PRODUCTION OF SOUNDS BY INSECTS. 515 
it is occasioned by the striking of its mandibles upon the 
wood. The sound is evidently intended by the animal as a 
means of communication with its fellows; for if it be an- 
swered it is continually repeated, whilst if no answer be 
returned the animal repeats the signal in another place. The 
noise exactly resembles that pro- 
duced by tapping moderately 
with the nail upon the table ; 
and, when familiarised, the insect 
_ will very readily answer this imi- 
-tation.—The most remarkable 
example of the production of 
sounds for the purpose of autho- 
‘rity, is that of the Queen-Bee; which has the power of 
‘influencing the whole hive, especially about the time of 
“swarming, by the peculiar notes she produces. 
678. Many Insects have the power of expressing their 
passions, also,—as fear, anger, sorrow, joy, or love,—by the 
‘sounds they can generate. The most curious of those given 
‘out under the influence of alarm is that produced by the 
“Sphinx Atropos or Death’s-head Hawk-moth (fig. 258); which 
Pig. 257.—ANosiumM, 
Natural size and magnified. 
Ipod sharp cry, resembling, some say, that of a mouse, but 
‘more plaintive and even lamentable. The means by which 
‘this cry is produced, have not yet been certainly ascertained. 
Lhe influence of anger, sorrow, and joy, in modifying the tone 
the hum of Bees, is well known to those who have studied 
heir habits ; the first*is particularly evident in the sharp 
tone which is heard when the hive has been disturbed; 
ially if some of the Bees have been killed ; the second 
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