APHIDES IN THEIR ECONOMICAL 

 RELATIONS TO ANTS. 



The subject of favouritism amongst insects affords 

 one of the most curious phases of their economy. At 

 the same time the matter is one of the most obscure. 

 It has exercised the imagination and ingenuity of 

 Entomologists for more than two hundred years, and 

 at present hypothesis, more or less probable, is put 

 forward as to how far mere utility or intelligence, or 

 even a quasi-civilisation, has produced such peculiar 

 conditions of life. 



These habits, which may be styled Sycophancy* or 

 Paracletism,f differ from parasitism ; for one insect 

 does not prey on the other, but is nursed and cherished 

 as a pet. The habit comes out most markedly amongst 

 what may be considered the most intelligent insect- 

 orders, like the Hymenoptera. 



The wars, raids, slave-driving, huntings, stratagems, 

 and singular architecture of this order has been de- 

 scribed by many, but Sycophancy or, better perhaps, 

 Paracletism would suggest a peculiar refinement beyond 

 mere utility. 



The handsome apathetic humble-bees are destitute 

 of corbiculas or pollen-baskets, usually developed on 

 the thighs of the Apidje. These large Bombidae 

 apparently neither work or gather honey. Have 

 they become degraded, and have they lost at the same 

 time, by disuse, the natural apparatus conducive to 



* From o-vKo<pdvTt)s, a parasite, perhaps one who informed against 

 persons plundering sacred fig-trees, from gvkov and <paivu. 

 t From irapa<\t)Tog, a patron or comforter. 



