44 OUR INSECT FRIENDS AND FOES 



in the work of the community, so they are fed 

 by the nurse-workers that they may grow 

 strong, and are led by them all over the nest so 

 that they may be introduced to the community 

 at large, and in a very short time they are ready 

 to begin to work. 



We have seen how the Ants keep Aphides to 

 supply them with honeydew, and how they 

 permit certain other creatures to dwell in the 

 nest as pets or scavengers. Now, there is another 

 interesting phase in their history which is still 

 more remarkable in some respects, and that is 

 the little understood relations existing between 

 our friends the Wood Ants and the two very 

 dwarf species of Ants called the Stenamma and 

 Solenopsis. The tiny Stenammas are found ex- 

 clusively in the nest of the large Wood Ants, and 

 appear to live on the very best of terms with 

 them. Indeed, when for one reason or another the 

 Wood Ants change their nests, the Stenammas 

 go with them. And as the Wood Ants march 

 along, it is an extraordinary sight to see the tiny 

 Stenammas running about like excited little dogs 

 amongst them, dodging in and out between their 

 legs, climbing on to their backs, and tapping 

 them inquisitively with their antennae, as if 

 seeking to find out where their friends or 

 masters are going ; their gambols and friskings 

 receiving but little attention. The relations 

 between the little Solenopsis and the Wood 

 Ants appear to be of a much more sinister 

 character, for these tiny Ants make their 

 chambers and galleries in the walls of the Wood 

 Ants' nest ; and from time to time make raids 



