Observations on Ants, Bees, and Wasps. — Part VIII. By Sir 

 John Lubbock, Bart., Pros. Linn. Soc, M.P., F.E.S., D.C.L., 



LL.D. 



[Read June 2, 1881.] 



Experiments with Light of different Wave-lengths. 



In one of my former papers (Linnean Journ. vol. xiv. p. 278) I 

 have given a series of experiments made on ants with light of 

 different colors, in order, if possible, to determine whether anta 

 have the power of distinguishing colors. 'Eov this purpose I 

 utilized the dislike which ants, when in their nest, have for light. 

 Not unnaturally, if a nest is uncovered, they think they are being 

 attacked, and hasten to carry their young away to a darker and, 

 as they suppose, a safer place. I satisfied myself, by hundreds of 

 experiments, that if I exposed to light the greater part of a nest, 

 but left any of it covered over, the young would certainly be con- 



