180 THE MOST GIFTED INSECT EACE. 



have as yet decided the question as to the sense of 

 hearing. 



If a further proof of the comparatively small use 

 of sight be needed, it may be found in the Blind Ant 

 (Eciton erratica). 



This remarkable being has no eyes at all, the horny 

 covering of the head being uniformly smooth, without 

 the least indication of eyes. Yet, like several eyeless 

 beings, the Blind Ant is conscious of light, and dislikes 

 it, never venturing into the open air. It certainly 

 marches for long distances, but always through 

 slight covered ways, which it builds for itself as it 

 goes along. 



Whatever may be the sense which guides these insects 

 through their subterraneous tunnels, it is a very acute 

 one, for in some of the species the tunnels are of almost 

 incredible dimensions. 



The most notable tunneller among the ants is called 

 scientifically Atta cephalotes, and is known by the 

 popular names of Saiiba, Parasol Ant, or Umbrella 

 Ant. The specific name of cephalotes, or Big-headed, is 

 given to it on account of the enormous heads of the 

 worker-soldiers. 



These ants make their nests very much on the same 

 principle adopted by our Wood Ant, i.e. there is a 

 domed hillock above-ground, and a vast number of 

 passages underground, connected with the hillock. This 

 external nest is made of leaves, which are brought for 

 the purpose by the small workers. 



