told me, that he had shown this singular phenomenon to
a skilful English Naturalist, whose name I think is Leach.
“These, Sir, are the proofs by which I hope to obtain the confidence of
a great number of those readers, who are unable to ascertain the truth
of my assertions.”
PREFACE,
BY THE TRANSLATOR.
The favourable critique of these Researches (_Recherches sur les Mœurs
des Fourmis_, &c.), in the Edinburgh Review, for July, 1812, led me to
entertain little doubt, that, long ere this, a translation would have
been presented to the public.
Disappointed in this expectation, and desirous of filling up agreeably
a portion of my leisure time, I engaged in the translation, although
aware of the little merit attached to so humble an office. If the
reader, however, experience the same pleasure in the perusal of this
work, as I did in transcribing it for the press, both parties will be
satisfied, and I shall have the gratification of knowing that my labour
has not been unavailing, or my time misemployed.
The additional notes are not what I was desirous they should be. I
hoped to have made some addition to the History of Ants, or at least
to have confirmed some of the very remarkable facts recorded in the
present volume, particularly that of the female ants voluntarily
depriving themselves of their wings after impregnation; but I lament
that continued ill health prevented my making those exertions necessary
to attain this object.
I regret that, during my residence at Geneva, I was not personally
acquainted with our author, who resides in the neighbourhood of that
city, and who would doubtless have felt much pleasure in supplying
me with additional information. I then had no idea of putting the
following pages to the press, or I would have obtained an introduction
through the medium of my kind friends, Professor Pictet or Monsieur de
Luc.
It were much to be wished that monographs on the smaller animals,
like the one now before us, were more frequently published in this
country, since it would have the effect of removing, in some degree,
the ridicule attached to those who attend to the minuter objects of
creation, and of placing this department of Natural History, on a more
extended and firm basis.
That entomology is neither a trifling nor an useless study, it will
be enough to mention--to say nothing of the national advantage Sweden
derived from the entomological knowledge of Linnæus--the very great
services rendered to medicine and the arts, by the introduction of the
silk-worm, the cochineal insect, and the Spanish fly.
But, waiving these advantages, and others equally great would
doubtless arise, if this branch of Natural History were more
generally cultivated, let us only consider it in the light of an
amusement,--still is it an amusement not without its charms.
The amusements of the Naturalist are attended with no great expense;
his employment in the open air contributes to the preservation of
his health; his frame becomes robust from constant exercise, and the
spirit of enquiry is awakened as he contemplates the several objects
by which he is surrounded: whether he climbs the lofty mountain,
confines himself to the smiling valley, crosses the brawling stream,
penetrates the entangled forest, or breaks out into the open plain, a
thousand beings sporting in the air, measuring the ground, or skimming
the surface of the liquid element, arrest his steps, and claim his
attention; his pulse beats high with enjoyment, and his heart, warmed
with the kindlier emotions, throbs with unutterable delight; moreover,
“He fears no bailiff’s wrath, no baron’s blame;
His is untax’d and undisputed game.”
+Crabbe’s+ _Borough_, p. 110.
Bristol, Feb. 6, 1820.
PREFACE,
BY THE AUTHOR.
Much has been written upon Ants: their form of government, and their
labours, excited the admiration of the ancients equally with the
moderns; but it is only in the present day that just observations have
taken place of the fabulous recitals of Pliny and Aristotle.
The Naturalists of the last century attended to their transformations,
discovered the sexes, and cleared up many essential points of their
history. Learned anatomists, also, described their organs, classed the
different kinds of Ants, and pointed out their generic characters.
To the individual who wishes to be acquainted with the history of these
insects, it is no slight advantage, to be enabled to designate the
species, without lying under the necessity of entering into long and
minute descriptions; he can then devote himself entirely to the study
of those laws by which these various tribes are governed, undertake new
researches into their habitudes and industry, and have his attention
solely occupied with the phenomena their instinct presents.
If I have made any progress in the History of Ants, I stand, in
a considerable degree, indebted to the extensive works of M.
Latreille, who, independent of the excellent descriptions, and
complete classification he has given us of these insects, has, by his
observations, contributed to remove several popular errors.
One of our contemporaries, trusting to a fertile and brilliant
imagination, has been pleased so far to honour these little insects as
to dress them out in all the virtues, excusing them the vices that so
much disgrace the human species.
The History of Ants being yet incomplete, I have been induced to join
my own observations to those of my learned predecessors, trusting that
the perseverance with which I have studied the economy of Ants for
several years has enabled me to fill up a portion of that void which
still remains in this branch of science.
Animated with the desire of following the steps of the celebrated guide
nature had placed near me, I undertook, under his auspices, works
similar to those in which he had been distinguished, and found in this
occupation the double pleasure, of interesting him and instructing
myself.
I published in early life, some observations upon humble-bees, insects
that live in a republic. These first attempts having been received by
Naturalists more favourably than I had reason to expect, I flattered
myself that I should be enabled to disclose some of the secrets in the
History of Ants, whose societies, although much more extensive, present
greater difficulties, in the investigation, from the diminutive size
of the individuals composing them, and the obscurity in which most of
their operations are enveloped.
These researches, which I am aware are still very imperfect, present so
remarkable an assemblage of facts, that I am induced to lay them before
the amateurs of Natural History, hoping they will meet a favourable
reception.
Not to interrupt the course of my observations by anatomical details,
I have placed in the introduction all that relates to the external
organization of Ants. I have also added an abridged notice of facts
collected by other Naturalists, whose writings may be easily procured,
should the reader feel desirous of obtaining further information.
In these researches I have followed no methodical arrangement, having
adopted the plan I considered the best adapted to elucidate the
subject. I therefore commence, by giving an account of the art with
which Ants construct their habitation.
These insects inhabit, for the most part, the bottom of their
subterranean residence; hence there was a necessity of my being
provided with an apparatus that would enable me to follow them in their
domestic occupations. After describing the one I employed, I mention
the great care which these little creatures take of the eggs, larvæ,
and pupæ of their numerous family.
I devote an entire chapter to the history of the females; I describe
their amours, and state the manner in which new colonies are
established, and ancient ones preserved. Passing from the relation of
Labourers with the winged individuals, to that of the Labourers among
themselves, I accompany them in their migrations and excursions, notice
their individual conduct, and then describe the combats in which they
engage.
In the course of this work, several questions are discussed that may
appear bold to those who do not see in insects any thing but organized
machines, but they will not astonish the Naturalist, accustomed to
distrust his own opinions. There are few individuals who have not
perceived how absurd is the supposition of a blind instinct, and
for some time past we have granted to animals, at least so it to me
appears, a greater degree of knowledge than formerly.
If we reflect a moment on the complicated nature of that mechanism, we
must put in place of a spark of that light in which we all participate,
to enable it to accommodate itself to circumstances, to provide for the
several necessities of a numerous colony, and to direct a multitude
of springs in such a manner as to concur in the same end, we shall be
tempted to prefer an hypothesis the most simple,--that which accords to
insects a sufficient degree of intelligence for the conduct of their
domestic affairs, to that which considers them as mere automatons.
But Ants, living as they do in society, and entering upon labours that
require some degree of unanimity--have they no means of understanding,
and of making known their wants and their situation to their
companions? What are the connecting bonds of this numerous family?
Have they chiefs, a government, a police? Do we find among them any
proof of that subordination so boasted of by their panegyrists, and
of that economical foresight which they present us as an example for
our imitation?--These important questions would have alone engaged
my attention, had I been able to follow any regular plan in my
observations: but when we advance on an unknown region, we cannot trace
before-hand the boundaries of our journey; and Natural History offers
more than one proof, that to make new discoveries we must now and then
quit the main road.
I was, however, far from expecting those extraordinary facts that
presented themselves in the course of my researches; among them those
of the Ants with their _pucerons_, which I have already published, and
to which I have made several additions. But there are facts still more
singular connected with the Ants of different species. The history of
the Amazon Ants presents a phenomenon so opposed to what the manners
of insects and other animals have hitherto offered us, and recalls so
prominent a feature in the history of man, that I have given up a great
portion of my time to its elucidation, and have considered it my duty
to devote several chapters to it, with the view of making it known in
all its detail, and of putting the reader in the way of judging or
verifying the truth of my assertions.
I conclude the work by some general considerations which my
observations have suggested to me, and by comparing the habits of Ants
with those of other insects that live in a republic.
The title I have given to these researches is not to be taken in its
fullest extent, since I have not studied the manners of _all_ the
indigenous ants. I know twenty-three species of which I have not
equally learned the history; but if the facts I have noticed, excite
the attention of Naturalists, and induce them to fill up the outline I
now lay before them, it will be the sweetest recompense for the labours
to which I have been devoted.
INTRODUCTION.
My design in this Introduction, is to take a rapid review of the
facts collected by several writers relative to the History of Ants.
The descriptive part, better known than that which refers to their
manners and habits, still presents some doubts which I shall attempt to
remove. De Geer, among the ancient, Fabricius and Latreille among the
modern naturalists, are those to whom I shall have recourse for their
classification.
Systematic authors have placed Ants in the class of insects with four
naked wings--with Bees, Wasps, Andrenæ, &c. from which they differ
essentially in the composition of their families, where we find the
males and females furnished with wings, and the workers without them.
The characters given by M. Latreille, to distinguish them more
particularly, are that of having “the peduncle of the abdomen
surmounted with a scale, or knotty; the abdomen of the workers and
females ejaculating an acid, or armed with a sting; the antennæ
filiform, or slightly enlarged at their extremity, bent or fractured in
the middle, composed of twelve or thirteen joints; the second conical,
of the same length as those that follow; a tongue, spoon-shaped,
entire; the upper lip effaced; the palpi filiform unequal, anterior of
five, posterior of four joints. The first of these characters furnishes
two very distinct families, the one, composed of all those ants that
have the peduncle surmounted by a scale, the other, of all those in
which it is formed of two knots. The characters of the first family,
are--having the antennæ filiform, or pointed at the extremity; no
sting; a simple venom-bag; the abdomen more elongated, and composed in
the females and workers of five rings.”
The ants of the second family have the antennæ moniliform, and
considerably enlarged at their extremity; a sting; the abdomen short,
and composed of four rings in females and the workers.
The males have, in general, the antennæ longer, and of thirteen joints;
the abdomen is composed of one ring more than in other individuals of
their species; they possess neither a sting nor a venom-bag. As we
shall treat in this work of none but indigenous ants, all of which find
place in this general division, I shall not enter into greater detail
relative to their classification.
Let us examine separately all the parts of the body of ants in order
to know their external organs. Their head is triangular, oblong, and
terminates in a point more or less obtuse; it is thick at the top, thin
at the opposite extremity, and terminated by two large teeth, termed
mandibles; underneath is the mouth, properly so called. On each side
are large reticulated oval eyes; above, we commonly notice three more,
very small, and placed so as to form a triangle. In the fore-part of
the head are the antennæ, and underneath the lower jaws the palpi.
The mandibles of the females and the workers are of a horny structure,
concave, curved, denticulated, moveable, and serve for several
purposes: those of the males are very slender, terminate in a point,
and are covered with hair. Besides these organs with which the mouth is
externally furnished, we also remark an upper lip, slightly projecting,
two inferior jaws, very small, which play from right to left, and a
lower lip, hidden entirely underneath; we are not yet agreed as to
their composition.
Fabricius gives to Ants of all kinds, for their principal character,
that of having a mouth destitute of a tongue (_os absque Lingua_);
Latreille, on the contrary, grants them one, expressing it under this
form (_Langue en cuilleron entière_); “the lower lip,” he says, “is
formed of a conical furrow, coriaceous, with an elevated ridge in the
middle, and terminated in a point, and of a tongue, or membranous
portion, lodged in this furrow, and spoon-shaped.”--I beg leave to add
some few observations to those of these great naturalists. When the
ants wish to drink, we see proceed from their lower jaws, which are
much shorter than the upper, a little conical, fleshy, and yellowish
tubercle, which performs the office of a tongue, advancing and retiring
alternately; it appears to proceed from what we term the lower lip,
which serves as the base, and perhaps a sheath to this tongue, and
which is so small, that it is only from analogy with other insects we
have given it this name. This lip is capable of advancing conjointly
with the two lower jaws, and when the insect wishes to lap, the whole
apparatus makes a progressive movement, in such a way, that the tongue,
which is very short, has no need of much extension to enable it to
accomplish its object. The jaws are elongated, enlarged at their
extremity, slightly concave underneath, of a horny substance, and,
compared to the mandibles, extremely slender and weak. In the centre,
externally, we notice palpi of six rings each, and two more may be also
perceived at the base of the tongue; the latter are much smaller and
composed only of four rings: we are as yet unacquainted with their use.
The antennæ, as we have before stated, are bent or fractured, situated
in the fore-part of the head, more or less near the middle of the
forehead; they lie in a small longitudinal furrow, and are composed of
twelve or thirteen joints; the first being about half their length. The
antennæ of those ants that have a scale upon the fillet of the abdomen
are filiform, and are composed of rings of the same size, or terminate
slightly in a point. The ants of the second family have the antennæ,
on the contrary, enlarged at the extremity; those of the males are
setaceous in the first species, more granulated in the latter species,
and in all are formed of one ring more than in the workers and females.
The head is connected to the thorax or corslet by a thin, short, and
narrow neck, of a fleshy substance, and furnished with muscles, by
which all its movements are regulated.
The corslet of the winged individuals is very large comparatively to
the head; that of the workers is much narrower; that of the former
is convex, entire, composed of several horny pieces, of different
forms, retained by proper membranes: the superior is separated
from the sternal portion by a furrow, in the middle of which the
wings are implanted. The wings are placed in the back part of the
corslet, whilst, in other insects of the same kind, they are situated
more in front of the body. Another remarkable character respecting
their insertion is,--that the corslet has none of those instruments
(_Cuillerons_) destined to moderate the movements of the wings, and
which are situated at their base in the other hymenopterous insects.[1]
[1] These observations were communicated to me by Professor Jurine, and
are a proof of the distinguishing glance of this able naturalist.
The corslet of the workers is gibbous, divided equally, and composed,
according to De Geer, of three pieces; the first--that nearest the
head, is thick and round; the second is of less size, extends to the
under part of the abdomen, and appears divided in two transversely; the
third, much thicker than the second, is truncated and obtuse. We cannot
well define the form of the corslet, since it varies according to the
species; it has four stigmæ, two of which rest in a slight lateral
depression (which seems to divide the corslet), one on each side; the
other two are situated near the posterior extremity, to the right and
left of the fillet.
The wings, which are four in number, are transparent, large, and
sleek; the posterior are shorter than the anterior, their nervures are
slightly coloured, and the stigma is yellow or brown. These wings are
hooked when the insect flies; they form but one horizontal surface by
means of a series of little hooks disposed at their margin.
To each of the three lower parts of the corslet are attached a pair of
legs. They are connected by a moveable piece, long and conical, which
we may term the hip. The posterior legs are the longest; they are each
divided into three principal parts--the thigh, the leg, and the foot
or tarsus; the latter is formed of five conical pieces, of unequal
length, articulated together, and more or less hairy; the tarsus is
terminated by two hooks, between which lies a round substance, which
we may regard as the sole of the foot. We remark, at the extremity of
the leg, properly so called, a spine or spur, straight, strong, and
smooth; that on the anterior feet is slightly curved, and covered with
stiff hair, where it is connected to the foot. The first piece of the
tarsus, which is opposite the spur, presents a considerable curvature.
It is furnished with a fringe-work of strong hair, cut regularly.
This constitutes the brush which the insect employs when cleaning its
antennæ, head, and corslet; it has also other uses, but to these I
shall allude on another occasion.
The vertical scale is heart-shaped, with the point turned downwards. It
is traversed at its origin by the abdominal fillet; its form varies,
and it furnishes very distinct characters. Latreille remarks that it
is provided with two stigmæ, which are situated at its base on the
posterior side.
The abdomen or belly of the ant is always larger than the corslet,
of an oval form, swoln, and more or less pointed at the posterior
extremity. It is composed of demi-rings, which are of a horny
substance; the superior are connected with the inferior by means of a
flexible membrane, which allows of their separation and approximation
at will. It is easy to notice this when the insect has taken a full
meal, since each of these horny pieces appears then to be separated
from the rest by a little whitish band, which is nothing more than this
membrane. The abdomen is composed of four or five rings, the last of
which gives passage to the sexual organs and the sting.
Latreille regards the scale as characteristic, which rests on the
fillet of the abdomen, and takes the place of a ring, which, without
that, would be wanting in the abdomen of these insects. These are his
words:--“Naturalists,” he says, “have not considered that this scale
or these knots on the peduncle of the abdomen of ants are only the
first rings shaped in this way. Several wasps have also the first
segment of the abdomen formed like a knot. To decide this point, let
us count the number of rings of which the abdomen of ants is composed;
we know, and it is a constant rule with respect to insects of this
order, that there are seven rings in the abdomen of males, and six in
that of females. Let us see if, after taking away the scale and the
knots of the peduncle, we shall find this number. We do not:--for the
abdomen of the females or workers, which has a scale or single knot
in the fore-part, possess but five rings, and that of the males only
six. The abdomen of those ants whose peduncle is formed of two knots,
will have still one ring less; that is to say, four in some, and five
in others.”--We have already remarked, that the workers and females
of some species are provided with a sting; this consists of a little
short, horny substance, straight and conical, formed of two filaments,
and accompanied with two other little pieces, conical, smooth,
compressed, one on each side. “There exists,” continues M. Latreille,
“the greatest resemblance between the exterior organs of generation in
single females and workers; the resemblance indeed is so close, that
on the most severe examination we can scarcely perceive any sensible
difference.” He regards the workers as impotent females, whose organs
have not received their full development. In truth, if we consider
the form of their head and their teeth, the number of the joints or
articulations in their antennæ, the number of their rings, the presence
of the sting, or that of the venom-bag which replaces it, we shall
be struck with the similarity existing between these two orders. The
workers are much smaller than the females; they also differ in the form
of the corslet, in the absence of wings, and in colour. Some of the
males are smaller, others larger than the workers of their species;
their corslet is shaped like that of the females; the scale or knots
are of great similarity in all the individuals of each family: the
males are commonly of a blackish hue.
Our knowledge of the manners and habits of ants is extremely limited,
consisting only of a small assemblage of detached facts, and of a few
assertions, sufficiently vague, which I shall discuss in their proper
place. In the list of modern authors who have contributed to the
history of ants, we find naturalists of the greatest celebrity.
Leeuwenhoeck is the first who seriously attended to the metamorphoses
of ants, and proved that what had been hitherto regarded as their eggs
were the real larvæ; indeed from their magnitude this should have been
previously known, the eggs of these insects being exceedingly minute.
Swammerdam confirms, by profound researches and admirable descriptions,
the observations published by his predecessor:--he notices the several
changes ants undergo, and shows the pupa to be the same individual
that under the form of larva possessed neither limbs nor any distinct
features. He points out the distinction between the males and females,
which, he says, are furnished with wings, and remarks, that the common
ants are labourers or neuters, as obtains in bees. He also describes
some of the domestic occupations in which ants are engaged, and
informs us, that the larvæ of some species spin a silken envelope, in
which they undergo their transformation, and then gives us excellent
descriptions of several species of ants.
Linnæus comes next:--he describes seven species of ants met with
in Sweden;--treats of the large conical ant-hills abounding in
fir-forests; finds the female ants, as well as the males, furnished
with wings; which, he says, they lose a little time after birth, and is
of opinion they never return to their original habitation.
Geoffroy adds nothing to the facts brought forward by these excellent
naturalists: he falls, on the contrary, into several errors, which, as
they have been combated by De Geer, I shall pass over in silence.
This last author (De Geer) informs us, that the young ants cannot
extricate themselves from their silken envelope without the assistance
of the labourers; and that the larvæ of the shining black ant do not
always spin, since we find in their nest pupæ both naked and enclosed.
He also observes that the larvæ of certain species pass the winter in
that state, and that those of the Yellow Ant are closely invested with
hair in the month of April, &c.--Passing from the infant to the adult
state of the ant, he notices their amours in the air, believes that the
females return to their nest to deposit their eggs, in this respect
opposing the opinion of Linnæus, who was, however, better informed
on this subject than himself. This justly celebrated naturalist,
notwithstanding, gives us more information upon the history of ants
than the whole of his predecessors.
Charles Bonnet was in his turn occupied:--he was of opinion that ants
are directed in their migrations by the scent. He notices a small
family-establishment of these insects on the head of a thistle, of
which he gives us an interesting account. Had he, however, opened it,
he would have, with admiration, discovered the motive which drew them
thither, and would no longer have been astonished at their living
there without touching the provision he tendered them. He saw these
ants engaged in carrying each other, and describes their proceedings in
his usual lively and agreeable manner, although unaware of the purport
for which these insects had assembled.
M. Latreille confirms the facts brought forward by other authors. He
notices two species of ants destitute of eyes, but does not describe
their manners. He also advances some conjectures to which we shall
refer hereafter.
It appears from all the observations made to the present day, that we
are not agreed as to the fate of the males and females; that we know
not why certain larvæ should, others should not, spin; why among some
species we should find pupæ both naked and enclosed; that we have not
sufficiently attended to the spirit which reigns in the interior of
ant-hills, nor to the relation existing between the labouring ants
and their females; that we have not discovered whether they possess
the means of understanding each other; that we have not sufficiently
described the construction of their abode, nor the manner in which they
establish it, nor do we know whether these insects do or do not form
colonies, &c. The number of questions not yet solved is endless; it
is, however, time to fill up some of the numerous sketches which our
predecessors have left us upon this subject, and place, if possible,
the history of ants on a more solid and secure foundation.
CONTENTS.
CHAP. I.
Page
+The+ Architecture of Ants 1
1. The Architecture of the Fallow Ants 2
2. ---- ---- ---- ---- Mason Ants 16
3. ---- ---- ---- ---- dark Ash-coloured Ants 35
4. ---- ---- ---- ---- Ants that inhabit timber 47
5. ---- ---- ---- ---- Ants that form their residence of
saw-dust, &c. 58
CHAP. II.
+Of+ the Eggs, Larvæ, and Pupæ of Ants 60
CHAP. III.
+Of+ the Fecundation, &c. of Ants 94
1. Of the departure of the Winged Ants _ib._
2. ---- ---- History of the Winged Ants after impregnation 108
3. ---- ---- conduct of the Labourers towards the pregnant
females 127
CHAP. IV.
+Of+ the relation between Ants 142
2. Of the manner in which Ants are guided in their several
excursions 151
3. ---- ---- migrations of the Fallow Ants 157
4. ---- ---- affection of Ants for their companions 168
CHAP. V.
+Of+ the wars of Ants, and some other particulars 178
CHAP. VI.
+Of+ the Relation of Ants with the _Pucerons_ and _Gall
Insects_ 205
1. Of the Antennal Language _ib._
2. ---- ---- intimacy of Ants with the _Pucerons_ 210
3. ---- ---- Relation of Ants with the _Gall Insects_ 219
4. ---- ---- almost human industry of Ants 222
5. ---- ---- resources of the Ants during winter 237
6. ---- ---- eggs of the _Pucerons_ 239
CHAP. VII.
+First+ historical sketch of the Amazon Ants 248
CHAP. VIII.
+Researches+ into the origin of mixed ant-hills 264
CHAP. IX.
+Further+ information on the Amazon Ants 288
CHAP. X.
+The+ Establishment of a mixed Ant-hill, in a glass apparatus 310
CHAP. XI.
+History+ of the Sanguine Ants 329
CHAP. XII.
+Observations+ on those insects that live in Republics 346
+Appendix+ 379
[Illustration: _Pl. 1._: (Ant Habitats)]
_Pubd. by Longman & Co. Pater Noster Row. May 2nd. 1820._
THE
NATURAL HISTORY
OF
ANTS.
CHAP. I.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF ANTS.
The first objects which strike the attention in entering upon the
study of the history of ants, are the art with which they form their
habitations; their variety, and the manner in which they respectively
answer the wants of the species who construct them. They are sometimes
fabricated with earth, sometimes hewn out in the trunk of the most
solid trees, or simply composed of leaves and stalks of plants
collected from all quarters. They are of an astonishing size, when
compared with their diminutive architects.
I hope, in the course of the present work, to bring the reader to
conceive what degree of intelligence we may grant these insects, whose
faculties, police, and sagacity, have been, by some authors, as much
over-rated as by others not duly appreciated.
The three modes of building, of which I have just spoken, admit of
numerous modifications, each species of ant being endowed with some
peculiar talent. I shall mention in what they differ, after describing
the general outline of their architecture, if we may express, by the
same term, the simple and rude work of an insect, and an art brought to
perfection by the hands of man.
1. ART OF BUILDING AMONG THE FALLOW ANTS.
The fallow ant is that ant which forms in the woods those hillocks so
remarkable for their extent. It admits of easy observation, from its
being above the middle size, from its operations being carried on
in open day, and from the simplicity of the work in which we find it
engaged. It is very common in every part of Europe, and has, therefore,
occupied the attention of Linnæus, De Geer, &c., but these learned
men, having noticed it under a point of view different from mine, and
my plan not permitting me to mention what they say upon this head, I
shall, after briefly describing these insects, commence by explaining
the construction of their abode, at the same time noticing the very
exact police ants of this species observe.
The working fallow ants are from three to four lines in length, and
stand high upon their legs. Their head, which is larger than the
corslet, is of a pale red or fallow colour at the extremity, and
blackish at the top. The mouth is armed with two very strong mandibles,
denticulated and hooked at the point, which they generally keep apart,
and make use of, not only for attacking their enemies and tearing
their prey, but in carrying burthens, and performing the labours and
reparations of the ant-hill. The antennæ are black and filiform. The
corslet is protuberant, raised anteriorly, compressed and truncated
posteriorly, often marked with a black stain above, the rest being
of a clear fallow colour. The peduncle of the abdomen is of the same
colour, and bears a large scale, which is scolloped and blackish on
its superior margin. The abdomen is brown or ash-coloured, slightly
invested with hair, globose, composed of five rings, not counting the
scale, wanting the sting, but armed with a venom-bag. The feet are
brown, and the thighs, at their origin, of a reddish tint. I have
described, in the Appendix, two varieties of these ants; one with a
black back, another with a back of the same colour as the rest of the
corslet. This difference, which scarcely affects the habitudes of these
insects, separates, however, those who inhabit the woods from those
who live along-side hedges, and in meadows. It is the latter only,
that have the corslet stained with black and the scale on its upper
margin[1] brown. They both collect, near their habitation, fragments
of straw, pieces of wood, little stones, leaves, and all other objects
within reach, that may be of service in increasing its height, not
neglecting even moths, minute shells, corn, oats, and barley, which
doubtless gave rise to their ancient renown. But if this foresight,
which we supposed them to possess, has not for its object to preserve
them from famine during the winter, a time in which ants eat but
little, especially grain, it is not the less worthy of our regard, when
we consider its real purport.
[1] _Vide_ the description of the fallow ant, and particularly the note
in the Appendix.
That little mound which seems at the first glance only an assemblage of
materials confusedly scattered, is, however, an invention as ingenious
as simple to carry off the waters from the ant-hill, to defend it from
the injuries of the air, and from hostile attacks, and to regulate
the heat of the sun, or retain it in the interior. The mass of
the different materials of which it is composed, always presents a
circular dome, whose base, often covered with earth and pebbles, forms
a cone, above which the wooden portion of the building is erected in
the form of a sugar loaf. But this is simply the exterior covering of
the ant-hill; the most considerable portion is hidden from our sight,
descending to a depth of greater or less extent. Avenues constructed
very carefully of an irregular funnel shape conduct from the roof to
the interior. Their number depends upon the population of the nest and
its extent. The entrance to the nest is more or less considerable. We
sometimes find a spacious aperture at the top, but more frequently,
several apertures of nearly equal size, around which are many narrow
passages, symmetrically and circularly disposed, which extend even to
the base of their habitation.
These several apertures were necessary to give a free egress to the
vast multitude of labourers of which their colony is composed. Not only
do they work continually on the outside of their nest, but differing
very essentially from other species who willingly remain in the
interior sheltered from the sun, they prefer living in the open air,
and do not hesitate carrying on, even in our presence, the greater part
of their operations.
In the habitations of the yellow ant, the dark ash-coloured ant, the
sanguine ant, the brown ant, &c. we never observe the entrances of
sufficient width to allow their enemies easy access, or permit the
introduction of the rain. They are covered with a dome of earth, closed
on all sides, and have no outlet but near the base, which is by a long
and tortuous passage that winds to the distance of several feet in the
grass. The diminutive size of these apertures, at all times diligently
guarded within, prevents the entrance of any insects or reptiles that
may happen to arrive there.
The fallow ants, collected in crowds during the day on their nest,
have no fear of being disquieted in the interior, but when, in the
evening, they retire to their quarters, no longer perceiving what
passes without, how are they screened from the accidents with which
they are menaced? or how happens it that the rain does not penetrate
their abode, open as it is on every side to its introduction? These
questions, simple as they are, do not appear to have engaged the
attention of naturalists. Have they not then foreseen the dangers to
which these insects would have been exposed, if that wisdom which
regulates the universe had not provided for their safety? Struck with
these reflections, when I first noticed the fallow ants, I directed my
entire attention to this subject, and soon acquired the information I
wanted. I remarked that their habitations changed in appearance hourly,
and that the diameter of those spacious avenues, where so many ants
could freely pass each other during the day, was, as night approached,
gradually lessened. The aperture at length totally disappeared, the
dome was closed on all sides, and the ants retired to the bottom of
their nest.
In further noticing the apertures of these ant-hills, I fully
ascertained the nature of the labour of its inhabitants, of which I
could not before even guess the purport; for the surface of the nest
presented such a constant scene of agitation, and so many insects were
occupied in carrying materials in every direction, that the movement
offered no other image than that of confusion.
I saw then clearly that they were engaged in stopping up their
passages; and for this purpose, they at first brought forward little
pieces of wood, which they deposited near the entrance of those
avenues they wished to close, they placed them above the aperture, and
even sunk them in the stubble; they then went to seek other ligneous
fragments which they disposed above the first, but in a different
direction, and appeared to choose fragments of less size in proportion
as the work advanced. They at length brought in a number of dried
leaves, and other materials of an enlarged form, with which they
covered the roof. Is not this in miniature the art of our builders when
they form the covering of any building? Nature seems every where to
have anticipated the inventions of which we boast. This is doubtless
one of the most simple.
Our little insects, now in safety in their nest, retire gradually to
the interior before the last passages are closed, one or two only
remain without, or concealed behind the doors on guard, whilst the rest
either take their repose, or engage in different occupations in the
most perfect security.
I was impatient to know what took place in the morning upon these
ant-hills, and therefore visited them at an early hour. I found them
in the same state in which I had left them the preceding evening. A
few ants were wandering about on the surface of the nest, some others
issued from time to time from under the margin of the little roofs
formed at the entrance of the galleries: others afterwards came forth
who began removing the wooden bars that blockaded the entrance, in
which they readily succeeded. This labour occupied them several hours.
The passages were at length free, and the materials with which they had
been closed scattered here and there over the ant-hill.
Every day, morning and evening, during the fine weather, I was a
witness to similar proceedings. On days of rain, the doors of all the
ant-hills remain closed. When the sky is cloudy in the morning, or
rain is indicated, the ants, who seem to be aware of it, open but in
part their several avenues, and immediately close them when the rain
commences. It would appear from this they are not insensible of the
motive for which they form these temporary closures.
To have an idea how the straw or stubble roof is formed, let us take
a view of the ant-hill at its origin, when it is simply a cavity in
the earth. Some of its future inhabitants are seen wandering about
in search of materials fit for the exterior work, with which, though
rather irregularly, they cover up the entrance; whilst others are
employed in mixing the earth, thrown up in hollowing the interior, with
fragments of wood and leaves, which are every moment brought in by
their fellow-assistants; and this gives a certain consistence to the
edifice, which increases in size daily. Our little architects leave
here and there cavities where they intend constructing the galleries
which are to lead to the exterior, and as they remove in the morning
the barriers placed at the entrance of their nest the preceding
evening, the passages are kept entire during the whole time of its
construction. We soon observe it to become convex; but we should be
greatly deceived did we consider it solid. This roof is destined to
include many apartments or stories. Having observed the motions of
these little masons through a pane of glass which I adjusted against
one of their habitations, I am enabled to speak with some degree of
certainty upon the manner in which they are constructed.
It is by excavating or mining the under portion of their edifice that
they form their spacious halls, low indeed and of heavy construction,
yet sufficiently convenient for the use to which they are appropriated,
that of receiving at certain hours of the day the larvæ and pupæ.[2]
[2] The terms of _Larva_ and _Pupa_ are employed to designate the
intermediate states of existence in the insect, on its passage from the
egg to its becoming a perfect animal, endowed with all the powers of
its race, the former being commonly known under the appellation of Grub
or Caterpillar, the latter of Chrysalis or Aurelia. The ant remains,
according to Gould, in the first or larva state of existence nearly a
twelvemonth, in the state of pupa about six weeks, and as a perfect
insect 16 months. The time, however, they remain as larvæ and pupæ is,
no doubt considerably influenced by variations in the temperature,
and other causes. M. Reaumur hastened the disclosure of the butterfly
by keeping the aurelia or pupa in a warm room, and retarded it by
placing it in an ice house. Mr. Kirby once kept one of the aphidivorous
flies--the whole term of whose existence, according to this intelligent
entomologist, does not, in the summer, exceed at the very utmost six
weeks--several months in the state of larva; and, paradoxical as it may
seem, by simply neglecting to give it food.--T.
These halls have a free communication by galleries made in the same
manner. If the materials of which the ant-hill is composed were only
interlaced, they would fall into a confused heap every time the
ants attempted to bring them into regular order. This, however, is
obviated by their tempering the earth with rain-water, which afterwards
hardening in the sun, so completely and effectually binds together
the several substances as to permit the removal of certain fragments
from the ant-hill, without any injury to the rest: it, moreover,
strongly opposes the introduction of the rain. I never found, even
after long and violent rains, the interior of the nest wetted to more
than a quarter of an inch from the surface, provided it had not been
previously out of repair, or deserted by its inhabitants.
The ants are extremely well sheltered in their chambers, the largest
of which is placed nearly in the centre of the building; it is much
loftier than the rest, and traversed only by the beams that support the
ceiling: it is in this spot that all the galleries terminate, and this
forms, for the most part, their usual residence.
As to the under-ground portion, it can only be seen when the ant-hill
is placed against a declivity; all the interior may be then readily
brought in view, by simply raising up the straw roof. The subterranean
residence consists of a range of apartments, excavated in the earth,
taking an horizontal direction.
That part of the architecture of fallow ants, which equally obtains
with the mason-ants, and of which I shall soon have occasion to speak,
I shall not now stop to describe, but pass on immediately to the
labours of the latter, which will be found to merit our attention.
2. ARCHITECTURE OF THE MASON-ANTS.
I term those mason-ants, whose nests, on the exterior, have the
appearance of hillocks of earth, without admixture of other materials,
whilst in the interior they present a series of labyrinths, lodges,
vaults, and galleries, constructed with great art.
There are several species of mason-ants. The earth, of which their nest
is composed, is more or less compact. That which ants of a certain
size, such as the ash-coloured and mining ants employ, appears to be
less selected, and forms a less fine paste, than that of which the
brown, microscopic, and yellow ants form their abode. It is, however,
sufficiently adapted to their use, and to the nature of the edifice
they intend erecting.