EAST AFRICAN INSECTS, 1025. 



unlike tlie \yell-orcleied columns of the siafu. Neither do they 

 attack anyone Avho disturbs them, like the sialu, but, instead, run 

 hither and thither, making a hissing noise not unlike that which 

 a snake might make when rustling away among dead leaves. Per- 

 haps it is an imitation which serves their purpose. (Kerogwe- 

 Handeni lid,, G.vii. 16.) Later experience of these ants makes 

 me wonder why they were in fusiform formation when I made 

 tho ]K)to, for generally the hosts are in columu formation, unless 

 I am confusing two species. 



52. Paltothyueus tarsatus F. I have already described the 

 combat of this species with siafu, and have recorded elsewhere 

 hoAv they attnck the eyes of tortoises, causing the poor beasts to 

 die *. IVater-tortoises, however, when in their tank readily seize 

 and eat FuUothyreus, as did my Fennec Fox {Otocyon virgatusy 

 of liis own accord when one of these ants emerged from a burrow 

 near him. (Kilosa, 20. ii. 22, 25. ii. 22 & 10. iv. 22.) 



I was throwing out some of the peppery seeds of a panpau fruit, 

 when I noticed a sudden activity about the spot where they 

 were falling, and to my surprise saw fully fifteen stink-ants, 

 carrying them off. Whether the ants had already been on 

 the spot or had emerged from their holes on scenting the paupau 

 I cnnnot say. They soon found the paupau in the tortoise 

 enclosure and commenced carrying off the remaining seeds, so 

 they are not wholly carnivorous in their diet. (Kilosa, 15. iv. 22.) 



53. Myhmbcophiles of Paltothyreus tarsatus. a number 

 of these ants were drying their pupae and larva> on the path 

 after heavy rain ; on my appearance they started huirying 

 away, and I was astonished to see scores of LepismaAW^Q insects, 

 (probably Ctenolepisma sp.) of all ages hurrying after them 

 and running in and out amongst them, also a small beetle 

 (Onthophagus pugionahis Boh.: Coprida)) in fewer but consider- 

 able numbers followed the ants in company with the Lepisnm ; 

 Avhen touched, these beetles shammed-deatb. Mr. Arrow, who 

 kindly named the Orthophagus, said that it was a common species, 

 and suggested that its presence with the ants might be accidental,, 

 but there was no doubt about the existence of a true association. 

 (Kilosa, 16. ii. 22.) 



54. Cremastogaster castanea Sm.,var. tricolor Gerst, A pin 

 with an atom of food on its point was lying on a ledgej when I 

 noticed five of these ants take hold of it and carry it to the 

 edge of the ledge. One ant appeared to be supporting most of 

 the weight, having gripped the pin near the point. I therefore 

 chased oft' the other four ants and timed the fifth, which supported 

 the whole Aveight of the pin for fifteen minutes, when I had to leave. 

 (Kiiosa, 30.xii. 21.) 



These ants, which are a perfect pest in a food cupbofird, being 

 fond of meats as well as sweet things, lately started eating. 



f Pioc. Ent. Soe. iPond. 1922, p, .xlj. 



