PIONEERS OF COMMUNAL LIFE 



outspread surface the outlines of the cells are sketched; only then 

 is the work of building begun. The entrance-hole is often prolonged, 

 forming a strong tube of clay, which in the case of some species 

 has a funnel-shaped opening. At night this opening is closed; only 

 a few species, which the Brazilians call Sloth-bees, "Pregui^as," 

 neglect this precaution. But there is always a sentry on duty; for 

 above all the community must be on its guard against predatory 

 bees, since there are plenty of species which like to save themselves 

 the trouble of gathering honey, and prefer to steal it. Von Ihering 

 records that for him the plundering of his hives destroyed all his 

 pleasure in bee-keeping. The worst of the predatory bees are the 

 red-bellied Tujubas or Urussiis. 



Many species of beetles and mites live as parasites in the bees' 

 nest, and among external enemies the Eyra cat and the Irara polecat 

 must be mentioned; the names of these animals point to their 

 fondness for honey (Ira, Eyra). Woodpeckers are said to eat bees 

 on occasion; but the worst damage is done by honey-loving ants. 

 There is one species, the "Honey-ant," which is constantly invading 

 bees' nests and hives, either killing or ejecting the inhabitants, and 

 taking possession of the well-stored mansion. 



Other ants are on friendly terms with the bees, and sometimes 

 the bees make their nests in close proximity to communities of 

 strong and pugnacious ants, in order to enjoy their protection. 

 Timid and gentle bees, like the small "Jaty-mosquito" bee, actually 

 tolerate ants in their own nests. These "Bee-ants" inhabit the space 

 between the outer wall and the actual nest; they steal no honey, 

 and are apparently of service to the bee. A similar relation exists 

 between the Cupira bees and the Termites, only in this case the 

 more valiant bees defend their hosts. It seems very strange to find 

 a beehive in the interior of a hanging Termites' nest ! 



But there are yet other insects which maintain friendly relations 

 with the bees. In the garden at Olinda I saw some "Sugar Cicadas" 

 in all stages of development, from the youngest wingless forms, on 

 the twigs of a bush, sucking the sweet sap. The bees were profiting 

 by their presence; whole troops of them were running over the 

 Cicadas, licking their bodies, which exuded a sweet liquid, and 

 eating their saccharine droppings. Even our European bees utilize 

 the excrement with which the Aphides sprinkle the leaves on which 

 they feed, until these seem to be covered with a glossy varnish, in 

 preparing their honey; and since the plant-lice feed only on the 

 sap of plants, this fact need not spoil our appetite for honey. For the 



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