54 



nature of the prey appears to regulate the mode of march. Thus, when proceeding in 

 columns, Mr. Belt found that hamata was in search of the nests of another ant of a 

 different genus (Hypoclinea), the larva? and pupa? of which they seize for the purpose of 

 bringing them up as slaves. The Hypoclinea s, who are of rather meek disposition, and 



Fig, 12. 



Fig. 13, 



Fig. 11. 



make no effort at self-defence, rush out" of their nest on being attacked, and strive to 

 escape, bearing their young in their jaws, but the Ecitons at once seize the young ants, 

 although they never appear to injure the parent Hypoclineas. Although so cruel in 

 disposition, these Ecitons are endowed with much intelligence, and in their expeditions 

 often show a capacity for overcoming difficulties, which really merges on reason. Thus, 

 in crossing a crumbling slope, which was gradually disintegrating under the passage of 

 the ant-army, a portion of the band, by adhering to each other, formed a solid pathway, 

 over which the others passed safely. On another occasion a twig formed a bridge over a 



irker Parasol Ant. Brazil. 



(Rev. J. G. Wood.) 



CEcodonia cephaloU s, 



worker Major, Brazil. 



(From Lubbock.) 



small rill ; but this proving too narrow for the transit of the army, it was widened by 

 wits clinging to each side of the twig, and in this way the track was broadened suffi- 

 ciently to admit of the easy passage of the mass. (Fig. 11 represents Eciton Mexicans; 

 and Fig. 12, E. sumichrasti; and Fig. 13, E. drepanophora.) 



