112 INSECT MISCELLANIES. 



number of antennae thrust through the grating, and 

 turning in all directions, plainly indicating that they 

 were occupied with her. She acknowledged the in- 

 terest they took in her by always remaining fixed on 

 the grating, and crossing her antennae with those so 

 evidently employed in ascertaining her presence*." 



To us, this certainly proves the importance of the 

 secondary use of the antennae in touching ; but the 

 buz which spreads through the hive is evidently the 

 means by which the loss of a queen is made known 

 to those that have not had an opportunity of ascer- 

 taining it by other means. 



The younger Huber has attributed to ants what 

 he calls an antennal language. He tells us, that the 

 means of mutual communication among ants con- 

 sists " in striking with their head the corselet of 

 their companions, in the contact of their mandibles; 

 but the antennae, and the organs of touch, and per- 

 haps of some other sense, are the principal instru- 

 ments connected with the language of ants. We have 

 seen these insects frequently use them on the field of 

 battle, to intimate approaching danger, and to ascer- 

 tain their own party when mingled with the enemy. 

 They are also employed in the interior of the ant-hill, 

 to warn their companions of the presence of the sun ; 

 in their excursions, to indicate their route ; and in 

 their recruiting, to determine the time of their de- 

 parture. The ant who experiences hunger, begins 

 by striking with both its antennae, with an extremely 

 rapid movement, the antennae of the ant from whom 

 it wants its supply; it then draws closer, with its 

 mouth open and its tongue extended, to receive the 

 fluid. During this operation, the ant who is receiv- 

 ing aliment does not cease caressing its kind friend, 

 by continuing to move its antennae with great quick- 

 ness ; it also plays upon the lateral parts of the head 

 {^f its benefactor with its fore feet, which, from the 

 * Huber on Bees, p. 280, 



