HARVESTING ANTS 21 



of another ant community {Acantholepis frauenfeldi) 

 was in progress, and thousands of the tiny workers 

 were moving rapidly, in perfect order, to their new 

 abode, and many of them were laden with larvae. 

 The migration was no doubt due to the recent rains 

 flooding the deserted nest which was situated at a 

 lower level amongst the stones not more than ten feet 

 away. The fact worth noting was that, though the 

 migrant stream passed in close proximity to the Messor 

 nest, yet the discipline of their advance was maintained 

 with such regularity and order that no antagonism 

 occurred between the two species. The discipline of 

 the migrants and the industry of the harvesters con- 

 tinued without either party causing the slightest 

 interference or opposition. Seeing this harmony 

 between the two species, I disturbed the stream of 

 migrants. Immediately the whole body of ants was 

 thrown into a state of great confusion. All was flurry 

 and excitement ; ants rushed hither and thither and 

 the commotion spread back along the advancing line. 

 Discipline was lost, and the orderly progress of the 

 insect- army was changed into an excited mob of 

 migrants. Many rushed into the nest to seize the 

 larvae and transport them to a place of safety, while 

 others dashed from place to place communicating the 

 news with their antennae and spreading a report of 

 the disturbance throughout the whole community. 

 Now as soon as I disturbed the line of migrants and 

 spread confusion amongst their ranks, the two 

 species, which before worked harmoniously, at once 

 came into furious contact, and many of the migrating 

 ants in their excitement rushed right across the Messor 

 nest which before they had passed in peace, Two 



