SOME INSECT COMMUNITIES 37 



much longer than was generally supposed, pro- 

 bably longer than that of any other insect. One 

 of his queen Ants lived for nearly fourteen years, 

 from December, 1874, to July, 1887, and another 

 for nearly fifteen years, from December, 1874, to 

 August, 1888; during the whole of which time 

 they were perfectly healthy and active, and 

 every year laid eggs from which workers were 

 produced. 



And now let us return to our Wood Ants' nest 

 in the pine wood ; this time on an early spring 

 morning, when the inhabitants are beginning to 

 throw off their winter lethargy, and to bestir 

 themselves. On carefully breaking down part of 

 the nest, we shall find that at this early period 

 of the year it contains no winged insects, but 

 only a large number of workers and a few queens, 

 who are readily distinguished by their slightly 

 longer abdomens, and shining, polished appear- 

 ance. Eggs, larvae, and pupae are present, and 

 these some of the excited workers instantly seize 

 and carry off into the interior of the nest, while 

 others at once set about repairing the breach 

 which we have opened. Although at first sight 

 there appears to be a good deal of confusion, a 

 little closer observation will show that each 

 worker is going about its labours in a very 

 business-like way, carrying the pine-needles, bits 

 of twigs, earth granules, etc., and arranging these 

 materials so as to form chambers, galleries, and 

 passages leading to every part of the nest. 



It is quite possible to learn a great deal about 

 the life of these Wood Ants by daily visiting a nest 

 at different seasons of the year, and spending a 



