THE MOUND OF POGONOMYRMEX BADIUS LATRL. 169 



CONCLUSIONS. 



1 . At the mating time, the females of Pogonomyrmex badiiis 

 and the numerous workers roam about on their home mound ; 

 but the males fly away. 



2. The broad, barren mound, situated in the midst of vegeta- 

 tion, arrests the males in their flight and thus promotes cross- 

 fertilization. 



3. Mating occurs on the ground or on a blade of grass or on 

 a small, low weed ; but never on the wing. This usually 

 happens on the mound ; but, sometimes, it occurs in the adjacent 

 grass. 



4. The same female may be impregnated by several males, and 

 the same male may serve several females. 



5. The male does not die until several days after mating. 



6. The nest openings are closed by the ants at the close of 



every day. 



SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL, 

 ST. Louis, Mo. , 

 April 9, 1909. 



