ANT. 
353 
from the neutrals in being furnished with wings, 
and the female is far larger than the male, the 
body equalling in size that of the common window- 
fly, and the upper wdngs being very long and 
large. At this time of the year the males and 
females emigrate in vast numbers, sometimes fly- 
ing at a considerable height, and sometimes creep- 
ing along the surface. It is not uncommon to see 
them enter houses at this period, attracted by 
sweets in particular, either moist or dry. After 
the breeding season the males live but a very short 
time, and the females return to their nests in order 
to deposit their eggs. During the winter this 
species, like the rest of the European ants, re- 
mains in a state of torpor, without laying up pro- 
visions for that season, as erroneously supposed ^ 
and during the spring emerges from its conceal- 
ment, and recommences its labours. 
I have before observed that Ants feed both on 
animal and vegetable substances of various kinds. 
Their addiction to animal substances is often 
turned to good account by anatomists, who, when 
they wdsh to obtain the skeleton of any animal 
too small or delicate to admit of being prepared 
in the usual way, dispose the animal in a proper 
position in a small box, with perforations in the 
lid, and deposit it in a large ant-hill; in conse- 
quence of which, after a certain space, the wdiole 
of the softer parts are eaten away by these insects, 
and the skeleton remains in its proper position. 
It is thus that very elegant skeletons of Frogs, 
Snakes, &c. may be obtained. 
V. VI. p. II. as 
