1878. | Mound Making Ants of the Alleghenies. 443 
by the antennz, in the familiar manner of ants when soliciting 
honey-dew from aphides. This novel behavior was of such in- 
terest that I placed the ant under close continuous observation 
for more than two hours. During this time the strokes were re- 
peatedly interrupted by short excursions up or down the plant, 
the ant always returning and renewing the solicitation. The ant 
always occupied a position below the grub, and directed her 
strokes toward the head, which, however, generally fell upon the 
lower part of the body. The larva did not remain stationary, 
but several times moved its position, slowly creeping around the 
stem. I ceased observation at noon, and returned to the grove at 
4P.M. The grub was in about the same position, and was at- 
tended by the same (or another) ant which was accompanied by a 
companion. The same behavior observed in the morning was 
continued until 5 P. M., when I captured ants and grub and took 
them home. A number of the same larvæ in different stages of 
growth were found on the same plant in various parts of the 
grove, I was only able to observe that the -ant continued to 
attend the grub under confinement just as in the woods. But 
preparations for a journey to Texas, compelled me to suspend 
observations. Although satisfied that the object of the ants was to 
secure some kind of refreshment from the larve, I was not able- 
to note any secretion on the grub, or anything like the actual 
taking of food by the ant, although the mouth organs were ap- 
plied to the last segments. 
A casual mention of my discovery was the means of opening 
communication with W. H. Edwards, well known for his valuable 
works upon the Lepidoptera, who later in the summer (as I infer), 
had observed the same fact. In comparing notes it was found 
that the larva observed by him in West Virginia, was also of the 
Lyczenidze (Lycena pseudargiolus), and that it was domiciled upon 
the same plant (Cimicifuga racemosa). Two species of ants were 
-~ Seen attending the larva, one of which was sent to me and proves 
to be identical with the European Prenolepis nitens Mayr. Mr. 
Edwards kindly communicated to me the details of his own ob- 
servations, which he has since given to the public in the Canadian 
Entomologist. As examined by me under the microscope, the _ 
larvae prove to be possessed of organs upon the upper part of the 
last segments, apparently designed or fitted for the exudation of S 
some fluid. Mr. Edwards also directed my attention toa paper 
