THE DAINTINESS OF ANTS 



combing of this hairy coat constitute the insect's toilet- 

 making. 



One of the efficient toilet articles is the tongue. 

 Around the sides of this organ curves a series of ridges 

 covered with hemispherical bosses. The ridges are 

 chitinous, and thus by greater hardness are fitted for 

 the uses of a brush. When eating, this structure rasps 

 off minute particles of solid foods, thus fitting them for 

 the stomach. For toilet uses it serves as both sponge 

 and brush, and takes up bits of dirt not otherwise re- 

 moved. In short, ants use their tongues as dogs and 

 cats do, for lapping up food and licking clean the body. 

 One is continually reminded, as he watches the tiny 

 creatures at their toilet, of the actions of his cat and 

 dog at the fireside. 



The tibial comb or fore-spur is another toilet imple- 

 ment, unique in form and function. This is a real comb. 



Wv'^^i7^^^^^<^ 



PART OF AN ant's FORE LEG, SHOWING ITS TOILET APPARATUS 



which might well have served the inventor of our own 

 combs for a model, its chief difference being that it is 

 permanently attached to the limb that operates it. It 

 has a short handle, a stifT back, and a regularly toothed 

 edge. It is set into the apical end of the tibia of the fore 

 legs, upon which it articulates freely (tb.c), thus giv- 

 ing the owner the power to apply it to various organs. 

 Placed along the edge are about sixty-five teeth of equal 



