HONEY ANTS AND THEIR HOMES. 



85 



collected. The honey ant overcomes the difficulty in 

 a decidedly novel and interesting manner. Certain 

 of the ants of a larger growth than the others are 

 utilized as receptacles for the honey -food supply, and 

 become literally honey bottles, the liquid food being 

 forced by the workers into the crop of the living 



I.ivincr bottles. 



Living >)ottle fucdiiiL; 

 "workers. 



bottle, until the ant resembles an amber-colored cur- 

 rant or berry with a small stem, consisting of the 

 head aiid thorax or fore part of the body with the 

 legs of the insect. 



The honey -bearers are rendered practically helpless 

 by the operation, but are carefully attended by their 

 companions. They are kept in chambers built for the 



