128 ANIMAL FORMS 



or even years, but when the proper time arrives the fully 

 formed insect emerges, and takes to the wing. 



Wonderful internal changes have been taking place 

 during this time. The organs fitted for the proper treat- 

 ment of the vegetable food of the caterpillar or grub are 

 destroyed, at least in part, and new systems are produced 

 ready for the nectar and vegetable juices which are to be 

 the food of the adult insect. All insects that pass through 

 a pupal quiescent stage are said to undergo a complete 

 metamorphosis. 



124. The ants, bees, wasps, etc. (Hymenoptera). The ants, 

 bees, and wasps are the best-known insects belonging to 

 this order. They are characterized by four membranous 

 wings, by biting and sucking mouth-parts, and the female 

 is often provided with a sting. All undergo a complete 

 metamorphosis. The eggs may be laid in the bodies of 

 other insects, many of which are pests, and are thus de- 

 stroyed ; or they may be deposited in the nests of other 

 insects, the foster-parents being compelled to feed them ; 

 or they may be placed in marvelously constructed homes, 

 and be the objects of the greatest attention, the parents or 

 attendants often risking or losing their lives in their 

 defense. The members of this order have long attracted 

 attention, largely on account of their remarkable instinc- 

 tive powers. They live in highly organized communities 

 and certain of their characteristics may be illustrated by 

 a study of some of the more familiar forms. 



125. The ants. The ants live in communities consisting 

 of anywhere from a dozen to many thousands of individuals, 

 according to the species. Each of these colonies contains 

 the queen, several young winged males and females, des- 

 tined as kings and queens to found new colonies, and of a 

 far greater number of wingless sterile females, the workers. 

 The workers construct the greater part of the nest, which 

 often consists of extensive galleries, nurseries, and grana- 

 ries, excavated in wood or in the earth. They also attend 



