n6 INSECT BEHAVIOR 



three millimeters in length, and it is remarkable that they are so easily 

 able to vanquish the large and powerful leaf-cutters that measure 

 eight millimeters in length and possess long legs and powerful 

 mandibles. 



The method of attack is interesting. Grasping their large oppo- 

 nents by the middle of the tarsi, the minute warriors bend their bodies 

 inward, and with head lowered hang on with great strength and 

 force. Two or more attack the leaf-cutter at once and apparently put 

 it into such a state of panic that no resistance is offered. It is 

 probable that the leaf-cutters could easily rid themselves of these pests 

 were it not for the fact that they are first beaten by their own fright. 



Observation of this strange state of affairs, existing between these 

 two species of ants, led to the following experiments, which I believe 

 are worthy of recording. For the purpose of experiment, two vials 

 of liquid were produced by grinding some of the dead leaf-cutters in 

 a mortar, to which a few drops of boiled water were added. This 

 was let stand for several hours before being strained for use. 



For the first experiment a drop of solution, produced from the 

 heads and bodies of the leaf-cutters, was injected into the body of a 

 vigorous wasp, a creature many times larger and stronger than an ant. 

 The insect immediately showed signs of stupor, twitched heavily and 

 rubbed its forelegs over its head continually for several minutes, then 

 recovered and flew to the window pane. A second injection of the 

 same fluid, and a very heavy one, produced the same result, followed 

 by recovery and the insect walking away when liberated! There is 

 evidently no poison then, in the heads or bodies of the leaf-cutters, 

 which, it will be remembered, are the only parts eaten by the smaller 

 ants. 



As a second experiment, a drop of liquid made from the thorax of 

 the leaf-cutter was injected into a fresh wasp. This resulted in the 

 insect's being completely overcome for perhaps half a minute, fol- 



