340 



ON THE CULTURE 



that operation is frequent, these insects are rarely 

 to be met with. 



6. The Formica f , or Ant These are often 

 exceedingly numerous in hot-houses, and espe- 

 cially where the Aphides and Coccus Hesperidum 

 abound ; for there is a sweet glutinous matter 

 which issues from these insects (being either the 

 excrement of the insect, or produced by it from 

 some other cause) that seems to be the principal 

 incitement that draws the ant thither. 



The Ant may be destroyed with great facility, 

 by setting pots containing honey and water, in the 

 same manner as is practised for catching wasps and 

 flies. 



f Formica, or Ant, is of the Order Hymenoptera. 

 Its Characters are : 

 The antennae form an angle, their first articulation being 

 very long in proportion to the others. 

 The mouth is armed with jaws. 



The abdomen is joined to the thorax by a short stalk. 



The females. and neuters are armed with a sting, which is 

 concealed within the abdomen.- 



The males and females are winged, the neuters have no 

 wings. 



The ant has six feet. 



The ant lives in societies composed of males, females, and 

 neuters ; the males are much smaller than the females and 

 neuters, but are distinguishable from the largeness of their eyes : 

 which are not so well proportioned to the size of their bodies 

 as in the other sexes. 



No sooner is the work of generation performed, than the 

 male and female ants perish, as well as most of the neuters ; 

 some of these, however, outlive the winter, but pass that season 

 in their habitation, without movement, or any signs of life. 



