ANTS 291 



is about i inch across the wings, generally yellow or black in colour. There 

 are some species which are aquatic. 



Ruby Wasps, or RUBY-TAILED FLIES (Chrysididce) , have brilliant blue, 

 green, and red colours; sometimes called CUCKOO-WASPS. The females lay 

 their eggs in the nests of other hymenopterous insects, where the larvae feed 

 on the food of the rightful owner. They are known to roll themselves into a 

 ball when attacked. 



ANTS (Formicidce). 



There are more than thirty known species in this country. The following 

 is a list of the more common species : 



Family i. Formicida. 



These are Stingless Ants, whose pupae are always cased in cocoons (the 

 latter being the so-called " ants' eggs," used for feeding goldfish and various 

 birds). 



Genus : Formica. 



1. Formica rufa. This is the Common Wood Ant, whose large hillocks of 

 pine needles may be found in many fir woods in all parts of the country. 

 When disturbed, this species ejects formic acid, and if one's face happens 

 to be sufficiently near, the strong smell of this volatile fluid is quite plainly 

 discernible ; in fact, I have before now found my eyes stinging and watering 

 from its effects. Occasionally bits of yellow resin, known as " ant-amber," 

 are found in the nests. A great number of other animals are found living in 

 friendship with this species more than twenty species of beetles, also spiders 

 and wood-lice. Its general colour is brown ; the queens have a shining black 

 bead-like abdomen. A closely allied ant is F. congerens, with hairy eyes, 

 but this is rare. 



2. F. sanguinea. The Blood-red Robber Ant. Famous for the fact that 

 it makes slaves, raiding the nests of F. fusca, and carrying off the pupae, which 

 it brings up at home. Generally found on heaths and commons, where the 

 nest is chiefly subterranean, covered with short-cut grass. It is very active, 

 and brighter than F. rufa ; fairly widely distributed. Nine species of beetles 

 have been found in the nests. 



3. F. exsecta. A much smaller species, yellowish red ; makes distinct 

 nests of cut grass, etc., about the size of a man's head, on the edges of fir 

 woods. Found round Bournemouth and the New Forest. 



4. F. fusca. This is the " Slave " Ant : very nervous and shy ; black 

 in colour. Found under stones, in banks, and amongst roots of trees. Quite 

 common. Six species of beetles and other insects have been found with it, 

 including Atemeles emarginatus. It is very quick and active, and of graceful 

 shape ; larger than the Common Black Ant. 



