HABITS OF THE COMPONOTUS. 429 



enormous relative size. This development of the head is neces- 

 sary in order to afford attachment to the muscles which work 

 the formidable jaws. A good idea of these weapons can be 

 formed by inspecting the illustration, but their real power cannot 



Fig. 219.— Componotus gigas. Soldier. 

 (Blackish-brown.) 



be appreciated without the aid of a magnifying glass. They 

 are flattened, and on their inner edge are covered with teeth, 

 one long and sharp tooth projecting from the middle. The 

 edges are yellow in all the sexes, and in the Soldier are ex- 

 ceedingly conspicuous. 



There are many species of this genus, and all seem to possess 

 similar habits. There is, for example, Componotus compressus, so 

 called on account of the shape of the body, which is rather 

 flattened. Respecting this insect, Mr. F. Smith gives me the 

 following information : — 



It is much smaller than the preceding species, and lives 

 underground. It is one of the commonest of insects, and indeed 

 is more plentiful than welcome in inhabited places. The workers 

 act very much like those of our common Wood Ant, and are 

 perpetually ascending and descending trees. 



The soldiers are wonderfully combative in their nature, and 

 fight so constantly and so fiercely, that an entomologist finds 

 great difficulty in capturing a specimen which has not been 

 more or less mutilated in battle. Indeed, it seems that two 

 soldiers can hardly meet without having a single combat, when 



