174 



A resume of the life history of Atta cephalotes may be con- 

 venient : — 



1st stage ... ... ... The egg. 



2nd ,, ... .. ... The larva. 



3rd ,, ... ... .. The pupa. 



4th „ ... ... ... The imago or perfect insect. 



{a. ) There are six forms of the insect produced in the nest, but the ant once 

 hatched from the larva stage never grows, but remains the same size as when it 

 issues forth. A Queen is a queen from birth and the nurse, the nurse, &c., &c.. &c. 



(h.) Males and queens only, a,re furnished with wings. The wings of the 

 queen are lost soon after fertilization. 



(c. ) It is possible for workers to start a new colony without the aid of a 

 queen. 



(fZ. ) It is deemed probable that a fertilized queen can found a new colony 

 without assistance. 



(e.) An egg left to itself will hatch, l)ut the issue Avill starve or die without 

 aid from the nurses or queens. 



(/. ) Ants bj^ a system of feeding appear to be able to develop whatever form 

 of insect of their own kind they may desire. 



{g.) The greatest activity in the nest, and consequently the most damage 

 done by these insects is during the early months of the year ; as more food is 

 required at that time for the development of tlie queens and males. 



{h. ) The queens and males are only produced at one season about April — 

 June, but workers are produced all the year round. 



(?'. ) Nests of Parasol Ants will migrate if disturbed and will again return 

 if they find a secure retreat. 



Methods of Destruction, 



Innumerable are the means which have been devised from time 

 to time to destroy the nest of the " Parasol Ant," " We-We " or 

 '' Bachack " as it is called in various places. Each operator has his 

 favourite method, and each district a different manner of procedure ; 

 generally speaking however these methods come under four heads, 



1st, Puddling or digging or pounding. 

 2nd. By the use of poisonous gases or vapour. 

 3rd, By the use of Coal tar or Corrosive fluids. 

 4th, By fire. 



The agriculturist should not bind himself to adopt any one of 

 these methods to the exclusion of the others. If he finds a case in 

 which one method can be better, more economically, and effectively 

 applied than the other, the operator's judgment and discretion should 

 direct him which he should use for the accomplishment of his 

 purpose. There can be no doubt that these ants can be effectively 

 destroyed hj many difereut means, but to use such means indis- 

 criminately without taking into consideration the position of the 

 nest would be manifestly absurd. 



