290 Linnean Society. [March 21, 



13. M. domestica. Shuck. 



Under the genus Stenamma, Westw,, Mr. Curtis enumerates two 

 species : — 



14. St. Westwoodii, Steph., of the male of which he gives a de- 

 scription, together with a figure of the wing. 



15. St. albipennis. Curt., a new species discovered by himself 

 near Dover in July 1852, which is described in detail. 



The genus Myrmecina, Curt., is limited to a single species : — 



16. M. Latreillii, Curt., of which the male and female are de- 

 scribed at length, and the latter figured, with details of the several 

 parts. 



In conclusion Mr. Curtis expunges from the list of British insects 

 Formica pubescens, Latr., and F. emarginata, Oliv., admitted on 

 doubtful authority ; and F. cognata, Steph., which is not to be 

 found in Mr. Stephens's cabinet, now in the British Museum. 



Read also some " Notes on the Habits of the common Garden 

 Ant, Formica nigra, L." By George Daniell, Esq. Communicated 

 by the Secretary. 



This ant infests in large numbers Mr. Daniell's garden at Chob- 

 ham. Stragglers appear in the greenhouse about the middle of 

 February, and they had this season become numerous by the 5th of 

 March : as the weather becomes warmer they spread themselves all 

 over the garden. In fine weather they bring forth their white pupae 

 and spread them in little heaps in the sun by the side of a turf, 

 stone, or garden-pot ; not unfrequently forming their dwellings in the 

 bottom of the flower-pots among the roots of the plants. As the sum- 

 mer advances they even extend their colonies into the meadows, and 

 form small round hillocks among the grass. They are very pugna- 

 cious and defiant, and do not hesitate to attack flies, gnats, and even 

 bees. A number of them were on one occasion seen clustering round 

 a honey-bee, and on being struck oflT with the finger-nail, they re- 

 turned to the charge in the most fearless and daring manner, and 

 eventually dragged off the bee. Last year, when the vines were much 

 infested with the scale, or Coccus Vitis, L., thousands of ants clustered 

 on the trunks of the vines, apparently feeding on the black excre- 

 ment voided by this pest. In the same manner they feed around 

 the green Aphides, which more particularly infest the Calceolarias . 

 Not only the cast skins of the Aphides, but the insects themselves, 

 are carried off by the ants. The Aphides appear to be comparatively 

 safe while buried beneath the long hairs of the Calceolarias, and other 

 similar plant? ; but the ants evidently make great efforts to dislodge 



