152 LIFE STORIES OF AUSTRALIAN INSECTS. 



the refuse of the ant, while others are parasites 

 and live on eggs and larvae of ants, and will even 

 attack adult ants if alone. Some of these show 

 mimicry of ants. The Rove beetles (Staphylini- 

 dae)," which are found in ants' nests are among 

 their worst enemies. 



There is a species of silver fish which lives on 

 the regurgitated fluid which is given out by one 

 worker to feed another. This insect creeps up 

 between them and steals the drop of fluid. Its 

 smooth, slippery coat affords a means of escape 

 when fleeing from its enemies. 



True parasites such as mites are seen on the 

 bodies of ants, on which they take up definite 

 positions. , 



Chalcid and braconid wasps are known to para4 

 sitise certain ants. Parasitic worms have also 

 been recorded. 



Myrmecophiles of the nests of certain ants have 

 been recorded by Mr. E. H. Zeck in the ''Australian 

 Naturalist of New South Wales." These nests were 

 found under stones and bark. Mr. Zeck says: — 

 "Usually when first collecting, many species ot 

 beetles are passed over ; owing to their protective 

 colouration and their remaining quiet for several 

 minutes before moving, the members of the Genus 

 Chlamydopsis being perhaps the most difficult to 

 detect — in fact, they may even be turned over 

 among the debris without showing a sign of life.: 

 The legs, antennae and head are withdrawn into the 

 cavities of the body. After examining the nest the 

 stone should be replaced so as to permit of re-: 



