14 ANTS. 



wings, and the female is far larger than the 

 male ; the body equalling in size that of the 

 common window-fly, and the upper wings 

 being very long and large. At this time of 

 the year, the males and females emigrate in 

 vast numbers, sometimes flying at a consi- 

 derable height, and sometimes creeping along 

 the surface. It is not uncommon to see them 

 enter houses at this period, attracted by sweets 

 in particular, either moist or dry. During the 

 winter this species, like the rest of the European 

 Ants, remain in a state of torpor, and in the 

 spring emerge from their concealment, and re- 

 commence their labours. — Dr. Shaw. 



The different species of Ants, like the 

 nations of our own species, are distinguished 

 from each other by great diversities of man- 

 ners. This is strikingly shown in the variety 

 of modes in which they construct their habi- 

 tations. Some employ merely earth as the 

 material ; some collect, for the same purpose^ 

 fragments of leaves, of bark, or of straw; 

 others use nothing but finely pulverised por- 

 tions of decayed wood. The solid substance 

 of trees is excavated by another species into 

 numerous apartments, having regular com- 



