CHAP. X. NUPTIALS OF THE ANTS. 313 



(317.) The different ranks of which a society of 

 ants is composed, are three, namely, the males, the 

 females, and the -workers, and their respective offices are 

 as follows : The males, which at the time of swarming 

 are exceedingly numerous, provide for the propagation 

 of fresh colonies, and then die. The females furnish 

 a constant supply of eggs for maintaining the popula- 

 tion of the old nests, as well as of the new : while the 

 workers, which are the most numerous, not only per- 

 form the labour, but also undertake the defence of the 

 community ; thus uniting in themselves the duties of 

 citizen and soldier which, among 

 the white ants, belong to two dis- 

 tinct ranks. Among the labour- 

 ers (fig- 81.) there is often ob- 

 served great inequality of size in 

 the individuals, some being twice 

 or even three times larger than 

 the generality : in all probability, 

 this is connected with some pecu- 

 liarity of economy ; but hitherto 

 the mystery has not been solved. 



(318.) The nuptials of the ants for so the event 

 may not improperly be termed is a beautiful sight ; 

 and as with this we commenced the history of the 

 Termes, we shall follow the same plan on the pre- 

 sent occasion. In the warm days of summer, between 

 July and September, the nests of the ants in general 

 become a scene of bustle and animation ; swarms of these 

 little creatures, newly provided with their glossy wings, 

 having now reached their perfect state of existence, are 

 seen hurrying to and fro, preparing to quit for ever 

 the scene of their nativity and education. Everything 

 is in motion ; and the silver wings, contrasted with the 

 jet bodies, of the creatures composing this animated 

 multitude, give beauty to the scene. When all are 

 prepared, the males rise into the air, as if by a general 

 impulse ; and the females, in another body, immediately 

 follow them. " The whole swarm alternately rises and 



