32 TWO CHAPTERS ON ANTS. 



species which I have observed that closes 

 the entrance in this way. 



One other exploit of this colony, and I 



ANTS ATTACKING LARVA. 



will return to the slave -makers. I find a 

 full-grown larva of Thyrens abbotii; it is 

 nearly three inches in length, strong and 

 robust, and, like nearly all of the sphinges, 

 has a thick, tongh skin, and when it is dis- 

 turbed is the worst -acting member of the 

 family. I place it on the nest of this col- 

 ony of ants, and they attack it in large 

 numbers; they mount on its back and hang 

 to its sides. The larva thrashes about and 

 throws the ants right and left, but the plucky 

 fellows are back again in an instant. The 



