260 A BOOK OF INSECTS 



defeat by running away. Darwin (in The Descent 

 of Man) has given other instances, apparently well- 

 authenticated, of contests between male saw-flies, digger- 

 wasps, bees, and even butterflies for possession of a 

 particular female. Unfortunately, such records are far 

 less numerous than one could wish, and a wide field 

 for discovery is open to those naturalists who, in the 

 future, may make the courtship habits of insects their 

 special study. 



The nuptials of social insects, such as bees and ants, 

 are in many ways unique, and influence profoundly the 

 behaviour of the entire community. In a subsequent 

 chapter we shall see that among bees the advent of a 

 virgin queen is preceded by the issue of a swarm (headed 

 by the old queen) which leaves the hive never to return. 

 Subsequently the young queen escapes from her cell, and 

 is at first ignored, not only by her sterile sisters, the 

 workers, but also by the drones, with one of which she is 

 destined to mate. For a while she wanders disconsolate 

 in the dim recesses of the hive, then — doubtless impelled 

 by instinct — she essays a short trial flight. She comes 

 back to the hive almost immediately, as if alarmed at her 

 own temerity ; but a second sally is made a few seconds 

 after the first ; and then she ventures again and again 

 until she feels herself mistress of her powers, and lias 

 become thoroughly acquainted with the environs of her 

 metropolis. So far the drones have remained apathetic; 

 but suddenly, from three to five days after the birth 

 of the queen, they become conscious of her presence ; and 

 as she sets forth from the hive on what will prove to 

 be her last excursion, she is followed by a bevy of ardent 

 suitors. This, the wedding flight, usually takes place 

 on a calm, warm day between the hours of twelve and 

 four o'clock. The queen soars at an enormous speed far 



