CARNIVOROUS BUTTERFLIES CLARK 465 



one. They are very slow moving, and when they find it necessary 

 to change quarters they must wander after sundown, for out of 

 over 80 larvae and pupse that passed through Mr, Dodd's hands not 

 a single example was parasitized. 



The larvae of L. irassolis are evidently so tough skinned that the 

 mandibles of the ants can make little or no impression upon them, 

 for in placing specimens upon a nest the inmates rush out at them, 

 catch hold of the rim, and appear to be acting most viciously. They 

 also endeavor to reach the head or legs, but these are at once pro- 

 tected; the creature just lowers its great sides and is secure. After 

 examining caterpillars that had been on nests for several days, and 

 tugged at and nipped by dozens of ants, not a mark or wound was 

 discernible; yet if the slightest cut be made in the rim with a knife 

 juices issue as from any ordinary caterpillar with an opening in the 

 skin. 



In concluding Mr. Dodd says that it is not all pleasure searching 

 for L. hrassoUs, or for other insects, in the habitations of the green 

 tree ant. This species is as plucky and determined as the fierce 

 and dreaded " bull dog " and '" jumper " ants and comes trouping in 

 hundreds from all parts of the tree when a nest is disturbed. Then 

 there is the multitude in the nest itself, also those in other nests, for 

 often there are many nests in even a small tree. These ants are 

 remarkably quick to get upon and spread themselves over an 

 intruder. They do not waste their energies in biting one's clothing, 

 but directly they reach the flesh they commence operations, and 

 one's neck and arms suifer considerably. The bite of the insect is 

 trifling, but it discharges a liquid onto the bitten spot which gives a 

 sharp pain. 



In approaching closely to an ants' nest, or to a place where they 

 are in attendance upon scale insects, aphids, or other forms, they 

 show fight unmistakably. While they are prancing and plainly 

 showing that they are desirous of a closer acquaintanceship it will 

 be noticed that the abdomens are held up and occasionally jerked 

 forward. This jerking action means that the insect has brought his 

 little " squirt " into play, a jet of decidedly acrid liquid being dis- 

 charged therefrom, sent straight over its head, and capable of strik- 

 ing an object several inches directly in front before it assumes 

 a downward tendency. Having received several of these jets, or 

 part of them, in the eyes, on the lips, and often had the liquid in 

 cuts and scratches, Mr. Dodd can testify as to its stinging properties. 

 When hundreds of ants are sending forth these jets, which can be 

 seen against the sun, it behooves one to be careful when in their 

 immediate vicinity. 



Mr. Dodd says that, though there are many interesting insects 

 in Queensland, this green tree ant with its vast colonies, its curious 



