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 



Fig. 257. ANOBIUM. 

 Natural size and magnified. 



Fig. 258. SPHINX ATHOPOS. 



when confined, or taken into the hand, sends forth a strong 

 and sharp cry, resembling, some say, that of a mouse, but 

 more plaintive and even lamentable. The means by wliich 

 this cry is produced, have not yet been certainly ascertained. 

 The influence of anger, sorrow, and joy, in modifying the tone 

 of the hum of Bees, is well known to those who have studied 

 their habits ; the first is particularly evident in the sharp 

 angry tone which is heard when the hive has been disturbed, 

 especially if some of the Bees have been killed ; the second 



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