ANTS 



157 



Sub-Fam. 2. Dolichoderides. — Hind body furnished with hut 

 one constriction so that only a single scale or node is formed ; 

 Sting rudimentary ; the poison-sac ivithout cushion. 



The Dolichoderides are similar to Camponotides in appearance, 

 and are distinguished chiefly hy the structure of the sting and the 

 poison apparatus. To this we may add that Forel also considers 

 the gizzard to he different in the two sub-families, there being no 

 visible calyx in the Dolichoderides, while this part is largely 

 developed in the Camponotides. This is one of the least extensive 

 of the sub-families of ants, not more than 150 species being 

 yet discovered. Comparatively little is 

 known of the natural history of its 

 members, only a very small number of 

 species of Dolichoderides being found in 

 Europe. The best known of these (and 

 the only British Dolichoderid) is Tapi- 

 nonia erraticum, a little ant of about the 

 size of Lasius niger, and somewhat similar 

 in appearance, but very different in its 

 habits. T. erraticum, does not cultivate 

 or appreciate Aphides, but is chiefly 

 carnivorous in its tastes. Our knowledge 

 of it is due to Forel, who has noticed that 

 it is very fond of attending the fights 

 between other ants. Here it plays the 

 part of an interested spectator, and 

 watching its opportunity drags off the 

 dead body of one of the combatants in 

 order to use it as food. Although desti- 

 tute of all power of stinging, this Insect 

 has a very useful means of defence l''^- ^^--Tapinoma ermti- 



J . ... cnm, worker. Britain. 



in the anal glands with which it is Upper side aud profile, 

 provided ; these secrete a fluid having 



a strong characteristic odour, and possessing apparently very 

 noxious qualities when applied to other ants. The Tapi- 

 noma has no power of ejecting the fluid to a distance, but is 

 very skilful in placing this odorous matter on the body of an 

 opponent by touching the latter with the tip of the abdomen ; 

 on this being done its adversary is usually discomfited. This 



