PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 55 



only. Such is the foundation and first establishment 

 of those populous nations of ants with which we every- 

 where meet. 



But though the majority of females produced in a 

 nest probably thus desert it, all are not allowed this 

 liberty- The prudent workers are taught by their in- 

 stinct that the existence of their community depends 

 «pon the presence of a sufficient number of females. 

 Some therefore that are fecundated in or near the 

 spot they forcibly detain, pulling- off their wings, and 

 keeping- them prisoners till they are ready to lay their 

 eggs, or are reconciled to their fate. De Geer in a 

 Rest of F. riifa observed that the workers compelled 

 some females that vvere come out of the nest, to re-enter 

 it^ ; and from M. P. Huber we learn that, being seized 

 at the moment of fecundation, they are conducted into 

 the interior of the formicary, when they become en- 

 tirely dependent upon the neuters, who hanging per- 

 tinaciously to each leg prevent their going out, but 

 at the same time attend upon them with the greatest 

 care, feeding them regularly, and conducting them 

 where the temperature is suitable to them, but never 

 quitting them a single moment. By degrees these fe- 

 males become reconciled to their fate, and lose all de- 

 sire of making their escape ; — their abdomen enlarges, 

 and they are no longer detained as prisoners, yet each 

 is still attended by a body-guard — a single ant, which 

 always accompanies her, and prevents her wants. — Its 

 station is remarkable, it being mounted upon her ab- 

 domen, with its posterior legs upon the ground. These 

 sentinels are constantly relieved j and to watch the mo* 



' * ii. lOTl. 



