Chai'. I. LEAF-CARRYING ANT. 23 



Pothos plants, with large glossy heart-shaped leaves. 

 These plants were the resort of these two exquisite 

 species, and we captured a great number of specimens. 

 They are of extremely delicate texture. The wings are 

 cream-coloured ; the hind pair have several tail-like ap- 

 pendages, and are spangled beneath as if with silver. Their 

 flight is very slow and feeble ; they seek the protected 

 under-surface of the leaves, and in repose close their 

 wings over the back, so as to expose the brilliantly 

 spotted under-surface. 



I will pass over the many other orders and families of 

 insects, and proceed at once to the ants. These w^ere in 

 great numbers everywhere, but I will mention here 

 only two kinds. We were amazed at seeing ants an 

 inch and a quarter in length, and stout in proportion, 

 marching in single file through the thickets. These 

 belonged to the species called Dinoponera grandis. Its 

 colonies consist of a small number of individuals, and 

 are established about the roots of slender trees. It is a 

 stinging species, but the sting is not so severe as in 

 many of the smaller kinds. There was nothing peculiar 

 or attractive in the habits of this giant among the ants. 

 Another far more interesting species was the Saliba 

 (OEcodoma cephalotes). This ant is seen ever3rvvhere 

 about the suburbs, marching to and fro in broad columns. 

 From its habit of despoiling the most valuable cultivated 

 trees of their foliage, it is a great scourge to the Brazi- 

 lians. In some districts it is so abundant that agricul- 

 ture is almost impossible, and everywhere complaints 

 are heard of the terrible pest. 



The w^orkers of this species are of three orders, and 



