KXXVI INTRODUCTION. 
the knots of the peduncle, we shall find 
this number. We do not : — for the ab- 
domen of the.females or workers, which 
has a scale or single knot in the fore-part, 
possess but five rings, and that of the 
males only six. The abdomen of those 
ants whose peduncle is formed of two 
knots, will have still one ring less; that 
isto say, four in some, and five in others.”’ 
— We have already remarked, that the 
workers and females of some species are 
provided with a sting; this consists of a 
Jittle short, horny substance, straight and 
conical, formed of two filaments, and ac- 
companied with two other little pieces, 
conical, smooth, compressed, one on each 
‘side. © “* There exists,’? continues M. 
Latreille, ‘‘ the greatest resemblance be- 
tween the exterior organs of generation 
in single females and workers; the re- 
semblance indeed is so close, that on the 
most severe examination we can scarcely 
perceive any sensible difference.’’ . He 
regards the workers as impotent females, 
whose organs have not received their full 
