APHIS HERDS AND ANT ASSOCIATES 



flocks of larvae and pupae. The habits of one species 

 will fairly illustrate the manner of life of thief-ants gen- 

 erally. Solenopsis fugax (Fig 89) is a European species 



Fig. 90 SECTIONAL VIEW OF HOST - ANTS* NEST, SHOWING THE 



GALLERIES WHICH THE THIEF - ANTS ENTER 



(Wasmann, after Wheeler) 



with minute yellow workers, and large black males and 

 females. The way in which it establishes itself within 

 the boundaries of a host is shown in Fig. 90 (reproduced 

 from Wheeler's copy of Father Wasmann's drawing), 

 where its minute galleries, in the sectional view, are seen 

 threading the storied commune of Formica pratensis, 

 and opening into the far broader chambers and tunnelled 

 roads of the host. Solenopsis is able to maintain an 

 independent colony and conduct her predatory raids from 

 a distance, but the greater ease of action doubtless attracts 

 it near and nearer and even within the bounds of its host. 



255 



