2 Matamoras, Mex., 



50 " Lano-stroth 



18 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF [1881' 



however, that they ma}^ be found in favorable locations in the 

 entire soutliern portion of the state, and perhaps also north of the 

 latitude of Pike's Peak.^ Mexico, New Mexico and southern 

 Colorado, may certainly be designated as the natural habitat of 

 the Honey Ants. It is probable, however, that they may be found 

 throughout the entire south-western portions of North America, 

 especiall^^ the uplands. They will doubtless be found west of the 

 Rockj' Mountains, as I have recently found one female of this 

 species among a collection of Hymenoptera sent to Mr. Cresson 

 from southern California. 



The following facts can be presented concerning the vertical 

 distribution : — 



LiOOAi/iTY. Elevation. Observer. 



City of Mexico, . . . T482 feet, Llave. 



Brownsville, U. S.,) * ' 



Santa Fe, 7047 " Loew, Kummeck. 



Abiquiu, 5930 " Cope. 



Garden of the gods, . . 6181 " McCook. 



It will thus be seen that the points at which these insects have 

 heretofore been found, lie for the most part upon uplands, ranging 

 from 6000 to 7500 feet in height above sea level. Mr. Langstroth's 

 find is recorded as "in the vicinity of Matamoras."^ If this 

 means the near vicinity, the fact prevents the generalization which 

 one might otherwise have been tempted to form, limiting the ants 

 to the upland, for Matamoras has but a slight elevation. 



II. — Nest Sites and Exterior Architecture. 



The Honey Ants are domiciled in large numbers throughout 

 the section of country known as the Garden of the gods. 



The conformation of the surface here appears to be an im- 

 portant element in determining the habitat of the insects, and 

 deserves a brief notice. The Garden of the gods embraces a 



1 The matter of their distribution is a point to which the attention of 

 entomologists and other naturalists is called, and any information bearing 

 thereupon will be of value. 



^ I could not lay hands upon the elevations of Matamoras, which cannot 

 vary much from that of Brownsville, Texas, on the opposite side of the 

 river. 



3 "Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.," vol. vi, 1852, p. 71. 



