INSECTS. 139 
former consist of many facets differing in different spe- 
cies. They live in communities of often 500,000. Both 
males and females are winged, while a third and wing- 
less kind are called workers. These have the care of 
the young, and are builders. In some ants the neuters 
or workers have powerful jaws and are called -soldiers, 
defending the family. During the summer the males 
and females leave the nest and fly away, soon losing 
their wings. The females are taken by workers to form 
new nests and become queens. They live seven or eight 
years. 
Foraging Ants.—In South America the Eccfons are 
greatly dreaded. They march against other ants, and car- 
ry away their larvee (Fig. 174) and pupe to bring them up 
as slaves. In the @icodoma the nest is of enormous dimen- 
sions, extending one hundred feet or more beneath the 
ground. They cut leaves from trees to thatch their nests. 
The leaves are also used to encourage the growth of fungi 
Fic. 175.—Living bottles—honey-ants expanded with honey. 
upon which the young are fed. They tunnel under rivers, 
as the broad. Paraiba of Brazil, a fact proved by forcing 
smoke through the tunnel. 
Agricultural Ants.—The agricultural ants of Texas 
